Using demographics in storytelling

When using a story to illustrate a point, be careful with how you use demographic data. Demographics alone can create an “other” view of the issue, and disconnect it from the listener.  Which one of these makes a deeper connection to you?

  • “Poor working women of color”
  • “People having a tough time making ends meet”

Softer identities make a connection.

What does your reader hold as their deepest self-conception? How can that become a part of the story you tell?