The Single Story

Sometimes I like to think that I do not stereotype people, that I do not judge anyone based on the same single story I have heard time and time again. Unfortunately, this is just not true. Typically, I stereotype those whose lifestyle I have no knowledge about. I form my opinions based on what I have learned in school and what is shared through the news. When I was younger I believed that if the news said it, it must be true; if the textbook we were required to read from said it, it must be true. As I have become more educated, I realize that this is not the case. Often the news and textbooks censor out what they do not want people to know. They are responsible for the single stories we hear all of the time, highly influenced by politics.

The stories that are told through the media are often biased. Chimamanda Adichie focuses in on the stereotypes made against Mexicans and Africans to argue that when someone hears the same story multiple times they start to believe it, especially when they are young and impressionable. Stereotypes formed based on a single story show the lack of empathy and sympathy people have for others. It actually demonstrates the apathy of individuals who judge those based solely on the single story they have heard. More stories and narratives need to be shared so that people can expand their knowledge and welcome new ideas that will influence their opinions, hopefully for the better, of the world around them. It is important that many stories are shared, but often this is difficult to do when the media and government censor what the public has access to. Even with access to academic databases, the information provided is limited. Without traveling, or conducting personal research, it is very difficult to obtain information about other traditions and cultures that do not follow a single story. To prevent the damage of a single story, it is important to look deeper into different cultures and realize that often the information shared with the public will be bias.