Futures

Redefining Storytelling: From Heroic Conquests to Collective Narratives in Climate Change, (from page 20240414.)

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Summary

This text explores the evolution of storytelling, contrasting traditional narratives of competition and heroism with Ursula Le Guin’s ‘Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction.’ It critiques the dominant story of human history as one of violent conquest and highlights the importance of gathering and sharing in early human societies. Le Guin suggests that the earliest tool was not the spear but the carrier bag, symbolizing cooperation and community. The text argues that we need to shift our narratives, especially in the context of climate change, moving away from individual heroism towards collective action and interconnectedness. It advocates for a new approach to storytelling that recognizes the complexity of our shared reality and the need for inclusive narratives that can help us address environmental challenges together.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Shift from Heroic Narratives to Collective Stories A growing recognition of the importance of collective storytelling over individual heroism. Changing from glorifying individual heroes to valuing collective actions and experiences. In ten years, storytelling may prioritize community contributions over singular hero narratives. The need for more inclusive representations in narratives addressing social and environmental issues. 4
Emergence of Non-Human Perspectives in Storytelling Incorporating non-human actors and perspectives into narratives about climate change. Shifting from human-centric stories to those that include animals, plants, and ecosystems. Narratives may fully integrate non-human perspectives and experiences into mainstream storytelling. The recognition of interconnectedness between humans and the environment in the face of climate change. 5
Redefining Success in Climate Action Changing perceptions of success from ‘winning’ to ‘surviving’ in the context of climate change. Shifting from the idea of defeating climate change to surviving its impacts together. Success metrics may focus on resilience and adaptability rather than traditional victory narratives. The increasing urgency of addressing climate change’s impacts on all life forms. 5
Reevaluation of Human History Narratives A critical look at human history that challenges traditional notions of domination and competition. Moving from a narrative of competition and conquest to one of collaboration and coexistence. Historical narratives may evolve to highlight cooperative and sustainable practices over conflict. A growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices in the face of climate change. 4
Interest in Anarcho-Feminist Perspectives Rising interest in anarcho-feminist ideas as frameworks for social and political change. Transitioning from traditional power structures to decentralized, egalitarian models. Political movements may increasingly adopt anarcho-feminist principles in governance and community organization. The push for more equitable, inclusive social structures in response to systemic inequalities. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Narrative Dominance The prevailing heroic narratives around human history may hinder collective action on climate change and reinforce problematic power dynamics. 4
Technological Hubris Overreliance on grand technological fixes for climate change may lead to reckless and dystopian consequences. 5
Misrepresentation of History Traditional interpretations of human history as a continual narrative of domination may perpetuate harmful ideologies. 4
Alienation from Nature The adversarial view of nature may result in unsustainable practices, exacerbating climate crises instead of promoting harmony. 5
Collective vs. Individual Action The lack of emphasis on collective efforts to combat climate change risks downplaying the importance of shared endeavors for social change. 4
Oversimplification of Climate Change Stories Narratives about climate change need complexity and inclusivity, as oversimplification may fail to address the multifaceted nature of the issue. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Collective Storytelling Emphasizes narratives that involve multiple protagonists and collective efforts rather than individual heroes, promoting shared experiences and communal history. 5
Reframing Human-Nature Relationship Challenges the adversarial view of nature, advocating for a more integrated and symbiotic relationship with the environment. 5
Radical Ideological Shifts in History Encourages a shift from linear, victory-driven historical narratives to complex, interconnected stories that include diverse perspectives. 4
Speculative Fiction as a Tool for Change Uses speculative fiction to explore alternative realities and foster political imagination, driving discussions on social change. 4
Power of Non-Heroic Narratives Focuses on the importance of storytelling that does not center around heroes, highlighting the significance of everyday actions and collective movements. 5
Awareness of Climate Change Narratives Calls for new storytelling approaches to climate change that include various actors and timelines, recognizing the complexity of the issue. 5
Embracing Complexity and Contradiction Promotes acceptance of complex narratives that embrace contradictions, reflecting the messy realities of social change and history. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Climate Engineering Technologies aimed at deliberately altering the Earth’s climate to mitigate climate change effects, such as solar radiation management and carbon capture. 5
Genomic Editing Techniques like CRISPR that allow for precise modifications to DNA, enabling advancements in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. 5
Narrative Science The use of algorithms and AI to generate narratives from data, enhancing storytelling in various fields including journalism and education. 4
Collective Intelligence Systems Platforms that harness the knowledge and expertise of groups to solve complex problems and foster collaboration. 4
Speculative Fiction as a Tool for Change Utilization of speculative fiction to envision alternative futures and address social issues, particularly in the context of climate change. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Violent Competition in Human History The narrative of human history often emphasizes violent competition, overshadowing cooperative or peaceful interactions. 4
Hubris in Techno-fixes for Climate Change There is a growing reliance on overly ambitious technological solutions to climate change, which could lead to unforeseen consequences. 5
Alternative Narratives in Storytelling The shift from dominant narratives of heroism to collective and communal storytelling reflects new ways of understanding social change. 4
Environmental Alienation Capitalism creates an adversarial relationship with nature, leading to ignorance of the interconnectedness of ecological systems. 5
Reconceptualizing History and Time The move towards non-linear, complex narratives in history and storytelling challenges traditional perspectives and highlights interdependence. 4
Collective Action vs Individual Heroism The focus on individual heroism in social change narratives undermines the importance of collective efforts and shared experiences. 5
Recognition of Nonhuman Actors in Climate Narratives The need to include nonhuman entities in discussions about climate change reflects a broader understanding of ecological interdependencies. 4
Dystopian Potential of Climate Change Solutions The potential for dystopian outcomes from proposed climate fixes raises ethical and practical concerns about their implementation. 5