3.1 Ethical considerations in rescuing and retelling stories
4 min read•july 29, 2024
Rescuing lost stories involves navigating complex ethical considerations. Storytellers must balance accuracy with sensitivity, addressing concerns and potential harm to individuals or communities. The way stories are framed and presented can significantly impact how people and events are perceived.
Ethical storytelling requires , collaboration with those involved, and thorough research. Storytellers must reflect on their biases, provide context, and consider the broader impact of their work. Responsible dissemination and ongoing learning are crucial for promoting understanding and social justice through storytelling.
Ethical Issues in Historical Storytelling
Potential Ethical Concerns
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- Ethical issues can arise when deciding which stories to uncover and share, as some stories may be sensitive, controversial, or potentially harmful to individuals or communities
- Uncovering stories without the consent or knowledge of those involved raises privacy concerns and can potentially cause emotional distress
- Sharing stories that reveal personal information or identities may put individuals at risk, especially if they are part of vulnerable or marginalized communities (undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals)
- Storytellers must consider the potential consequences of sharing stories, such as the impact on the reputation, safety, or well-being of those involved
Balancing Accuracy and Sensitivity
- Ethical issues may arise when determining the appropriate level of detail to include in a story
- Too much information can potentially violate privacy or cause harm
- Too little information can affect the accuracy and integrity of the narrative
- Storytellers must navigate the balance between providing a comprehensive account and respecting the boundaries and well-being of those involved (survivors of trauma, victims of crime)
Impact of Storytelling Choices
Framing and Representation
- The way a story is framed, contextualized, and presented significantly influences how individuals and communities are perceived by the audience
- The inclusion or exclusion of certain details, perspectives, or voices in a story shapes the narrative and can potentially reinforce stereotypes or biases (portrayal of minority groups, of historical figures)
- The language, tone, and style used in storytelling affects the emotional impact and reception of the story, potentially leading to misinterpretation or misrepresentation
Medium and Accessibility
- The medium chosen for storytelling (written, visual, audio) affects the accessibility and reach of the story, potentially limiting or expanding its impact on different audiences
- Written stories may have a narrower reach compared to visual or audio formats
- Visual stories (documentaries, photographs) can have a powerful emotional impact but may lack context
- Audio stories (podcasts, oral histories) can provide a more intimate and personal experience
- Storytellers must consider how the chosen medium influences the representation and reception of the story across diverse audiences (individuals with disabilities, non-native language speakers)
Strategies for Ethical Storytelling
Informed Consent and Collaboration
- Establishing clear guidelines and protocols for obtaining informed consent from individuals or communities involved in the story helps address privacy and consent issues
- Collaborating with individuals or communities represented in the story ensures their perspectives and experiences are accurately and respectfully portrayed
- Involve them in the storytelling process, from research to final product
- Provide opportunities for them to review and provide feedback on the story
Research and Context
- Conducting thorough research and fact-checking helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of the historical narrative
- Consult multiple sources, including primary documents and expert opinions
- Verify information and claims made in the story
- Providing context and multiple perspectives presents a more comprehensive and balanced representation of the story
- Include background information on the historical period, cultural context, and social issues
- Present diverse viewpoints and experiences related to the story
Self-Reflection and Responsible Dissemination
- Engaging in self-reflection and seeking feedback from diverse sources helps identify and address potential biases or ethical blind spots in the storytelling process
- Examine one's own cultural lens, assumptions, and motivations
- Seek input from individuals with different backgrounds and expertise
- Developing a plan for responsible dissemination of the story, considering the potential impact on individuals and communities, helps mitigate ethical concerns
- Determine appropriate channels and platforms for sharing the story
- Provide trigger warnings or content notes for sensitive material
- Have a plan in place to respond to potential backlash or negative consequences
Responsibilities of Storytellers
Accuracy and Transparency
- Storytellers have a to present historical stories accurately and truthfully, avoiding sensationalism, speculation, or fabrication
- Storytellers must be transparent about their sources, methods, and any limitations or uncertainties in the information presented
- Cite sources and provide references for factual claims
- Acknowledge gaps in knowledge or conflicting accounts
Inclusivity and Impact
- Storytellers should strive to present a balanced and inclusive narrative, incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences when possible
- Include voices and stories from marginalized or underrepresented communities
- Avoid perpetuating dominant narratives or stereotypes
- Storytellers have a responsibility to consider the potential impact of their stories on individuals, communities, and society as a whole
- Reflect on how the story may affect public perception, discourse, and behavior
- Consider the potential for the story to cause harm, trauma, or division
Ongoing Learning and Responsible Use of Platform
- Storytellers should be willing to engage in ongoing learning and dialogue to address ethical concerns and improve their storytelling practices
- Attend workshops, conferences, or training on ethical storytelling
- Seek feedback and engage in discussions with diverse audiences and experts
- Storytellers have a responsibility to use their platform and influence responsibly, promoting understanding, empathy, and social justice through their work
- Use storytelling to shed light on important issues and inspire positive change
- Be mindful of the power and reach of their platform in shaping public opinion and discourse
Key Terms to Review (17)
Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ability or right of individuals or groups to govern themselves and make decisions independently, without external control or interference. This concept emphasizes the importance of self-determination, especially in the context of cultural and personal narratives, allowing voices to be heard and respected in the retelling of stories.
