Future Hindsight Storytelling For Change: Shanelle Matthews
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Nov 20, 2025 Chanel Matthews, a movement communicator and narrative strategist, discusses the transformative power of storytelling in social movements. She defines narrative power and its importance in shaping beliefs and policies. Chanel analyzes how dominant ideologies like capitalism influence narratives and examines the impact of post-9/11 narratives on state violence. She highlights Zohran Mamdani's messaging as a successful case study and urges listeners to share their stories and engage locally to challenge cultural hegemony. Her insights provide hope for future political movements.
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Storytelling Shapes Power
- Narrative power shapes beliefs and worldviews through storytelling in society.
- Stories govern decisions and materially shape people's lives and democratic outcomes.
War On Terror Built Repressive Infrastructure
- The war on terror created a boogeyman that justified expanded surveillance and state violence.
- That carceral infrastructure was later used to suppress domestic movements like Black Lives Matter.
Pair Clear Messages With Doorstep Organizing
- Do disciplined messaging anchored in inclusive principles to build broad coalitions.
- Combine simple policy asks with door-to-door organizing and principled answers to hard questions.
