And I agree that we open-minded certainly aren’t always as open-minded as we think. Okay, taking responsibility — I know I’m not always as open-minded as I think / want to be. I suppose the awareness we need includes that piece of insight as much as anything else. Finding the balance — that’s a challenge in itself, because I think you’re right, that there is a core value in protecting the narrative itself. I know some very bright, intelligent people who have convinced themselves that President Obama really doesn’t have a valid U.S. birth certificate. Geez, I have two U.S. Senators (Cornyn and Hutchison), and a representative who routinely use key narrative language like “government takeover.” I wonder if this really reflects their personal narratives, but clearly fits a convenient and powerful conservative political narrative. Hmm, which then makes me wonder about personal narratives and public narratives.

Joyce, you are probing the problem. What do we do when the narratives of those we disagree with include a story in which the integrity or sanctity of their stories must be protected at all costs? In other words, if they have a core value about protecting their narratives? Close-mindedness, if I may use the term, becomes essential for them. This is an existing worldview among many. History hasn’t proven it to be too evolutionarily successful in any one case, but it keeps reappearing. In other words, the stories of these folks might change to make the world a little less crazy for them, but they reach again for the “protect the authority” story to include along with the new ones.

Perhaps a greater problem is that we open-minded ones are not really as open-minded as we think, and that’s why the work on self-awareness you suggest is so crucial. As I said, though, there is truth, and there are values we should hold to. Open-minded tolerance does not mean passivity or cultural relativity. It just means we’re watching ourselves closely while we advance our thoughts.

That’s part of the struggle, isn’t it, allowing myself to see and gain understanding about the narrative power which differs from mine. So my narrative has to be, what, big enough, open enough, for conversation. Something like that. Of course, if the differing narrative won’t allow for conversation, we’re in a bit of a bind. Self-fulfilling, us and them narratives seem to spend a great deal of time and energy creating and reinforcing boundaries and restrictions, and basically working diligently to avoid actual conversation with actual people. But, I certainly think the efforts, even if at the boundaries of differing and/or competing narratives is worth the effort. So for what it’s worth, Patty, I think it’s great that you’re sharing DogCanyon pieces with conservative friends .

…the best starting place is becoming as aware as possible of our own narrative framing.

It is, obviously, mind-opening, but it also gives insight into the power of cultural narratives in others. Very well taken points, Joyce. I hope others come down in the comments and see what you had to say.

“Getting folks to abandon or alter their narratives is hard.” — I think this is one way to understand the language employed on blogs, and elsewhere, in referring to the political party “other.” During the Bush administration, some Republicans referred to Democrats as “democraps,” while some Democrats referred to Republicans as “rethuglicans.” The use of such labels is silly, but of course, both grows out of and reinforces the “narrative habit.” Or maybe another way of thinking of it, proclaims and reinforces the known and comfortable “brand,” and the attending loyalty to it.

The social / political narratives of our culture(s) frequently, maybe always, include an either / or factor. It seems the narrative won’t work without a “them” for “us” to be better than, the victims of, whatever.

Of course politics makes use of the existing, primary narratives. And you are so right, that the narratives “will not change unless they are constantly challenged.” I’m wondering — are there any narrative-free ways to so challenge? I’m thinking the best starting place is becoming as aware as possible of our own narrative framing.