What does it mean to “shift the narrative?”
It is definitely a complex question that requires a significant undertaking. It also forces us to think critically, confronting our deepest fears and beliefs and challenging deeply entrenched norms and systems.
To understand what it means to “shift the narrative,” it is important to first explore the meaning of a narrative.
What are narratives?
Narratives shape how we perceive the world, ourselves, and others. They are the stories we tell to make sense of our experiences and communicate our understanding of reality. They exist across all aspects of society, from personal relationships to global politics to entertainment and sports to education. They exist in literature, film and art. They exist in conversations, speeches and interviews. They exist in advertising, news and propaganda.
We can’t truly escape from narratives. We can’t act as if narratives don’t exist either.
You tune into a sports channel like ESPN and hear narratives about “Who’s the best player?”
You listen to the news and hear different talking points across the political spectrum.
You talk to people in your family and notice that your grandmother’s perspectives drastically differ from your siblings’ or children’s.
You write music, poetry, or essays, and think of messages to convey to your audience.
Narratives really are everywhere and anywhere, and they wield significant power. Whether implicit or explicit, they influence individual and collective actions, shaping societies and cultures in profound ways. Recognizing the ubiquity of narratives allows us to critically examine their impact and use them intentionally to foster understanding and positive change.
What are harmful narratives?
While narratives can be a source of inspiration and connection, they can also perpetuate harm. Harmful narratives—those that reinforce stereotypes, justify discrimination, or perpetuate inequities—also exist everywhere. It infiltrates cultural, social, political, and personal domains.
Growing up in the inner city, I have experienced how individuals are exposed to a unique set of harmful narratives. These areas are frequently portrayed in media and discourse as hubs of crime, poverty, and dysfunction.
Unfortunately, I know too many people who gave up on themselves and their dreams, succumbing to the stereotypes placed upon them. I had peers in middle school and high school who dropped out due to external pressures and low self-esteem. I have family members who always complain about their circumstances, their lives infused with a sense of frustration, hopelessness, and struggle.
It was as if these labels and circumstances became their identity, and they started to believe that there was nothing they could do to change them. Slowly, I have seen people stop trying to push past the boundaries these narratives set. They resigned themselves to a life defined by others, one where their value was determined not by their abilities or dreams, but by the limiting beliefs of society.
I get it. When people hear the same narrative over and over again, it’s hard not to internalize it. It’s hard not to fight it. If, throughout your life, you constantly hear that you are not good enough or that you are too poor or that you are stupid, it becomes easier for you to believe it.
I have heard many sayings related to harmful narratives, whether they were directed towards me or others.
“If you grew up poor, you’ll always be poor.”
“You’re too young to have real opinions.”
“Men must suppress their emotions to be strong.”
“If you’re successful, you’ve betrayed your roots.”
“If you’re an introvert, you don’t have what it takes to be a leader.”
“Women who won’t want children are selfish.”
“You can’t be spiritual or religious if you’re LGBTQ+.”
The list goes on and on.
These narratives trap us in a vicious cycle of self-hate, doubt, and pessimism. It strips us of our individuality and uniqueness, discouraging us from expressing ourselves fully or exploring the full range of our identities. It’s like a quiet, almost invisible weight that pushes us into conformity.
Additionally, the lack of critical engagement with these narratives allows them to persist unchallenged.
Challenging Harmful Narratives
To dismantle harmful narratives, we must first recognize them. This requires critical thinking and a willingness to question the stories we encounter and internalize.
There is a quote from bell hooks, a scholar and activist, best known for her writings on race, feminism, and class, that resonates strongly with me.
In her book, “Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics,” hooks said, “To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.”
In essence, hooks highlights the need to confront our current, often harmful, reality before we can transform it into something better. This confrontation is difficult because it demands self-reflection, bravery, and the willingness to change. It may require us to revisit our trauma and grapple with the possibility that everything we thought we knew could be flawed or limiting. It can be scary, painful, and heartbreaking.
However, we must undergo this process to ultimately reclaim the power to define ourselves. It is a liberating process because it allows us to break free from limiting beliefs and negative stories. It helps us step into a more authentic, empowered version of ourselves. It encourages self-healing, which can have ripple effects. For example, inspiring others to confront and heal from harmful narratives, thereby creating stronger, more supportive communities.
We may not be able to eliminate the story, but that doesn’t mean we can’t rewrite the story.
We may not like our earlier chapters, but that doesn’t mean we can’t finish the story we desire.
When we challenge the stories that hold us back, we make space for new dreams. We turn our pain into purpose. We channel our doubt into determination. We transform our failure into fuel.
We shift the narrative.
In doing so, we not only create a more equitable society but also empower individuals to see themselves and others in a new, more positive light.
So, why Shift the Narrative?
The idea for Shift the Narrative didn’t come to me all at once. It grew out of countless conversations, observations, and personal experiences where I saw how narratives could either divide us or bring us closer together.
I’ve always been interested in the art of storytelling, and how it can be used to tap into the human experience. At the core of storytelling is the search for meaning. It is a beautiful aspect that appeals to my curious being.
I was a dancer. I was in the chamber choir. I was on the speech-and-debate team. I’ve made short films (albeit with no experience) for school projects. I’ve written essays and blogs. Heck, I’ve played video games, especially interactive films and simulation games.
Now, I find myself involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives at my university, in communities, and in the entertainment industry. In these areas, storytelling provides a powerful means to challenge inequities, amplify marginalized voices, and create more inclusive, compassionate societies.
It’s something that drives me to understand the deeper layers of the human experience.
That’s why I wanted to create a platform where I can tell and share stories—stories that challenge harmful narratives and highlight the beauty of the human experience. I want to connect with others who are also invested in creating spaces where people can reclaim their own narratives. I want to heal and discover myself, and in the process, encourage others to do the same.
At its core, Shift the Narrative is about empowerment. It’s about giving people the tools and space to tell their own stories, on their own terms, and to see how others are using stories to leave a positive impact. I believe that when we hear authentic, ambitious, and unique stories, we begin to break down the barriers that separate us. These stories foster understanding, challenge our assumptions, and inspire us to see the world through a new lens.
With Shift the Narrative, I hope to build more than just a blog or digital platform; I aim to cultivate a movement. A movement where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
I acknowledge that it is an ambitious vision, and is one that requires a huge commitment. I am also aware that it will start off slowly. It may take years before it arrives at a point that I hope it can reach.
In essence, I envision Shift the Narrative as a movement toward liberation—personal, cultural, and societal. It’s about rejecting the stories that limit us and rewriting them in a way that honors our truth, our potential, and our humanity. We have the power to reimagine the possibilities, reshape the realities, and revolutionize a future where we are no longer defined by how others perceive us, but by the dreams we choose to manifest.
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