Myth and the New Myth Makers

These past weeks, I’ve been rewatching the Bill Moyer, Joseph Campbell’s “Power of Myth” interviews. The series talks about the importance of myth in culture and the role that myths play in personal development. Through the use of metaphor, Myths can be especially effective in communicating and developing one’s “inner experience” which is so hard to communicate in an explicit way. Media today (movies, video games, etc.) have the potential to transform just as the myths of the past. Add to that today’s Internet culture in which the lines between content creator, publisher, and consumer are becoming increasingly blurred with video games as immersive interactive experiences and…. Look out!

As a media producer, an educator, and a learner, the “Power of Myth” series was inspirational at both a professional and personal level and I highly recommend it to anyone who is involved in creating media or on a personal development path. I’ve also got a few books including “A Short History of Myth” by Karen Armstrong which also address the role of myth during the “Ascent of Man” (another great video series). While I’m at it, “How Art Made the World” is another great series that looks at Art’s influences in the development of society. From a personal development level though, “Power of Myth” is where it’s at!

We are planning a workshop on “Meaningful Media” for mid-next year to be held in Hong Kong. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested in getting involved!