Hi Maggie,
I'm finally getting around to your next question. 3) can and should core values (and therefore core narrative identity) evolve and change?
This is one of the most important questions in your list. This is easily a dissertation, but I'll try and hit the highlights as succinctly as possible.
I'm finally getting around to your next question. 3) can and should core values (and therefore core narrative identity) evolve and change?
This is one of the most important questions in your list. This is easily a dissertation, but I'll try and hit the highlights as succinctly as possible.
1. Core values are based on our own unique, NI/ Narrative Identity. They cannot simply be imposed on a group of people, state, individual or nation. They must fit snugly with how each sees their core values. At the birth of the US, our core values were very much the same as Britain's with the primary deviation being religious freedom and citizens with full citizenship rights, such as freedom to vote in free and fair elections, minus the stamp of approval by a monarch, and freedom of speech. (This is a very rough paraphrase of a far more complex situation.)
2. All NIs evolve over time for the simple reason that humans and history evolve. Still, core, deeply ingrained identity traits evolve far slower. The best analogy is a river changing course over millennia with only the biggest and most dense boulders holding on longer.
3. For example, most everyone is familiar with the "Ten Commandments" which are the core of most global national values, in one form or another. Even they were based on more ancient codes of values, often grounded in religious beliefs regarding morality. These core values are the boulders in the river slowly changing course.
4. Identities within homogenous societies cannot absorb a set of values that are in conflict with the core values of said identity. The evolution though of NIs can be accelerated by conscious "shaping" over time. As an example, the version of American identity, based largely on our history of internalizing a common set of values has been slowly and consistently modified by FOX media here in the states, over the past 40 years or so. They have partially recreated an easily triggered, modified identity. In short, they have manipulated the NI of their unique audiences to include a modified/ alternate version of our national identity.
5. This is what at the core of US hyper partisanship. People are not fighting over politics. Both partisan "sides" are trying to establish their own dominant metanarrative for the entire nation. Most Americans reject the FOX version because it's an outsider identity that they reject instinctively.
The bottom line is that yes, our NI evolves but unless intentionally reshaped over a long period of time it's a slow process and must include our historical core values in order to be internalized. As we saw this Tuesday, the FOX, false narrative competing to become the national identity has peaked and is now devolving. This is a dangerous phase because it leaves their audiences untethered to reality and looking for an identity to align with. Like a power vacuum, others will compete to absorb this audience. The only question is, will the good guys act decisively?
I do hope this helps Maggie. If not, please don't hesitate to response seeking more clarity.
Thank you for your patient and careful explanation of NI core values above, Paul. I appreciate your generosity in the time and effort you put into your explanations. m
Hi Maggie,
I'm finally getting around to your next question. 3) can and should core values (and therefore core narrative identity) evolve and change?
This is one of the most important questions in your list. This is easily a dissertation, but I'll try and hit the highlights as succinctly as possible.
1. Core values are based on our own unique, NI/ Narrative Identity. They cannot simply be imposed on a group of people, state, individual or nation. They must fit snugly with how each sees their core values. At the birth of the US, our core values were very much the same as Britain's with the primary deviation being religious freedom and citizens with full citizenship rights, such as freedom to vote in free and fair elections, minus the stamp of approval by a monarch, and freedom of speech. (This is a very rough paraphrase of a far more complex situation.)
2. All NIs evolve over time for the simple reason that humans and history evolve. Still, core, deeply ingrained identity traits evolve far slower. The best analogy is a river changing course over millennia with only the biggest and most dense boulders holding on longer.
3. For example, most everyone is familiar with the "Ten Commandments" which are the core of most global national values, in one form or another. Even they were based on more ancient codes of values, often grounded in religious beliefs regarding morality. These core values are the boulders in the river slowly changing course.
4. Identities within homogenous societies cannot absorb a set of values that are in conflict with the core values of said identity. The evolution though of NIs can be accelerated by conscious "shaping" over time. As an example, the version of American identity, based largely on our history of internalizing a common set of values has been slowly and consistently modified by FOX media here in the states, over the past 40 years or so. They have partially recreated an easily triggered, modified identity. In short, they have manipulated the NI of their unique audiences to include a modified/ alternate version of our national identity.
5. This is what at the core of US hyper partisanship. People are not fighting over politics. Both partisan "sides" are trying to establish their own dominant metanarrative for the entire nation. Most Americans reject the FOX version because it's an outsider identity that they reject instinctively.
The bottom line is that yes, our NI evolves but unless intentionally reshaped over a long period of time it's a slow process and must include our historical core values in order to be internalized. As we saw this Tuesday, the FOX, false narrative competing to become the national identity has peaked and is now devolving. This is a dangerous phase because it leaves their audiences untethered to reality and looking for an identity to align with. Like a power vacuum, others will compete to absorb this audience. The only question is, will the good guys act decisively?
I do hope this helps Maggie. If not, please don't hesitate to response seeking more clarity.
Thank you for your patient and careful explanation of NI core values above, Paul. I appreciate your generosity in the time and effort you put into your explanations. m