Immersive narratives such as novels, movies, television shows, and video games can play an essential role in shaping the values and beliefs that adolescents hold about their world. These stories provide powerful insights into human nature and society, helping readers to understand how people interact with each other in different contexts. In particular, they can offer valuable lessons about relational ethics, diversity, and power dynamics.
When young people read or watch immersive fiction, they may learn about the importance of respecting others' boundaries, celebrating differences, and recognizing how power structures influence interactions between individuals. This article will explore some ways in which immersive narratives can impact these topics and provide suggestions for parents, educators, and other adults who want to help adolescents develop positive attitudes toward them.
Immersive narratives can teach adolescents about relational ethics. Relational ethics refers to the principles and guidelines that govern interpersonal relationships, including mutual respect, empathy, and consent. By presenting characters with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, immersive stories can show teens how to appreciate differences and engage in productive dialogue.
A novel like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas explores police violence against Black communities through the eyes of Starr Carter, a biracial girl from a poor neighborhood who navigates two very different worlds: her mostly white private school and her predominantly Black community. As she struggles with her own identity and grapples with the trauma of witnessing a friend's death at the hands of the police, Starr learns to stand up for what is right and speak out against injustice. Through this story, readers can gain insight into how prejudice can affect everyday life and why it is important to advocate for social change.
Immersive narratives can promote diversity awareness. Diversity includes many factors, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, age, and economic class. By featuring a range of characters with distinct identities, immersive stories can encourage young people to celebrate difference rather than view it as something to fear or avoid.
The popular TV show Stranger Things features a main character named Eleven who has telekinetic powers due to involuntary exposure to experimental radiation during childbirth. Although she experiences discrimination because of her unusual abilities, Eleven also serves as a heroine who helps others overcome their challenges and saves the day. This show sends a message that all individuals have unique strengths and should be valued equally, regardless of their differences.
Immersive narratives can provide insights about power dynamics. Power structures are hierarchies that determine who holds authority over whom in a given situation. They can take many forms, from legal systems to corporations to families. By depicting these relationships between characters, immersive fiction can help adolescents understand how power imbalances can affect interactions between people. In HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, which follows several noble houses vying for control of Westeros, viewers witness how those in positions of power often abuse their influence to serve their own interests. The story highlights the consequences of corruption, such as when a ruthless king murders his entire family to consolidate his reign. This type of storyline can prompt teens to consider whether they want to wield power responsibly if they ever find themselves in a position of authority.
Immersive narratives offer rich opportunities for exploring relational ethics, diversity, and power dynamics. By reading or watching stories that feature complex characters with diverse backgrounds, teenagers can gain valuable insights into human nature and society. Adults interested in supporting young people's growth can use immersive media as a starting point for discussions about these topics.
Parents could ask questions like "How do you think Eleven feels about being different?" or "What lessons did Starr learn about justice and activism?" Parents and educators should also model healthy relationship skills by treating all individuals respectfully and acknowledging their unique perspectives.
By engaging with immersive stories, adolescents can become more empathetic and responsible citizens who value equity and integrity.
How do immersive narratives in literature and media influence adolescents' understanding of relational ethics, diversity, and power dynamics?
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the impact of immersive narratives on young people's understanding of relational ethics, diversity, and power dynamics. These types of stories can provide valuable insights into how individuals from different backgrounds interact with each other, how stereotypes are formed and perpetuated, and how power imbalances manifest themselves in various social contexts.