In the Shadows of the Weser Exercise and the Dark Side of Storytelling
On April 9th 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Denmark and Norway simultaneously. Codenamed Operation Weserübung, which translates into The Weser Exercise, was a strategic move by Germany to secure vital resources and naval access in the North Atlantic while denying those advantages to the Allies.
The stand against an overwhelming force
Despite what some believe, the outnumbered Danish soldiers fiercely resisted the German invasion at various points at the border, destroying armoured vehicles in brief, intense clashes. Danish soldiers managed to destroy several German armoured vehicles during those border fights.
However, the speed and scale of the German invasion, combined with air support, quickly overwhelmed the Danish defences. Faced with the threat of heavy bombardment and recognising the futility of prolonged resistance, the Danish government surrendered.
What followed was 5 years of occupation that made a lasting impact on Danish culture and mentality. One thing is seeing a fascist regime rise from afar, fooling yourself that you are at a safe distance; another thing is being overrun and overtaken by its military machine.
The machinery of manipulation
Germany had and has a proud history of the arts and sciences, so how did it turn into this regime of darkness that started taking over the world with violence and fear? It takes a massive manipulation of minds to have the millions of hands needed to build and feed a machine of global war and genocide.
The power of storytelling and the experience of the story can bring joy, exploration, and self-realisation. Still, sadly, it is too often weaponised to advance the exact opposite, forcing us against each other to benefit those greedy for money and might. Be attentive, and you will realise that some of the most potent storytellers and experience designers, knowingly or unknowingly, are weaponised, becoming as deadly as any bullet or bomb.
“Some of the most potent storytellers and experience designers, knowingly or unknowingly, are weaponised, becoming as deadly as any bullet or bomb.”
The perilous power of narrative
Think of the impact of "The Birth of a Nation" (USA 1915) for the Ku Klux Klan or "Triumph of the Will" (Triumph des Willens) (Germany 1935) for the Nazi Party. Were the filmmakers bad at their craft? Absolutely not, and the movies had a massive and ultimately negative impact on their audiences. Keep in mind that audiences are the inhabitants of societies, capable of making lives lived within said societies better or worse.
"Triumph of the Will" (Triumph des Willens) (Germany 1935)
In the 21st century, deception, manipulation, and twisting of history frequently run rampant. Narratives form the front lines of questionable agendas, and critical thinking often gives way to the need for instant gratification of attention from both private individuals and the media.
The responsibility of creators
As storytellers and experience designers, whatever we work in media, attractions or museums, we have a responsibility to identify, call out and discard the kinds of stories and experiences that are intended to manipulate and mobilise against others simply because they are different or they are targeted as distractions and casualties of might and money benefitting only a few.
“We have a responsibility to identify, call out and discard the kinds of stories and experiences that are intended to manipulate and mobilise against others”
However, it takes courage; sometimes, it means walking away from the allure of a profitable but questionable collaboration.
Further exploration of the dark side of storytelling
Note from AdventureLAB’s Klaus Sommer Paulsen: I was very proud when Taylor & Francis agreed to include the chapter "Acknowledging the Dark Side of Storytelling" in my book "Integrated Storytelling by Design" and share it online afterwards. It presents some warning signs to look for in storytelling and experience design.
See more about the book and download the chapter here: https://www.integratedstorytelling.com
