The Stories that Stories Tell.
The Stories that Stories Tell.
The topic of banning books isn’t something I ever expected to see as one who grew up reading for a variety of purposes, one who has come to appreciate the various writing approaches and styles of authors and as one who is an author today. Whether fiction or nonfiction, storytelling has long been a staple practice in the world as we know it. Perhaps storytelling started as an oral tradition, and with development and advancement, now we see those stories told in the bound parchment lining library shelves. Furthermore, we experience literature digitally, giving us much more access to the minds, thoughts and experiences of various authors.
First, reading for a variety of purposes. As humans, as people and as consumers of knowledge, we have an innate interest it seems in learning or knowledge or absorbing information. We didn’t come into this world “knowing” and as such, we rely on tools, teachers, and texts that help us to gain knowledge with which to implement or apply to our lives. I read recipe books because I know the value of arriving at a finished product that looks, tastes and smells like it should according to the description and/or accompanying visuals. I read news articles to understand events that influence my progress throughout the day, whether traffic-related, business-related or work-related. Likewise, I pick up textbooks and novels because their cover pages pique my interest and their topics grab my attention. I select them because they interest me and in my mind, they have something to offer me, whether philosophical thought or an escape from the world be we live in, if but for a few hours. My mind is enriched. My mind is educated. My mind is challenged. My mind is strengthened. My mind is encouraged. Books offer all of these opportunities. What are we losing out on if we don’t dive into books. Moreover, what are others losing out on if they no longer have the opportunity to choose what piques their interests?
Second, writing styles and approaches of authors. When I think about the world we are fortunate to breathe in, I consider how we are diverse. We have different physical appearances, different stories, different experiences and different ways of capturing those experiences by way of storytelling. While it might appear menial, one’s approach to something is everything. Some are stoic, others dig humor, while others still might like the art of inquiry. When I think about all of these approaches, they ALL have inherent value. I can’t say no to humor because some days require laughter to break up the monotony that seems to creep in ever so easily. The inquiry-based approach forces me to reflect or consider myself. The stoic approach might help me to see that I am stronger than I believe. The truth is that I can gain something from all of these approaches and while the approach may be atypical of what is deemed acceptable, one can argue that its difference brings challenge and ultimately influence, even if it sharpens my thinking.
Third, being a writer today. Possibly the most difficult of the three ideas I’ve shared is the idea of stifling the story of another. I have come to realize the power of a story – the power of an experience – the power of the human condition. We are human, and our humanity links us together. We are connected by the blood we all need to live. We are connected because we endure hardships. We are connected because somewhere along the path of life, someone else’s story was heard which in turn inspired another’s will to persevere, or try again, to take that risk. No one can tell the same story, the same way. Moreover, similar experiences told by different people have the power to capture different audiences. We should think carefully about seizing control over what is available to read, or even be written. Putting a ban on someone’s story is like saying that story didn’t happen, or worse didn’t matter.
