Fiction Is Where…

CEFR Level B2-C1

Words, especially in fiction, were how I learned about myself and the world outside my context. Fiction is where I learned that other people felt what I felt and those feelings were called "anger" and "I don't fit in." Fiction is where I learned that life is usually better when you say what's true for you, even if saying it causes tension and conflict. Fiction is where I learned that just because a friendship doesn't last your whole life long, that doesn't mean the friendship wasn't real and the natural end of a friendship doesn't take away from how meaningful the relationship was. Fiction is where I stopped breathing in horror and when I started breathing again could only say, "God, we need you." Fiction taught me the human impact of history far more than any history class or biography ever has.*

Fiction is where I learned that what I thought was in the past is actually in the present. Fiction is where I learned that even in the US, children go hungry and homeless. 

Fiction is where I learned that not everyone holds the same values as I do and they are still okay, even thriving. Fiction is where I learned that emotional hurt gets better when you share with others. Fiction is where I learned that people will still like you, even if you aren’t perfect. 

Fiction is where I read a scene from a Muslim girls’ study group that used the exact same phrases as were used in my Christian girls’ study group. The only difference was which text was used as authoritative scripture supporting our conclusions. Fiction is where I learned about the 1850 Massacre of Aleppo and once again learned that once someone believes another is a problem, even people who were previously friendly can turn into tormentors. Fiction is where I learned about the persecution of Italian immigrants in Louisiana, including the 1891 lynchings, recognized the same arguments against immigrants today, and feared for what seemingly good humans are capable of doing to others.

Fiction is where I learned what it is to be more fully human. Fiction inspired me to experiment and adapt and question. Because of fiction, I am more tolerant of people who are different from me, I have a more satisfying social life, I have better emotional and mental health, and I have stronger conversation skills.

Those people who are afraid of stories? They’re right to be afraid. Stories do shape us. 

But it isn’t just stories. All those things I said fiction did for me? That wouldn’t have happened without my parents encouraging me to read and demonstrating that reading is desirable by reading themselves. Fiction would have had to work harder if I hadn’t already been trained to have a curious mindset. Fiction may not have changed me if I hadn’t experienced social awkwardness and used the resilience and persistence given me by my parents to go out and find a solution. Stories matter, but so do the people in our lives. Instead of fear, I suggest education based on curiosity, fact, experimentation, and adaptation. If something is true and right and good, it won’t be destroyed by exploration. In fact, I think it will only be strengthened.

*This is a re-print of a comment I published on a Greens and Cornbread post.