In heritage interpretation, point of view is more than just a perspective; it’s a lens through which stories are told and understood. Every interpreter brings their own background, beliefs, and biases to their work, consciously or unconsciously. Some biases are clear—our personal beliefs, social perspectives, or views on fairness and justice. These biases influence the points of view we hold and how we choose to structure a story, which aspects we emphasize, and how our audience perceives the subject matter.
Implicit biases, however, operate below our conscious awareness. They are unconscious attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that can shape our understanding and decisions. Even with the best intentions, an interpreter might unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or omit vital perspectives, leading to a skewed representation of history or culture. Recognizing these biases is the first step toward crafting balanced and inclusive narratives.
To use point of view effectively, interpreters can start by acknowledging that no interpretation is neutral. Instead of presenting a single "official" story, identify and share multiple perspectives. When interpreting a historic site, for example, consider the voices of those who lived, worked, or were impacted by the events—taking into account gender, race, immigration status, class, religion, education, and cultural background. Sometimes, these viewpoints may conflict, each valid yet contrasting sharply with another. The interpreter's role is to keep the conversation open, helping audiences understand differing perspectives without needing to choose a "correct" one.
Storytelling and dialogue can also help audiences empathize with why people hold different views. Stories humanize the subject matter, allowing people to see themselves within the narrative. When building a program, aim to represent each perspective authentically, ensuring that someone who holds that view would feel accurately portrayed—regardless of your own beliefs.
By juxtaposing diverse stories and fostering open discussions, you create opportunities for listeners to express their thoughts and challenge assumptions. The ideal outcome? Someone saying, “I never thought of it that way.”
Embracing multiple points of view, being mindful of bias, and fostering inclusivity can lead to richer, more meaningful experiences. Every story has many sides, and the most engaging interpretations are those that give them all a voice.
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