AI Flashcards Lecture 6
What are narratives?
Stories that convey ideologies, beliefs, and worldviews, using elements like emotions, humour, symbolism, and metaphors.
What are the different types of narratives?
Personal, organizational, cultural, and master narratives.
What are master narratives?
Narratives deeply embedded in a culture, providing patterns for social structure and communication frameworks.
What is narrative criminology?
The study of how storytelling contributes to crime, upholding laws, and desistance from harmful acts.
What is the 3N model of narratives?
A model that links Narrative, Needs, and Network to explain phenomena like conspiracy theories.
What are the narrative elements of conspiracy theories?
A grievance, a culprit, a secretive element linking to violence, and the idea that regular strategies are insufficient.
What are some common narrative plots used in storytelling?
Rags to riches, quest, voyage and return, overcoming the monster, tragedy, comedy, and rebirth.
What are common narrative themes in violent groups?
Malevolent ‘Other’, us vs. them, victimhood, injustice, heroism, belonging, justice, and rightfulness.
What are examples of narratives used by violent groups?
Historical narratives (re-establishing old norms through violence), territorial narratives (reclaiming land through violence), and gender/masculinity narratives (violent responses to perceived repression).
How does the Islamic State (IS) use narratives in its propaganda?
IS narratives often focus on injustice (e.g., military interventions, detention of Muslims), historical links (e.g., the Crusades), and us vs. them thinking, portraying the ‘Other’ as evil and threatening.
How does IS propaganda promote a positive group identity?
It uses terms like ‘lions of the Islamic State,’ ‘heroes of jihad,’ and ‘brave warriors’ to foster a sense of belonging and brotherhood.
What are some stylistic elements of narratives in violent groups?
Mixing fundamental and trivial content, exaggerating differences, using sentimentality, hyperboles, metaphors, positive framing (e.g., ‘freedom fighters’), in-group language, and plural pronouns.
What is the role of aesthetics in violent narratives?
Violent narratives can function as aesthetic texts, inspiring and shaping culture, with their appeal extending beyond just the content of their messages.
How do subcultural approaches explain violent extremism?
They view jihadism as an aesthetic or subculture, with elements like ‘jihadi-cool,’ rap music, and gamification attracting individuals.
What is eco-fascism?
An ideology that uses climate breakdown to justify fascist views, advocating for localism, purity, anti-technology, and fear of external influence.
