A521.2.3.RB_Danger of a single story_Wathen_Sandra

A521.2.3.RB_Danger of a single story

Reference: TEDGlobal 2009, Filmed Jul 2009: Posted Oct 2009 viewed at:  http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Adichie’s presentation was based on her single story experiences during her early life in Nigeria and her transitioned life to the United States.  She provided an eye-opening and powerful message of how there is danger in a single story.  She emphasizes how a single story can provide an incomplete view and also distort one’s thinking.  In her message she expressed how important it is to make sure that all of our thinking is not programmed from single points of view, otherwise our thinking will be narrow and incomplete. 

In addition, she spoke of power and the power of the storyteller in which if the “single” story gets told over and over again, then it becomes viewed as the truth.  As a result, it becomes a viewpoint in which the basis for the truth(s) are distorted; yet believed.  This gives an unusual power for those that purposely may want the truth to be incomplete or distorted to work to their advantage.

She spoke of many viewpoints that were narrowed by single, overlapping stories which made the viewers realize how distorted a single story can be and what significant impacts (both positive and negative) that they can have from a global; more specifically cultural perspective. 

Although her presentation focused on the global impacts of a single story, especially from a child’s mind, in that they believe in things they see and hear.  This creates a stereotype of thinking in children as they become confused by the truths that later become their adult reality; unless proven different.  In addition, she also provided a heeded warning for us not to only listen to single stories about people and countries, as we may put ourselves at risk and be believing in something that is incomplete and a critical misunderstanding.  Unfortunately, for a person who is only exposed to single stories may be provided misunderstandings which could continue on their whole lifetime.

She also mentioned the creation of stereotypes that are created by these untrue and incomplete single stories.  This single story can become the only story in which we become now pray and vulnerable to critical misunderstandings of the real story and its truths.

So the real questions are - how does a person not become programmed to single viewpoints or single stories?  How would a person know if the story is narrow or incomplete?  First of all, a person must realize that any story being told are sometimes just simply points of view; not necessarily factual.  Second, a person must make sure that the stories are complete.  Maybe asking another important question such as, “are you sure about that?” and maybe you then can get a feel for the real authenticity of the story.  There are other questions that one might ask to verify or complete the story.

In summary, this video clip of Adichie’s presentation has enlightened me in that I now have a whole new breadth, depth, and meaning of storytelling; especially as it relates to a single story.  Me, as an individual and especially if I am to be a future leader, must be conscious of the potential misunderstandings when either listening to or when telling stories; especially single stories.This is especially important in that I would not want to use distorted information when making informed decisions.