Humans tell stories for many reasons — to escape, to share struggles, to draw attention to new ideas or fundamental truths. Sometimes we tell stories to be heard and sometimes we tell stories just for ourselves. They allow us to obliquely analyze our neuroses, fears, and desires. Stories simultaneously bring us outside of ourselves and delve deeply into our cores. And during times of crisis, stories become even more imperative, allowing us to engage with others through metaphor, character, and place.
We know this period in human history will be in textbooks for future generations to study. We’re already studying it right now. Political analysts, healthcare professionals, cultural critics, and reporters have created a wealth of content discussing and dissecting 2020’s many crises, and the year is only halfway over. Undoubtedly, art will also result. In fact, many of us spent the last few months crafting creative projects that revolve around the world we’re facing right now.
However, telling stories with the knowledge that they will be forever tied to this “Big Moment in History” can be daunting, almost a deterrent. There’s a pressure to create something specifically meaningful for this time, as if we have to harness an opportunity that won’t last long, a rare chance to reflect such a distinctive period of human existence. In some ways, that’s true.
Yet artists in all times across human existence have faced the challenge of capturing a moment, reflecting and refracting a singular phase of experience, and committing to paper (literally or figuratively) the emotions, thoughts, and conflicts of what was unfolding right in front of them. The intimidation of the blank page — juxtaposed with the overwhelming emotion and action of the reality we seek to embed into that blank page — has paralyzed many a creator.
This is not to diminish the monumental struggles our world is facing as we try to build a healthier, better society. On the contrary, knowing that past artists struggled but still employed their talents to capture, critique, and constantly create the world anew over the centuries should be empowering. Humanity has a history of telling stories through every conceivable challenge and change. Some stories are ugly, some are necessary, some are comforting, and some contain lessons we still need to learn. What remains consistent is that telling stories is vital, to progress, to protest, to healing, to learning, and to remembrance.
One of the greatest but simplest tenets in storytelling is to be honest. Rather than burden your work with the responsibility of crystallizing a moment for all time, just be honest in the clearest terms you can find. While “simple” to one artist means lyricism and poetry, and to another means candor and direct address, the ultimate goal is the same: tell your tale in the truest possible terms. Tell the world what you’re anxious about or dreaming of or fighting against or striving for.
Stories are a natural facet of being human. And right now, the world needs to be reminded of what it means to be human. It needs your stories.