Websters define a ‘myth’, first and foremost as- ‘a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people’.
The secondary definition of the word as something that's ‘unfounded’ or ‘a false notion’, coming later.
When we talk about ‘busting’ myths, the common assumption would be that we’re referring to myths in the contemporary sense- but can we really discuss one, without acknowledging the other?
Many ‘myths’ serve as the scaffolding that supports peoples’ world views, for better or for worse. Tearing down these structures, even when it’s ultimately for the greater good in the long term, can have deleterious effects.
Cultures across the world are held together, often successfully, by the power of myth- this attests to the strength of the stories we tell ourselves.
Being confronted with conflicting information, being ‘shown the light’ (the intention, I’m sure, of many a social media mythbuster), can be the catalyst of a powerful transformative process, but in the immediate wake of the revelation- this can be a troubling and confusing time for some.
How we approach this process is pivotal if we truly care about the message we’re trying to spread, and this is where I think the waters get murky- are you tearing down the old to make room for the new? Or simply to bolster your own beliefs and station?
Are you here to convert, or destroy?
When we push people to confront the destruction of one or more of their world views, we have two choices- we can either support them on their path to accepting a new ‘truth’, or we can leave them in our dust, only looking back to offer insults and belittlement at their seeming inability to embrace ‘the facts’.
This dichotomy and the subsequent path you choose, speaks volumes to your character and intentions. Taking the latter approach can leave people embittered and confused, it can also galvanise their beliefs, entrenching them deeper and deeper into the very swamp you claim to be attempting to pull them out of.
Some beliefs may seem archaic, even ridiculous to you- but to many they may provide comfort, clarity and a compass to help them navigate through difficult times.
Yes, we can bulldozer down the scaffolding. In many cases these structures have become unsafe, even perilous for those who still use them, but take it from someone who has seen scaffolding collapse both literally and metaphorically- removing it carefully, from the top down, with the aim of rebuilding a better, safer framework will lead to the enrichment of everyone concerned.
What’s more important to you- the message or the messenger?
AT