Sunday, November 7, 2010

New Age Stories

I truly enjoy good stories, both to narrate and read. Something to stimulate the gray cells is always welcome.

But these days the word ‘story’ is being used rather loosely. Every advertising hoarding, news paper article etc has the word story mentioned. We have the ‘India growth story’, ‘Infrastructure Story’, ‘Power story’. I can go on and list many more.
It makes me wonder if these are stories at all. Writing something which follows the straight line of rationality is not what I would term as a ‘story’. In the new age we are sold these stories. Rationality simplified, created on a spreadsheet and sold over the counter, bit cold too.

A story (fiction or real) must have some elements of irrationality, some unexpected elements. It must bring some zing into the reader's mind. It would be great if the words can create a strong visual appeal.

I think 'story' would be India's word of the year 2010, but I hope its not in 2011.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

For me story is something which is not true. has to lack rationale. be it a star wars or stuant little! now thats a story! incidents happening in real life are "sagas"
I work in finance, and there is no story behind Indian Infra/Pharma/Power or any other sector.

As kids stories facinated us. hence the term used today, "story". because the minute we hear this word, our eyes and hearts lighten up. and we are intrigued into the anonymity with a hope of having a fun, exciting and a happy earfull!

randomthoughts said...

I agree. Stories should light up your eyes, create a feeling of excitement...

Anonymous said...

are u sure really agree or your just saying that? when is the next blog coming up?