Diversity Education & Cultural Research Resources: Stories are Sticky

Stories are Sticky:  Stories stick in the mind easier than facts.  It would be nice if simply being aware that you can be unconsciously  manipulated by emotional stories was enough to avoid being manipulated.  It is not enough.  You need to practice skepticism, and understand that everything can be a little bit good and a little bit bad: 
Some people tell scary stories to children to scare them into behaving..."or the bogey man will get you!"  Some people tell soft stories to children to protect them from feeling bad... you know, "Hollywood" endings. What do you tell children about difficult topics? When is it too early or late to tell them everything in the world is "a little bit good and a little bit bad"? Sometimes stories help people cope, sometimes stories are emotionally manipulative like glurge and propaganda. The good of confronting confirmation bias is that you can learn something new, which may improve your life. The bad of confronting confirmation bias is that it can hurt your feelings. Yet, in stories, it is common for the hero to confront the "status quo".  Be a hero and keep your mind open to alternative viewpoints.  However, remember that viewpoints are opinions.  It is a fact that you can have an opinion. Opinions can be full of facts and still be wrong. I like this famous saying:

"You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant." - Harlan Ellison

Cited websites: Accessed 11/17/2021