The Bear and the Rat
And the power of intersectionality in storytelling.
TL;DR Version:
In storytelling, intersectionality is when two disparate ideas collide to create something bigger than the sum of the parts. This includes:
#1. Finding the common ground between two disparate ideas/topics
#2. Using analogies to deconstruct a complex idea.
#3. Coloring a well-known topic with a fresh perspective.
Also, watch The Bear and Ratatouille.
Regular Version:
A bear and a rat walk into a restaurant . . .
Sorry to start off with the most obvious statement ever but:
I love great writing.
So when I discovered the show The Bear, I fell head over heels.
And one of the best-written Pixar movies is Ratatouille. Which is saying something.
So when my wife found this shirt:
. . . it was an easy "yes, chef."
Because this shirt is a perfect example of intersectionality in storytelling—when two ideas collide to create something bigger than the sum of the parts.
On the surface, The Bear and Ratatouille don’t seem to have much in common.
The Bear is a super-sweary adult dramedy. Ratatouille is super-not.
But both center on characters whose greatest passion is fine dining. Both deal with complicated family dynamics (and secrets). Both involve eclectic workplaces filled with conflict and collaboration.
In storytelling, there’s several ways to leverage intersectionality.
#1. Find the common ground between two disparate ideas/topics.
Like the common themes between The Bear and Ratatouille.
#2. Using analogies to deconstruct a complex idea.
Like today when I told a client that writing a book is kind of like building a house.
#3. Coloring a well-known topic with a fresh perspective.
Like James Clear’s concept of “atomic habits.” Nothing novel about how better habits are beneficial. But the “atomic” perspective breathes new life into an old topic.
Other recent examples of intersectionality:
+NBC recruiting Snoop Dogg as a commentator for the Olympics.
+Disney+ creating content libraries based on Taylor Swift's eras.
+Kellogg's featuring Molly Baz as the first ever (noticeably) pregnant woman on a cereal box to empower expectant mothers.
You can even work intersectionality into your LinkedIn profile:
+Don't be a "Sales Leader." (boring)
Be the "Piano playing Sales Conductor."
+Don't be an "Experienced Copywriter." (you and everybody)
Be the "Snowboarding Copywriter Extraordinaire."
+Don't be a "Certified Financial Planner." (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...)
Be the "Cat Mom who turns your financial dreams into financial reality."
That's the beauty of intersectionality. Infusing your personality into what you do.
That's your Story.
And if you’re wanting to leverage more intersectionality in your message, then let’s brainstorm ideas together.
Until next time, keep telling your story.
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