Posted by Monika Kosz on March 18, 2005 at 16:54:09
In Reply to: Re: One question at a time posted by Suggestion on March 18, 2005 at 15:34:12:
Myths are anecdotes, stories (that can be made up), which are well -known to the members, have social aims, emphasize the things that are accepted in particular culture and stress what cannot be tolerated. The stories told again and again are like the window through which one can observe the nets of meaning existing in an organization. Wisdom, useful hints and some advice are also included in myths. It is said that stories have some influence on beliefs and values, which people subscribe to. Firstly, it was proved that legends (this term is often used interchangably with myth) can be absorbed better and more easily remembered than facts. Secondly, myths bring organizational values into life.
As far the story that I asked you about, I will write it so that you understand what I exactly mean. It is as follows:
Once upon the time there were two brothers who lived with the family in a poor fishing hut. One night they set sail to fish. The clouds became dark and the storm began. There was nothing that could save them. There was no lighthouse. They were prepared for the death. Suddenly, they saw some light in the distance. They rowed and finally reached the shore. It turned out that the light had come form their hut that was on fire. All their relatives died. They, however, did not mourn because thanks to the fire they found the way back home. Soon they established a new family and the house they lived in were more beautiful than the previous one.
I found this story as the one told to the small children in COG. The moral is of course that you do not really need natural parents and you should even consider the death of them as a kind of blessing.
I think that there is a problem because you do not really understand the terms I use. I will try to be more specific and include my definitions.
You compare my questions to the question about the sea. But objectively they are not similar. I did not ask what is your experience concerning COG. I ask about the features of organizational culture.
Treat the questions as directed only to you, do not feel obliged to answer in behalf of the whole organization.
How did you personally start your day when you were in the sect?
What kind of specific language did you used?
How did you personally greet other members? (if anyhow)
How did you welcome a new member? (if you had the chance)
What topic did you find taboo topics? (personally)
I hope this would help, because I' m really starting to think that I express myself in a totally confusing way.