38: A Story about Telling a Story (about Telling a Story) with Beth Benedix
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Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-27-2019
Abstract
Humans are captivated by stories. Stories draw people in--they take raw facts and infuse them with meaning and significance. But is it acceptable to take the facts of someone’s life and turn them into an entertaining story? Are we, on the other hand, obligated to make stories of human suffering interesting? And what does that actually mean in practice? When is it okay for someone to tell a story that isn't their own? Beth Benedix is a professor of religious studies, world literature and community engagement and in her book Ghost Writer (A Story about Telling a Story), she explores the ethics of narrative. In this episode, we introduce the man at the center of her story, Joe Koenig. He's a Holocaust survivor with an amazing testimony of survival. Beth discusses what it meant to take on telling his story, and the importance of sharing stories of suffering.
Recommended Citation
Price, Eleanor and Wisehart, Christiane, "38: A Story about Telling a Story (about Telling a Story) with Beth Benedix" (2019). Examining Ethics Podcast. 46, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/examining-ethics/46
