Framing the Narrative

I was incredibly fortunate, as I’ve noted multiple times, to have several excellent writing instructors in my life. In addition to basic grammar and syntax, they spent time on stylistic elements that, when implemented, transform writing. One of those is framing the narrative – how you choose and present the information to support your argument. Developing that skill aided me enormously in college and beyond – it strengthened my voice as a writer and as a debater. I stop and consider – even for a split second – how I am framing my narrative. It also influenced my choice of history as a profession – I was interested to explore how different people look at the same set of facts and come away with such radically different interpretations – how they frame their narratives. 

As more information comes out, it is obvious that various news outlets and political figures are using this technique – framing the narrative. Mainstream media across the globe, with the exception of Fox News, is united in presenting the events of the last week as an attempted coup, aided and abetted by the POTUS and perhaps other highly placed political appointees as well as elected officials. This is supported with a seemingly endless stream of videos, tweets, and social media posts of “patriots” ruthlessly assaulting police officers while looting and desecrating the nation’s capitol. Tech giants and corporations are exercising their discretion as private companies, invoking the terms of service to limit their exposure to the illegal, unconstitutional, violent behavior of the President and his followers. Congress must act swiftly and decisively to punish the President and the insurrectionists to not only set a precedent, but to preserve our democracy. 

The supporters of the President look at that same information and frame it as a First Amendment issue. It wasn’t a coup – it was a First Amendment protest that got out of hand. These aren't criminals – they are patriots, exercising their right to assemble, protest, and petition who got swept up in the moment. Private companies are stifling free speech in violation of the Bill of Rights. He learned his lesson – he’ll behave. He leaves office in X number of days – to impeach or censure would just further divide.

How did we get to such very different places? That’s a question that historians will debate for decades but there is something more pressing. How can we prevent the false narrative from becoming the dominant narrative?

Many elected representatives, former government figures, and media are pushing back – refusing to allow that reframing, deliberately phrasing questions and answer to hammer home the fact that this was a coup. This is what happened. This is why we must do something in response. If we don’t – it is a very real possibility that we will descend into a fascist dictatorship. That must continue. Individuals need to do the same – if you see or hear such language from friends, family, and co-workers – push back. Yeah – they’ll get upset. They may unfriend you or stop speaking to you – but it is imperative that the majority, and that’s what we are, push back. Not controlling the narrative is one reason we are where we are. (That’s a whole other missive!)

One talking point of the false narrative that is particularly irritating to me is the idea that there is only one response, that we can’t follow more than one avenue.…. NO. 

Yes. We. Can.

We can impeach. We can censure. We can hold a trial in the Senate. We can fight the pandemic. We can start the process of rebuilding our decimated bureaucratic infrastructure (another missive!) We can walk and chew gum at the same time. It won’t be quick, or easy, or clean. Most significant change is not and in the moment, it looks too daunting to attempt. And that is the moment we face now – a daunting challenge, and opportunity, to once and for all fulfill our nation’s promises.