Findings

“When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.” Children are affected by what they see around them, and it helps them to grow.

"This is why we need storytelling. You don’t need to come into physical or electronic contact outside your ideological comfort zone...With storytelling, we can experience the thrill of “the other,” yet remain safe."

"Stories - whether through books, TV/film, people we know, or other sources - are powerful for learning and understanding. They are like windows that open up into others’ lives, mirrors that allow us to see pieces of ourselves in others, and sliding doors that help us apply what we learn to everyday life."

"Theater is more than entertainment; it is a vital way to build psychological skills — especially empathy, or our ability to share, understand and care about others’ emotions."

"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story."

- Chimamanda Adichie

"Stories are everywhere, and if there was a danger in the telling of one tired old tale, then I think there has got to be lots to celebrate about the flourishing of so many stories and so many voices."

– Sisonke Msimang

View From Here explores one topic at a time, asking questions, connecting community, listening, learning and seeking solutions to tell compelling personal stories that transcend regular journalism.

"Just as in real life, the worlds of literary fiction are replete with complicated individuals whose inner lives are rarely easily discerned but warrant exploration."