#1: Theory of Stories

In the Theory for beginners the author analyzes human race and the changes it makes as it evolves over time.  He feels very strongly that the experiences we have throughout life directly result in forming our perception of the world. The author used the word "Islam" in order to explain how distorted someones assumption of a word could be. Since 9/11 the this powerful five letter word has been morphed from being a real thought to a contingent idea.  When I searched the word "Islam", it led me to find out about "Islamic Relief". This is group that responds and acts in the Islam values in order to minimize the suffering of the worlds poor.  In modern day society people associate this word with "fear" and "terrorism". This shows what a biased opinion could disguise a saint into being a helper of the devil.

The author states that "It might make less sense that one group should monopolize society's wealth for themselves while another, equally talented but less well-born or well-educated, languish in prison, the victims of poverty".  This idea proves indeed that we are born into a predictable life.  A life where it is easy to manipulate what someone thinks when they hear certain words and how to manipulate what a person thinks their role in life is.  If you are born rich you will stay rich and play a easier role in life.  On the other hand if you are born poor you will have to work harder in life to be considered equal to the born rich.  People today don't argue this law they abide by it and live the life they were choose by their ancestors. Not only does it place you in a economical group but it imposes norms like the one we the author explained about Islam and the Middle East.  These norms I have caught myself believing without having any background information behind the subject.

The author effectively turned me into a firm believer on the idea. Cultural stories not only impose norms but also help out grow out of the useless old norms we once made sense out of.  In conclusion I think stories are important tools that help create diversity in norms, culture, and belief throughout the world.  Without these tools everyone has the potential of being just alike and what fun would that ever be.