― Robert McKee
If you've spent any time with us or been involved in our programs, you know that stories are at the heart of all we do. To prove it, here is a blip from our Kindness Counts program, that is based on stories:
Stories wield significant influence over behavior by immersing audiences in fictional worlds that evoke emotions, shape perceptions, and offer relatable characters. Through narrative transportation, viewers can empathize with characters, adopt their viewpoints, and internalize their values. This process can inspire positive change, promote empathy, and even influence real-life decision-making.
As with media and high-profile "influencers", the portrayal of social norms and role models within narratives can impact societal expectations and aspirations, potentially leading to either positive or negative behavioral outcomes. Thus, storytellers can be a force for change—and for good.
From the earliest cave paintings to the latest blockbusters, one fundamental truth unites humanity—our love for stories. Whether they're plucked from imagination or pulled from the headlines, storytelling is more than just entertainment or a way to pass the time.
When we sit around a campfire, listening to someone recount an adventure, we don't just hear "word". We're fueled with adrenaline. Every snap of a twig makes us jump. The magic of storytelling lies in its unique ability to get us to suspend disbelief and travel across time and space to awaken parts of ourselves we might not even know existed.
Storytelling (whether as raconteur or listener) is a wonderful workout for our minds. Stories invite us to visualize new worlds, imagine impossible scenarios, and play with possibilities. This constant exercise of our imagination strengthens our creative muscles, helping us to think more innovatively, solve problems in new ways, and even dream bigger for our own lives. Stories often explore moral dilemmas, or simply show us that others have faced similar struggles and found ways to overcome them. They provide context and meaning that aid us in navigating life's complexities.
Before books and technology, stories were the primary way knowledge, history, and values were passed down through generations. From ancient myths explaining the natural world to family anecdotes sharing life lessons, storytelling remains a powerful and memorable way to transmit vital information, ensuring that wisdom—and hope—endure.
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Today's Action Prompt: Find a story today, whether it's a short nonfiction article about someone's experience, a compelling short story, or even a detailed anecdote shared by a friend. Immerse yourself in it and reflect on what new perspective or feeling it offers you.