Storytelling, as I’m sure Mark Twain the author of the quote, “History doesn’t repeat itself. At best it sometimes rhymes.” would agree, has had a long tradition throughout the ages. Ceremonial, historical, educational, and always purposeful, storytelling has seen changes through the medium used, yet has remained a staple of our society. Through the sharing of stories, whether factual, fictional or fractured, the human race has continued to communicate messages through the use of verbal and written stories.
How has storytelling been rekindled through the digital age? This tradition reaches all people throughout history while presently allowing us to maintain an archive of data for generations to come. The utilization of the internet through many sites which sponsor digital storytelling efforts have recently been highlighted as useful tools of expression, reflection and documentation of our lives. This allows for a more amateur effort of storytelling to take place, and encourages the rejuvenation of the storytelling process.
Considering that we all have a story to tell, the internet and the tools with which to share, have given voice to many more, has allowed listeners a wider range of content, and has brought the world of stories to everyone with internet capabilities.
So, what will the next 5,000 days of internet bring? One can image the power of stories, which have historically been used to communicate understanding of the world around us, brought to life and shared throughout the world as a universal understanding of one another’s experience. We can hope that the power to communicate our stories across the globe can bring us closer to understanding, tolerance, acceptance and peace.
Jeannine,
ReplyDeleteOur responses are very similar. Mine took into consideration the notion that information was passed from generation to generation by mouth (stories) until the written language was developed. What do you think the next step is in story telling and will we be aropund to experience it?
John R.
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ReplyDeleteJeannine,
ReplyDeleteI just made a comment on John’s blog that relates directly to your last sentence. I see the Internet, social networking, and e-learning to be conduits for communication and collaboration between people from many different countries and cultures. It still amazes me that I can have classmates and work on cooperative projects with them while we are thousands of miles apart. There are many dangers inherent in the Internet, social networking, and Second Life, but I believe the previously impossible opportunity for people worldwide to form friendships and collaborative relationships is priceless.
Lisa