Blog Post 2

It is important to recognize that every culture, continent, nation, country, city and individual have their own narrative's. The world is filled with different layers of narratives that unite and separate people into specific categories. First of all, a narrative is a story agreed upon by a group of people that provides an explanation for how the world works--giving meaning to human life (37). Thus, the layers of a narrative can be described as qualities that unite and separate people into a specific narrative. In addition, people do not necessarily belong to one narrative, but many narratives that ultimately create a unique narrative that is complimentary to that individual 

Each individual belongs to many narratives that separate or unite them from other individuals. For example, I am a college student which unites me with every other college student in the world. However, stating that I am college student at the U of MN Twin Cities removes everyone from my narrative that is not a college student at the U of MN Twin Cities. Thus, the qualities of being a college student versus being a college student at the U of MN Twin Cities refines my narrative to be more specific to me. The narrative of being a college at the U of MN provides a deeper understanding of my narrative because it is more specific. In addition, I can have a better understanding of everyone else's narrative at the U of MN because we have common qualities that make us apart of the same narrative. Thus, I would be able to identify with their struggles and successes better than someone who attends the University of Arizona. However, they're many more narratives that would come to separate me from everyone else at the U of MN, which is what makes my narrative unique to me.    

Next, understanding the narratives you are apart of can further your understanding of the common good. Recognizing the variations in narratives and being open minded to all narratives can lead to less conflicts in communication  and perhaps a better understanding to the meaning of human life. Often times, conflicts arise when contrasting narratives meet face to face because the fact that one persons narrative is different from anthers creates a hostile environment. Thus, this leads to shaming, dehumanization, murder, war and many other negative effects. Yes, no two people will ever have the exact same narrative and their will always be times when people disagree, but people do have control over their reactions to different narratives. In all, how individuals manage their personal narrative ultimately effects their life and their understanding of the common good--creating particular guidelines for their actions (37).       

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