Beware the Narrative

Every now and then I must contend with a word or phrase that comes to mind and just will not go away – at least until acknowledged in writing. The phrase currently pestering my consciousness is: Beware the Narrative.

Webster’s defines “narrative” succinctly as “a spoken or written account of events, a story.” The verb “beware” simply means to be alert to the dangers of something or someone. So, what is up with this free-floating admonition to be alert to the dangers of a story? I have some clues.

Usage of the word “narrative” has become increasingly common, especially within popular media and politics. It is used frequently as a metaphorical basket for the accumulation of opinions, assumptions, and biases that drive agendas – often ideological or political.

Because these narratives evolve rule-free, they often prove false or misleading, or at the very least suffer from a profound absence of objective facts. When given voice by popular media these stories share eerily similar words and phrases as if script-writing gremlins are toying with the mechanics of communication. An unfortunate characteristic of the dubious narrative with its oft collection of biases, bigotry, untethered claims and political misdirection does not dispel. Unlike a scientific hypothesis there is rarely an objective search for validating facts – and never an admission of error.

For example, during the coronavirus pandemic claims that anyone questioning official interpretations or directives were deemed deniers or conspiracists to include those with relevant and demonstrative expertise. Among the litany of official narrative truths never to be questioned included: mask wearing was a highly effective safeguard; natural immunity provided inferior protection; children in the classroom were at high risk; unexplained excess deaths were not occurring; Covid-19 was a naturally occurring virus; and, to believe a Wuhan lab was a possible source of contagion was an act of racism.

There are many other infamous narratives of recent note, some emanating from the political right and some from the political left – the errant narrative is indeed a tool subject to abuse by all.

Given the contemporary nature of the “narrative” the following verse tries to capture its predominate meaning and misuse and give the musings of my conscious permission to move on.

Beware the Narrative

Narrative neither true nor fair,
influence is purpose, always beware.

Mention infects innocents unwary,
growing with each voice willing to carry.

Bearing false witness, no penalty here,
of accountability no reasons to fear.

Ignorance and sloth, it must depend
and critical thought it can never contend.

Validation obscure it must vainly search,
of reality and evidence, it has no perch.

Remember always and forever beware,
Narrative has no mandate true nor fair.

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