Welcome to my weekly update for week -1! It’ll be a fairly brief one because I’m writing it on our lunch break between sessions. I’m currently at Launch in Atlanta, GA, having some final training before I leave for the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, so this will be my last post in the U.S.! I’m here for training for my role as a team storyteller leader, which is related to the topic ethical storytelling pt. 2!
So, I was planning to break this series into three parts, BUT due to us leaving so soon, I’m compressing the rest of the ethical storytelling things into this one blog post. As I mentioned in my previous post, ethical storytelling is something that I’m passionate about. I want to talk to you all about what I’m experiencing on the field in a way that honors others and glorifies the Kingdom through empowering other individuals.
SO here we go!
1. Ethnocentrism
This one is related to my last post on the hero complex. Friends at home and fellow Racers – the things we see in other cultures are going to look completely different than what we experience in the U.S., especially in the developing countries we’ll be going to. However, just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s lesser. The standards and cultural norms of our own culture should not be the standard of evaluation for the others I’m encountering. This is something I’m going to try to be extra aware of as I’m posting, and I ask that you’ll be aware of that as you write and read posts or take and view videos/photos. It’s impossible to not view the world through a lens of our own schemas, but it is very possible (and encouraged) to be aware of that and not measure the value and worth of others and their cultures based on what we know. For example, how other people worship in other countries or express their faith may look different than what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valid. Be excited about and be open (and discerning) to what God is doing outside of the United States.
2. Consent
This is so important! I want to commit to you guys that photos of people and ministries will be posted with the permission (unless it’s a baby, in which case it’ll be a parent or guardian or caretaker’s consent). Please make sure what you share honors and respects others and that you have their permission to share their stories! That’s all on that, but it’s something that I feel very strongly about so I wanted to share that with you all!
That’s all! Okay, I love you guys. I can’t wait to share what the Lord is doing with everyone. And fellow Racers, I’m so excited to read your stories! Share them – God is the ultimate storyteller, and as image bearers and reflectors of the Creator, share what He creates through you, too.
