Some thoughts on storytelling.
[ID: A set of tweets by jess @sirussly: God I will NEVER stop advocating the vast importance and sheer POWER of storytelling and the intense community it builds. It is so, SO needed in today's world.
Whether that's tabletop rpg, larp, gif or written roleplay, fan fiction, theatre, art... I think as we get older we fail to recognise the base human NEED to create and escape daily routine.
Since the beginning of human history we have been using storytelling to build communities. It's why Neanderthals painted on cave walls, and the ancient Greeks performed theatre. We sing at wakes and base religion on ancient verses. It is ingrained in every part of our existence.
We encourage our children to tell stories, providing them with dolls, action figures, tools to play make-believe. But when those children grow into adults, they are ridiculed for the same behaviour. Why does it make people uncomfortable to see these passions in adults?
Why is storytelling so limited as we age, acceptable only within certain social constructs? Professional storytellers are respected - filmmakers, writers - and we are allowed to consume the fruits of their labour, with just enough disinterest to avoid the "obsessed" label.
We fully understand the cultural significance of art, films, and books. We know how important stories are to us. But here's the secret - and not a lot of people are a fan of this take - ANYONE can create a compelling story.
There are so many mediums to storytelling, and it's more accessible than ever before. Scoff if you like, but those teenagers making the pov TikToks that everyone loves to make fun of are doing the same thing Steven Spielberg does, at its core.
Storytelling builds communities, and communities make humans happier and more fulfilled. Stories can be a reflection of our world or us as individuals. They teach us important lessons, allow us to process hidden trauma or escape current burdens.
And most importantly, EVERYONE can - and should be allowed to - be a storyteller. ]
