When asked what he learned from telling his story “Do you want the truth?”
“Yes”
“I was disappointed with the final story..it wasn’t the story I wanted to tell…it’s not my story”
“They” had filmed Jonathon for two hours. He runs the community garden in downtown Seattle. “They” edited down to 20 minutes and then asked Jonathon to edit down to a two minute story.
He agonized to get it just right only to be told it was wrong.
“They said the story had to be about public safety” About the condoms and needles that are found in the garden..about how the lack of lighting makes the space unsafe.
The “they “ are the program staff and the story they want to tell is real and true and may get more funding for the garden. The story Jonathon wanted to tell was the story of what the garden has taught him about family and community..how it brings people together and connects them with “home” Most of the gardeners are in their 70’s and from Asia. This is the place they can connect to the earth and grow the food from their childhood.
What stories do we tell? Who owns the story? What happens if you feel the more compelling story is different than the one the storyteller crafts? Is there a way to honor both stories?
There should be a way to tell his story with a public safety frame - I felt more compelled to his story, what he learned, and how it builds community - like you say Julie, 'they' should have left his story and put an 'imagine if...'
ReplyDeleteI can only hope we are covering this base with our 'community launch' efforts!
Great job with the photos Julie! I love this story behind the story. Really illustrates a key challenge. I agree there is a way for his story to stay authentic AND get the drop off "they" need for the sustainability policy. Or maybe "they" have their own story to tell themselves or need to find a storyteller who has lived that story too. A collection of stories that all point toward the need for the garden are more effective than a bunch with the same angle.
ReplyDeleteWhere is this? Where are you?
I look forward to hearing more about when you get back...
ReplyDeleteTo me, the stories that matter, matter precisely because they are authentic, from deep inside, and that's why they guide our behavior and why they have the power to connect.
I hope we never try to make "one story" out of the complex issues we deal with. Because we never know what angle, or what story will motivate someone to step up and get involved.