We
grasp the past in stories. We frame our understanding of history in the stories
historians tell.
There’s
a school of thought that human history is largely shaped by single individuals.
Thus, some speak not of the perennial evil current that is antisemitism, or of
the German people in the middle of the twentieth century, but of “Hitler.”
Hitler did this, and Hitler did that, and it’s all because of Hitler.
I
remember reading a book (wish I could remember the title) where someone was
bent on inventing time travel so he could go back in time and kill baby Hitler
in his crib, before this baby would grow up and wreak havoc. I can’t remember if
in the story the protagonist succeeds (=alternative history) but another baby
grows up to stand in Adolph Hitler’s stead, or if the attempt fails. It was one
or the other, because we know what did in fact happen.
A
similar theme is in a graphic novel, Bodies,
by Si Spencer, now made into an eight-part
filmed series. It was interesting to
watch, and as wrongheaded as can be.
The
lone savior/lone villain who can either save the world or destroy it is the
basis not only of every superhero comic, but of all stories going back to the Bible
and before.
For
this reason, the multitude accept politicians who state a variation of “I alone
can fix it.” It sounds preposterous to most thinking people, but we have been
conditioned to frame our understanding of reality in this way.
All
this is a reminder to storytellers. Storytellers have a responsibility for the
ages. Our protagonists struggle to overcome and do right. But as they do, is humanity
saved?
Even
in kidlit, there is a stream of “kid saves the world.” (Think Harry Potter)
Blimey
if I never write such stories, despite publishing professionals constant urging
to “up the stakes.” I’m a big proponent of stories where an individual changes
their own perspective or helps a person near them.
A
Messiah is one because their teaching lights a way of being to individuals.
Save
me from the save-the-world ones. We keep telling their stories, and the world
is clearly not saved.