Community ownership: Community ownership refers to the collective control and management of resources, stories, and narratives by a specific group of people or community, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are authentically represented. This concept emphasizes the importance of local participation and consent when it comes to sharing and preserving stories, particularly those that are culturally significant or historically marginalized. By prioritizing community ownership, the ethical implications of storytelling can be addressed, fostering respect and understanding between storytellers and their subjects.
Community-based participatory research: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach that involves researchers and community members collaborating throughout the research process to ensure that the study addresses the community's needs and concerns. This partnership enhances the relevance of the research while promoting ethical practices in collecting and retelling stories, ensuring that the voices of the community are represented authentically.
Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity refers to the awareness, understanding, and respect for the cultural differences and practices of others. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that storytelling and historical narratives are created and shared in ways that honor the traditions, beliefs, and values of the communities being represented.
Ethical review board: An ethical review board, often referred to as an Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met. These boards are crucial in evaluating the potential risks and benefits of a study, ensuring that participants' rights and welfare are protected throughout the research process.
Exploitation: Exploitation refers to the unethical use or manipulation of individuals, cultures, or resources for personal gain or advantage, often without regard for their rights or well-being. In the context of rescuing and retelling stories, exploitation can manifest in the appropriation of narratives from marginalized groups, where their experiences are commodified or distorted for profit or sensationalism.
Guidelines for ethical research: Guidelines for ethical research refer to a set of principles and standards that govern the conduct of research, ensuring that it is carried out in a manner that respects the rights, dignity, and welfare of participants. These guidelines are crucial in contexts where stories are being rescued and retold, as they help researchers navigate sensitive issues related to consent, representation, and potential harm.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in research or storytelling activities after being fully informed about the nature, risks, benefits, and implications of their participation. This concept is crucial in ensuring that participants understand their rights and the potential impacts on their privacy and agency throughout the process of capturing and sharing their stories.
Linda Tuhiwai Smith: Linda Tuhiwai Smith is a prominent Māori scholar known for her work in indigenous research methodologies and the ethical considerations involved in the representation of indigenous peoples' stories. Her influential book, 'Decolonizing Methodologies,' emphasizes the importance of recognizing the colonial histories that impact how indigenous narratives are shared and understood, advocating for research practices that respect and empower indigenous voices.
Marginalization: Marginalization refers to the social process of relegating individuals or groups to the fringes of society, often leading to their voices and experiences being overlooked or ignored. This process can have profound implications on identity, representation, and access to resources, resulting in those affected feeling disconnected from the larger community. Marginalization is crucial when discussing ethical storytelling and historical narratives as it highlights whose stories are told and whose remain unheard.
Narrative ethics: Narrative ethics refers to the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in the process of telling stories, especially those that involve the experiences and perspectives of individuals or groups. This concept emphasizes the importance of representation, truthfulness, and respect for the subjects of the stories, ensuring that their voices are heard while navigating the complexities of their narratives.
Paul Ricoeur: Paul Ricoeur was a French philosopher known for his work in hermeneutics and narrative theory, focusing on how stories shape our understanding of identity and memory. His ideas emphasize the importance of interpretation in retelling stories, bringing ethical considerations to the forefront as he believed narratives play a crucial role in forming both personal and collective identities.
Privacy: Privacy is the right of individuals to keep their personal information and communications confidential and free from unauthorized access or surveillance. It encompasses the control individuals have over their personal data and the expectation that this information will not be disclosed without their consent. Privacy is crucial in discussions about ethics, especially when it comes to how stories are rescued and retold, as it raises important questions about consent, representation, and the potential harm that could come from sharing sensitive information.
Representation: Representation refers to the way in which stories, characters, or events are depicted and presented in various media, influencing how audiences perceive and understand them. It plays a critical role in shaping narratives by determining whose voices are heard, which perspectives are highlighted, and how accurately they reflect the complexities of the human experience.
Responsibility: Responsibility refers to the ethical obligation to act with care and accountability, especially when engaging with the stories of others. In the context of rescuing and retelling narratives, it emphasizes the importance of respecting the source, ensuring authenticity, and being aware of the potential impact on individuals and communities involved in these stories. It involves not just the act of sharing but also understanding the implications and moral duty that come with representing someone else's experiences.
Transparency: Transparency refers to the practice of openly sharing information and processes to foster trust and accountability. This concept is crucial in various fields, as it encourages a clear understanding of the evidence and narratives being presented, promotes ethical storytelling, and enhances the credibility of preserved stories. By ensuring that all steps and sources are visible and understandable, transparency enables a richer engagement with the material and strengthens the overall integrity of storytelling.
Voice: Voice refers to the distinct style and perspective that an individual or community brings to storytelling, which shapes how narratives are expressed and perceived. It encompasses the tone, language, and emotions conveyed in a story, ultimately influencing how audiences connect with the content. In rescuing and retelling stories, voice is crucial for preserving authenticity and respecting the original context, while also ensuring that community engagement is meaningful and inclusive.