Communication & Social Change (#1) - Argument from Narrative Vision in Social Movements

1) Social movements must transform perceptions, and attempts to do so are usually made through narratives. For these narratives to be successful, the reader must identify with the narrator, thus, the story. Otherwise, if the reader doesn't connect with the narrator, or finds the narrator unconvincing, then the reader may use the narrative to "construct an opposing vision"(204). Moreover, "the narrator's image and audience appeal are so important to the narrative that personal identification overpowers logical rigor" (204). When I look back on experiences I've had, like when I signed up to be a Greenpeace member, it was the narrative, as well as the narrator, that persuaded me to be a part of their organization. I can still remember the story about polar bears that got me "hooked." Other times, though, like with Children's International, I was put off by the narrator.
Q: Can you think of a time when the narrative/narrator (of a social movement, of an organization, etc.) convinced you to be a part of their cause, and/or you never forgot the narrative? If so, why? What connections or disconnections did you have with the narrative? Has a narrator/narrative ever put you off from something you did believe in beforehand, or just put you off in general?

2) As discussed in the chapter, "storytelling engages people in a communicative relationship defined by the narrator-audience relationship. The narrator and listener create a 'we' through their identification; 'my story' becomes 'our story' through co-creation" (204). If stories are to be remembered, they must involve elements that can be retained and recollected. "Social movements often weave a variety of recollections into a new story to raise them to a level of retention" (204). An example of an abbreviated narrative for change, in my opinion, would be Nancy Amidei's project with the large photos of people holding a sign with their name and district, as well as whatever they're in support of. I believe this is an effective method. At Elder Health we will be interview and get to know those who receive care through Elder Health; we will also talk to their families and learn how Elder Health helps their everyday lives and happiness. Then, we will send these narratives, along with other information, out to people who can help us.
Q: Does your volunteer organization use (or plan to use) narrative to tell their story or the story of those who are a part of it? Do you like the narrative(s)? How effective is the narrator and/or narrative, and what makes the narrator and/or narrative effective?

3) In the conclusion of the chapter, "[...] six important points about social movements and argument from narrative vision" are made. The final point was the following: "[...] because narratives help us to interpret events, and because events help us to validate our choice of narrative, political history is a series of struggles for narrative dominance" (222). After reading the chapter, and really thinking further about fantasy and narrative structures, I couldn't agree with this more. Yet this is still so interesting because it helps to illuminate why, in politics, like narrative, the stories "[...] arise through communication and provide the themes, heroes, villians, values, and motivations that are invoked in later communication" (205). This also made me think of our class discussion regarding the media-formed "character" of Hillary Clinton, and how that character played into the larger political narrative at the time.
Q: Do you agree that political history is a series of struggles for narrative dominance? Why or why not? Do you believe the media forms these politicians into political characters for the larger narrative?