Technology is getting star billing all over the shop. Can it be the holy grail of social inclusion? Maybe it can; maybe it can't. Maybe one day the old fashioned concepts of 'society' and 'community' will be crushed by the stomping digital jackboots of technology. I don't know about you but I find this rather a sobering, saddening idea - the loss of humanity. Oh, I know what you are thinking - 'don't be dramatic you old fogey' but it sets up my argument nicely so no apologies.
My take on things is that we need real life narratives to build empathy and spark action. If you have seen the Poor Kids films you will get this already, if you have not then check out Youtube.
Today, I was in a focus group with older people and I heard a participant recalling an experience of stroke - the horror, fear, confusion; the slow hazy refocusing of reallity. It was stark, moving and vivid. Immediatly, the group focused on the issues the narrative raised. It was like an electric spark had jolted us all. OK, this may sound a bit old school but I doubt if Twitter and Facebook could do that.
I would like to make the case for a new Narrative Movement within the field. Not really my idea, its adapted from the ideas of the great American philosopher Richard Rorty. Together with a fantastic bunch of colleagues, I'm in the process of delivering an enagagement programme using a narrative based methodology developed in Wiltshire.
The idea is really very simple. Let people speak for themselves. Ordinary, everyday people talking about their lives. Not rocket science, but actually a bit more tricky than you may think. Getting people to talk openly is an art and it takes time to build the trust required.
I'll post more on approach as soon as we have evaluated the first project.
Happy to share the learning any time - join the movement if you wish!
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