Who controls the narrative?

Don’t mind the title, it will make sense shortly. First, let me ask you: Who controls your narrative? Don’t know! You’re not alone.

Does your kid practice “selective hearing”? Do you? The answer is likely yes, as we all tend to tune things out when they are repeated constantly. They lose meaning. For example, your boss may claim every request is urgent, so you practice selective hearing, realizing not everything is truly urgent despite what you’re told. Kids do the same when parents repeat directives over and over – they stop believing the narrative that it’s important. While bosses are temporary, kids are not, so losing the narrative with your kids could have long term repercussions. Which brings me to the masters of narrative control.

The Mastery of Hollywood Narratives

Ever wondered why some Hollywood blockbusters seem to stick in your mind like glue? Hollywood isn’t just in the entertainment business; it’s in the storytelling business. What’s more, it’s playing the long game.

According to a study by Ohio State University, engaging narratives can lead to shifts in real-world beliefs (Green & Brock, 2000). For example, take a movie like Inception. It’s not just an action-packed thriller; it’s a brain worm that plants questions about reality, dreams, and moral ambiguity. Hollywood is a master at crafting stories that can manipulate public opinion on everything from social issues to political agendas.

Take movies that address climate change or animal cruelty. According to a study published in Environmental Communication, films like An Inconvenient Truth or Blackfish not only entertain but also serve as catalysts for public discourse and even policy changes (Anderson, 2017). In essence, Hollywood can steer societal conversations with a well-placed narrative. Which brings me to our next master.

North Korea’s Propaganda Machine

North Korea takes narrative control to a level that would make George Orwell turn in his grave. But here’s the kicker: It’s extremely effective. According to a report by the Human Rights Watch, the totalitarian regime’s rigorous information control shapes its citizens’ worldview so comprehensively that dissent becomes not just dangerous but inconceivable (Human Rights Watch, 2020).

The state-run media feed a constant narrative that glorifies the leadership and demonizes the outside world, especially Western countries. For instance, a study published in Pacific Affairs illustrates how North Korean textbooks indoctrinate children with anti-American sentiments, forming a narrative that casts the nation in perpetual conflict with outside powers (Town, 2019). This narrative stronghold effectively cements the regime’s power and maintains a status quo that suits its objectives.

if you’re not controlling the narrative, someone else is.

I know that the terms “Control” and “Narrative” evoke uneasy feelings. We live in a free country and certainly don’t want to brainwash our kids. However, be aware that somebody is always controlling the narrative. If it’s not you, it’s the screen that they’re spending most of their time on.

Narrative control doesn’t mean stifling your child’s independence or curiosity. Quite the opposite; according to a study in the Educational Psychology Review, fostering an open dialogue around differing narratives enhances critical thinking skills (Paul & Elder, 2002). It’s about offering a balanced narrative that enables your child to understand context, question assumptions, and develop their independent critical thinking.

The Takeaway

So, what do Hollywood, North Korea, and parenting teach us about narrative control? Simply put, narratives have the power to shape realities, influence opinions, and either empower or confine us. As parents, we have the initial control over the narratives our children are exposed to. Let’s use it wisely to foster independence, critical thinking, and emotional well-being in our kids. Because if there’s one thing clear from looking at both Hollywood and North Korea, it’s that narratives wield immense power. How we choose to use that power is up to us.

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