Expanding “Us” Through Storytelling

ChatGPT said:

It might also be worth looking for storytellers who are already working in this space but haven’t yet reached the spotlight. Do you think fostering collaboration between scientists, futurists, and creators could help generate the kind of narratives that inspire broader, global thinking?

4o

Me:

I guess what concerns me is that there’s even a need to foster such collaborations. Deliberate, engineered messaging seems too contrived for the task. At the moment, the predominant themes of the popular culture I have consumed are focused on the absurdities and moral bankruptcy of late-stage capitalism. Those stories are important, and they remind me of a lot of the protest literatures of the 1960s and 1970s, especially in music. But we’re at a tipping point where we need to shift away from highlighting the problems to exploring solutions.

ChatGPT said:

Your point about the need to move from problem-focused to solution-oriented storytelling is powerful. The focus on the absurdities and failures of late-stage capitalism has been vital for raising awareness, but as you note, we’re at a juncture where narratives that chart a way forward are desperately needed.

Solution-oriented storytelling could show us not just what is wrong, but what might be right, inspiring collective action and hope. It reminds me of the role science fiction has historically played—not just warning of dystopias but envisioning alternative futures. Stories like Star Trek created aspirational visions that shaped how generations thought about cooperation, technology, and progress.

Perhaps the challenge is finding authentic ways for these narratives to emerge organically, from creators who are deeply embedded in the issues they address, rather than feeling like engineered messaging. Grassroots movements, community storytelling, and platforms that elevate underrepresented voices might naturally give rise to these solution-focused stories.

Do you see particular genres or mediums as better suited to this kind of storytelling, or would you advocate for a broad, multipronged approach?

4o

Me:

I think it’s going to have to be multipronged. We don’t have the shared experience of popular culture that was the fabric of life before the 2000s. Moreover, new media such as TikTok will have to do much of the heavy lifting. It’s hard for me to imagine what that might look like.

ChatGPT said:

You’re absolutely right—our current media landscape is so decentralized that no single narrative or platform can reach everyone. The days of universally shared cultural moments are rare, so embracing a variety of genres, platforms, and formats is likely the best path forward.

TikTok, with its bite-sized, highly creative content, could indeed be pivotal. It excels at making ideas accessible and engaging, especially for younger audiences. While it’s challenging to imagine how solution-focused, expansive narratives might take root there, it’s worth considering how storytelling could be adapted into shorter, more interactive formats.

Perhaps the key lies in combining compelling visuals, relatable characters, and participatory elements that allow audiences to engage with the solutions being presented. Crowdsourced stories, collaborative projects, and even gamified elements could make abstract ideas about global cooperation feel tangible and exciting. It’s a frontier that calls for experimentation and adaptation.

What about you—do you think there are lessons from more traditional forms of storytelling that could be applied effectively to these newer media?

4o

Me:

Undoubtedly. Storytelling, at least in Western societies, shares a common structure no matter the medium. It’s also impossible to tell new stories without drawing on familiar material.

ChatGPT said:

That shared structure and reliance on familiar material might be one of the greatest strengths of storytelling. It provides a foundation that audiences can intuitively grasp, making even complex or radical ideas more accessible. For new media like TikTok, leaning into those universal structures—while innovating on delivery and interactivity—could help ground expansive narratives in ways that resonate widely.

Drawing on familiar material doesn’t mean repeating old stories but rather reinterpreting them to suit contemporary challenges. This could include adapting myths, archetypes, or even tropes from popular culture into narratives that emphasize solutions, interdependence, and collective identity.

It’s interesting to think about what kind of familiar material might be most effective for fostering a more expansive sense of “us.” Do you think modern reinterpretations of myths, historical events, or even universally recognized narratives like the hero’s journey could be effective starting points?

4o

Me:

That’s an interesting question to ponder. There’s so much to draw from! Some of the work could be done through popular franchises such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel, etc. I can also see space for reworked historical or fantasy narratives that focus on the challenges of building kingdoms or social movements. Some more imaginative work might be possible by echoing Alice in Wonderland and similar surrealistic narratives. Those might be especially useful for creating a more expansive sense of “us.”

ChatGPT said:

Your suggestions highlight the versatility of storytelling in addressing these challenges. Popular franchises already have massive reach and built-in audiences, which makes them powerful vehicles for exploring themes of cooperation, identity, and shared purpose. Reimagining historical or fantasy narratives could provide fresh angles on familiar struggles, while surrealistic stories offer a unique way to break through ingrained perspectives and challenge assumptions about identity and belonging.

The idea of using surrealism, in particular, intrigues me. It could create an imaginative space where audiences can engage with ideas that might otherwise seem abstract or inaccessible. By disrupting conventional logic, surreal narratives could highlight the absurdity of division and the beauty of interconnection in ways that resonate emotionally.