We Need New Stories

1. Myths shape our perceptions and perpetuate inequalities

Myths are bad for everyone, because not all who believe in myths can win.

Myths create winners and losers. They convince people they are exempt from negative consequences while actually reinforcing harmful patterns. Myths particularly impact marginalized groups by justifying their oppression. However, even those who seem to benefit from myths often suffer in less obvious ways.

Myth perpetuation tactics:

• Creating a sense of grievance
• Fabricating or exaggerating threats
• Using false equivalences
• Appealing to tradition or "natural order"
• Claiming victimhood when challenged

By understanding how myths operate, we can better recognize and challenge them. This awareness is crucial for dismantling systems of inequality and creating a more just society for all.

2. The myth of gender equality masks ongoing discrimination

To be a woman is to be in this constant state of bargaining, irrespective of her particular circumstances.

Women face ongoing inequality despite claims of achieved gender equality. This myth of equality obscures the reality that women must constantly navigate societal expectations and limitations. The illusion of equality makes it harder to address persistent discrimination.

Areas of continued gender inequality:

• Wage gaps
• Underrepresentation in leadership
• Disproportionate domestic labor burden
• Sexual harassment and violence
• Reproductive rights restrictions

Challenging this myth requires recognizing the subtle ways gender inequality persists and the bargains women must make to succeed in a system still biased against them. True equality demands restructuring societal norms and institutions.

3. Political correctness fears are exaggerated and weaponized

The purpose of this myth is to undermine efforts for change by presenting them as sabotage, as attacks on a society that is fundamentally good and not in need of reform.

"PC culture" fears are overblown. Claims of rampant political correctness are often used to resist social progress and maintain the status quo. This myth portrays efforts for inclusivity and respect as attacks on free expression and traditional values.

Tactics used to amplify PC fears:

• Cherry-picking extreme examples
• Misrepresenting reasonable requests as censorship
• Framing marginalized groups as overly sensitive
• Portraying inclusivity efforts as threats to majority groups

Recognizing these tactics allows us to separate legitimate concerns from manufactured outrage. The goal should be fostering respectful discourse while still allowing for open debate and differing viewpoints.

4. Free speech concerns often mask intolerance

The purpose is to secure the licence to speak with impunity; not freedom of expression, but rather freedom from the consequences of that expression.

Free speech absolutism enables harm. While free speech is crucial, claims of free speech infringement are often used to shield hateful or harmful speech from criticism. This creates a false equivalence between protected speech and accountability for that speech.

Common free speech myth tactics:

• Portraying hate speech as merely unpopular opinions
• Claiming criticism or consequences equal censorship
• Ignoring power dynamics in speech
• Demanding platforms for all views, regardless of merit

True free speech involves both the right to speak and the right to criticize speech. Recognizing the difference between censorship and accountability is crucial for fostering a healthy public discourse.

5. Identity politics accusations ignore white identity politics

Defensive identity politics is not the problem, it is in fact, the only way forward.

"Identity politics" critique is selective. Accusations of divisive identity politics are often aimed at marginalized groups advocating for their rights, while ignoring longstanding white identity politics. This double standard delegitimizes valid concerns and preserves existing power structures.

Forms of overlooked white identity politics:

• Nativist immigration policies
• "Traditional values" rhetoric
• Racial grievance narratives
• Selective historical narratives

Recognizing that all politics involve identity to some degree allows for a more honest discussion of group interests and power dynamics. Defensive identity politics by marginalized groups is a necessary response to systemic inequalities.

6. Selective history distorts national identity and policy

If there was a pithy way to summarise the myth of virtuous origin, it would be with the anti-Black Lives Matter slogan, 'All Lives Matter'.

Sanitized history breeds misguided nostalgia. Many nations cultivate myths of a virtuous past, glossing over historical injustices. This selective view of history shapes contemporary attitudes and policies, often to the detriment of marginalized groups.

Consequences of historical myth-making:

• Justification for discriminatory policies
• Resistance to acknowledging systemic inequalities
• Misplaced sense of national superiority
• Difficulty addressing historical wrongs

A more honest reckoning with history is necessary for creating inclusive societies and developing equitable policies. This requires challenging comforting national narratives and confronting uncomfortable truths.

7. Media narratives are unreliable and perpetuate myths

The myth of the reliable narrator. Plagiarism and falsification are red lines, but gullibility and lapses in moral judgement are par for the course.

Media often reinforces harmful myths. Despite claims of objectivity, many media outlets and commentators perpetuate societal myths through biased framing, selective reporting, and a lack of diverse perspectives. This reinforces existing power structures and narratives.

Problems in media narrative-setting:

• Lack of diversity in newsrooms and opinion sections
• Reliance on "both sides" framing for unequal issues
• Prioritizing controversy over accuracy
• Uncritical amplification of official sources

Critically examining media narratives and seeking out diverse perspectives is crucial for challenging societal myths. Supporting independent and diverse media voices can help counter the perpetuation of harmful narratives.

8. New stories and voices are needed to challenge harmful myths

We need new stories, but we also need to write them ourselves.

Dismantling myths requires new narratives. Challenging entrenched societal myths isn't just about debunking falsehoods, but about creating new, more inclusive stories. This requires amplifying diverse voices and perspectives that have been historically marginalized.

Strategies for creating new narratives:

• Elevating voices from marginalized communities
• Critically examining "common sense" assumptions
• Highlighting overlooked historical perspectives
• Creating art and media that challenge dominant narratives
• Supporting independent and diverse media outlets

By actively seeking out and creating new stories, we can begin to reshape societal understanding and challenge the myths that perpetuate inequality. This is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and openness to change.

Last updated: September 9, 2024