What Is Really 'Mainstream' and 'Narrative'?

If you think mainstream narratives are simply about what doesn't align with your beliefs, think again.

We often hear about the mainstream and the narrative. The problem is we don't do a good job understanding what they actually mean -- and some people like to think both refer to "whatever doesn't agree with my views."

If we are going to understand these terms, we first need to understand that "mainstream" and "narrative" are not based on one's politics, philosophies and theories.

"Mainstream" is best described as what dominates the public discourse. "Narrative" is best described as how the discourse gets framed.

What becomes "mainstream" often depends on what's going to keep power for those who have it. Those who don't have that power fight against the mainstream for this reason.

However, what should happen when those who fight against the ones in power, suddenly gain the power? As history has shown, they mostly want to keep it for themselves. Hence, those fighting against the ones in power are going to form their own narratives and, should they gain power, they thus become the mainstream.

This is the reason why I don't buy into the argument that whatever is "mainstream" isn't the truth, while what is called “alternative” is the truth. There can be elements of truth to whatever is mainstream. However, those in power are sometimes hesitant to let all the truth be known.

Thus, they go about constructing narratives. When they construct a narrative based on real-life events, the narrative can include facts and evidence, but it often leaves out key points or lacks context.

But the same can be said for those who don't have the power. They, too, can opt to construct a narrative which includes facts and evidence -- and, in this case, facts and evidence that counter what the mainstream narrative happens to be. However, they also will leave out key points or not use context.

When it comes to journalism, a narrative can be followed whether one works for the mainstream or for an alternate news site. That's because every news outlet seeks to cultivate an audience. Without the audience, the news outlet won't last.

It's true there are those who seek different means to stay in business. Some use advertising to stay in business while others are more reliant on subscriptions or donations. And while it's true the former tends to cater more to major corporations -- particularly with the demise of so many local news outlets -- the latter must be wary of falling into a similar trap of presenting material simply to appease its subscribers or donors.

So how can you, the person who consumes the media, become a better consumer of the product and do a better job of sorting things out? I can give three bits of advice.

First, don't consume the same product, over and over. You are far less likely to get the full picture when you pick one product and consume it, than you are if you seek out multiple outlets, whether they would be “mainstream” or “alternate.”

One of the worst things you can do is pick a 24-7 news outlet and simply leave it on. Better instead to watch, say, an hour of a particular program, then shut it off or change the channel.

The same thing applies to cultivating your social media feeds. Remember that their algorithms are designed to keep showing you the same thing, over and over. Follow a variety of people who don't always think in the same ways to get an idea about discourse, and thus a better chance of getting the big picture.

Also, don’t just subscribe to the newsletters or follow the websites of those who run counter to the mainstream, just to prove you are against the mainstream. You can fall into the same trap that exists with following the mainstream — getting some facts and evidence, but not everything to get the full picture.

Second, beware of anybody who engages in a lot in self promotion. The types who brag about their follower count or their subscriber base are less interested in presenting information and more interested in talking about themselves.

Be careful about those who claim they know "the truth" as well. People who want you to think will simply present their evidence and allow you to consider it. They will not tell you that this is "the truth" because a person who wants you to think will not declare the conclusion has been made -- a person who wants you to think will let you draw a conclusion.

Third, the beliefs that should be questioned the most are your own. Therefore, seek people who challenge your beliefs, rather than affirm them.

If you don't look for people who will question what you are thinking, then you fall into the trap of seeking comfort rather than insight. A person who is willing to sit down and have a discussion, even if you don't always agree with the person, will give you more insight than a person who tells you "that's right" in response to everything you say.

And remember that one doesn't have to be mainstream in order to follow a narrative. No matter what one discusses, there's always going to be something left out, whether by oversight or by intent. Continue to ask questions, no matter how strongly you believe in something.