Narrative Vs. Authenticity

In our context lecture last week we watched a lecture about the theory of using narrative to affect authenticity both positively and adversely.

It was argued that narrative can make people more authentic, and therefore we must stride to be as authentic as possible which will guide us down a particular path, and this path should raise constant questions about who we are, as we should always be learning and discovering new things. Authenticity is transformation process which will come from life's struggles, achievements, barriers and decisions. Stories supposedly show the real us, in comparison to opinions, which, particularly in the modern day and age, can easily be influenced and moulded. I think this is an interesting point, and I see where they are coming from, stories show what we have done and therefore what decisions we wanted to make at the time, showing a more authentic self. Opinions are usually constructed from what we hear. However I personally also believe that stories are often altered to make us seem better, therefore being truthful but surely be the key element to authenticity. Opinions may be influenced but at least they are constructed to represent what we believe.


Another interesting point raised was that authenticity is an ideal that can only be achieved by basically living life to the full as it comes. Opposed to worrying about the future, in terms of possibilities and opportunities. It was stated that we should be living in objectively and just living life as we are, fragmented by our daily routines and experiences. This is another good point raised which makes basically says we shouldn't dwell on the past or future too much. Just to live out life normally, then we learn what we expect from our lives, learn from our mistakes and push forward to our ideal all at the same time.