I am so thankful for the contributions of Howard Gardner. While his work on multiple intelligences is helpful, I am more recently intrigued by the simplicity that he brings to the topic of changing minds. In Changing Minds: The Art And Science of Changing Our Own And Other People’s Minds (Leadership for the Common Good)
- Reason – logical argument
- Research – data, observations, case studies
- Resonance – sounds and feels right
- Redescription –content is presented in a variety of ways
- Rewards and Resources – sufficient rewards or punishments for mind change
- Real World Events – significant changes in the world
- Resistance Overcome – understand why one would resist the idea and then work to overcome that
My first reaction to the list was concern. These could definitely be used in an unethical manner. They could be used to hide truth as much as to reveal it, for personal gain rather than the common good.
My second reaction was intrigue and acceptance. These are the things that change our minds. As an educator I have long accepted the fact that I am in the business of changing minds. That doesn’t have to mean indoctrination, but it does mean that I have the responsibility to influence the thoughts of others: from a student with no interest in reading to one who is skilled and enjoys reading, from one with limited self-confidence to one who has the courage to set and strive toward high goals, from one who doesn’t see the value of history or science to one who understands the value and nature of thinking like an historian or scientist… This is mind change.
And so it is with film and digital storytelling. We tell our stories for a reason, and we often hope to influence others with our stories. Perhaps the goal is to heighten awareness about a specific issue. Whatever the case, we want at least some who hear our stories to find value in them, to be inspired by them, to be freed by them, to be informed or delighted by them. In these cases, perhaps Gardner’s ideas might serve as a guide, just as they might for a persuasive speech or a political campaign.
I know that there are other reasons to tell stories. We tell them because we can’t keep them inside, for personal healing, and for artistic expression. But, at least sometimes, we tell them to influence others.
