After reading both of the weekly readings, a course concept that I would like to expand more on would be narrative. I wanted to provide more information about this topic because it is a concept that affects many general things and ideas in the world around us, however, I also wanted to expand more on the idea of narratives and their purpose(s) within communication ethics as a whole. The readings define the concept of a narrative as being “a story agreed upon by a group of people that provides limits within which we dwell as embedded communicative agents.” (Arnett, 25) As previously mentioned, narratives live all over the place. They can be presented as harmless, or on the other side, narratives can actually be really fabricated and lead to negative outcomes or associations. In regards to the concept of narratives in communication ethics, it is necessary to already have an understanding that “a narrative provides guidelines for human action.” (Arnett, 35)
Although there is a constant array of narratives that surround the average person on a daily basis, it is most common for individuals to have their own set of narratives about the different kinds of things that they are used to seeing or having in their everyday lives. Our personal narratives can arise from what we have been taught by our family, friends, teachers, etc. However, with competing narratives going up against what we have been taught, it is clear to see just how much narratives can shift throughout time. When I think of narratives that I have personally seen firsthand, I would say one of the biggest ones would be this idea or narrative that in instances of sexual assault women are “asking for it” because of the clothing that they were wearing. The narrative expresses that women who are wearing “less” clothing or have more skin showing are putting themselves in a position to be harassed or harmed. However, this narrative is a false and contradicting one, as there is evidence that proves that this concept is incorrect.
I think you did a good job of explaining narrative and explaining why this concept is so important to our everyday lives. I like that you brought up the purpose of narrative within communication ethics and how narrative is just a, “guideline for human actions”, and whether or not it’s good or bad doesn't really matter to the narrative. The situation you describe is a great example of the ways that narrative can be used in a harmful way. It shows why understanding narrative and how it influences and affects our everyday lives is so important. Narratives have a lot to do with our values and beliefs. Whether the different narratives you have been taught shape your values and beliefs or if you believe different narratives because of your values and beliefs they are all intertwined. This makes me wonder when you talk about how narratives change over time if that means that our values and beliefs are changing and that why the narratives can switch or if the narrative can change without affecting our values and beliefs?
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