NCP

Narrative Check Protocol

Identify when you're being pulled into a predetermined story.

Estimated time: 50 seconds

Protocol Steps

  1. 1

    Notice: What story is being told here?

    ~10s
  2. 2

    Identify: Who are the heroes and villains?

    ~10s
  3. 3

    Question: What's left out of this story?

    ~15s
  4. 4

    Invert: How would the "villain" tell this story?

    ~15s

When to Use

  • When content creates clear good/evil divisions
  • When you feel righteous indignation
  • When a story perfectly confirms your existing beliefs

Common Failure Modes

  • Assuming that seeing the narrative makes you immune
  • Only applying this to "the other side"
  • Confusing narrative skepticism with cynicism

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