Welcome to another insightful discussion in our series on the pillars of supremacy culture. Today, I'll be guiding you through the nuances of "Worship of the Written Word". As we reflect on the recent Thanksgiving holiday, we can recognize this as a time steeped in tradition and often centered around stories and expressions of gratitude, it is also an opportune moment to consider this particular pillars impact on our understanding of the Thanksgiving story based on our shared education here in the US (read as indoctrination).
The written word in this context is quite often in contrast with our indigenous ways of spoken heritage and familial lore. This juxtaposition invites us to question and explore how our reverence for written communication is often at the expense of other diverse forms of communication, knowledge and lived experiences, which opens us up to collective memory and reconnection.
This pillar, though often overlooked, plays a significant role in how knowledge, communication, and legitimacy are perceived and valued in our society. "Worship of the Written Word" not only shapes our professional and educational environments but also our cultural and familial gatherings. My wish is that as we ponder the stories shared at our tables, we realize the power and beauty of oral traditions and the diverse ways in which we connect and understand our world and begin to challenge this pillar in various ways.
Introduction: The Primacy of the Written Word
Exploring Our Deep-Rooted Bias Towards Text
The 'Worship of the Written Word' pillar reflects a cultural bias that places a high value on written documentation and formal language, often at the expense of other forms of communication. This preference can lead to the marginalization of those who communicate through other means.
The Power of the Pen
Understanding the Elevated Status of Written Communication
In many aspects of our society, written communication is held in the highest regard, often to the exclusion or diminishment of other forms of communication, knowledge and shared information. This bias towards the written word is not just about preference; it's a cultural norm that can marginalize those who communicate differently, and have a very different account of written events historical or personal.