The Danger of a Single Story

Our group dynamic has helped me understand “the danger of a single story” by sharing unique opinions and experiences which illuminated concepts and ideas which were previously negligible or incomprehensible to me.

Our group dynamic has helped me understand the meaning of the danger of a single sided story by how we think of things. Possible judging before we get to know what it is we are truly judging. We only know that one side but yet we are judging based off of that, which isn’t fair to other parties. Taking a step back and above to see the whole ‘maze’ of someone can help destroy the single story. Even just by asking around, observing things, but also being understanding and accepting that everyone has their own unique ‘maze,’ special challenges. 

Our group dynamic has helped me understand the meaning of “the danger of single story.” I remember our Zoom call, and I remember looking around and wondering if I would be friends with any of these people. I also remember looking at Jackson and Reece and thinking that there was no way they would ever be friends. Yet now, I’ve made strong friendships with these people that I only met a week ago. My Zoom call impressions were very shallow and uncalled for; it’s hard not to judge a book by its cover, but this group has shown me that it’s actually very easy to look past the initial judgement and understand an individual as a whole. 

Our group dynamic has helped us understand the “danger of a single story” by opening our minds and talking about ourselves and others to broaden the picture, to view things from many angles like we did – digging to find the weak spot and break the rock. In the same way, we try to open up to the truth we might not want to hear, but that will show us a better overview of the situation. It shows us to see things how others see them, not from our background – helps me to understand [how using only the lens of] my story could harm something or someplace and could cause harm and violence.

Our group dynamic has helped me understand the meaning of “the danger of a single story” by illuminating that everyone’s story is different or some aspects of others may be similar and some are different. We will never truly understand someone’s full story, but we can at least try. By asking that next question it invites a person to reveal their complex identity.

Our group dynamic has made me understand the meaning of “the danger of a single story” by realizing that the right questions will get the right answers. To learn more about somebody, you have to be willing to accept and expect different outlooks, experiences, and ways of life. When you dedicate your own time to uncover this information and shared understanding, you will rarely regret all the time you have spent. The connections made with peers, mentors, kids, and colleagues have taught me this valuable lesson.