Cultural Mythology & Global Leadership in the US
Cultural Mythology & Global Leadership in US
Introduction
This lecture, LDR 160 at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), explores the intersection of cultural mythology and global leadership, particularly within the US context.
Myths
Definition: Sacred stories passed down within a society that, at their essence, communicate core principles, morals, and meaning (Joseph Campbell, 1988).
Functions and Characteristics of Myths:
Serve as validation of individual and societal significance.
Act as logical and emotional roadmaps to the experience of being alive.
Are inherently contextual.
Evolve with societal changes to reinforce norms and institutionalize what should transcend present reality.
Communicate wisdom to help untangle life's complexities according to specific principles.
Mythology
Definition: A collection or study of myths—traditional stories a culture uses to explain the world, its origins, natural phenomena, human behavior, and customs.
These stories often involve gods, goddesses, supernatural beings, heroes, and mythical creatures.
Key Features of Mythology:
Explains creation (of the world, humans, etc.).
Offers moral or spiritual lessons.
Reflects the beliefs, values, and fears of a culture.
Passed down through oral tradition or ancient texts.
Culture and Mythology
Mythology is deeply connected to culture; it is both a reflection of a culture’s values and a tool for shaping them.
Ways Mythology Connects to Culture:
Explains a Culture’s Worldview:
Myths help people understand the world around them.
Creation myths explain how the world and humanity began.
Nature myths explain natural phenomena (e.g., thunder, seasons, the sun).
Teaches Cultural Values & Morals:
Myths often include lessons about right and wrong, honor, bravery, loyalty, and respect for gods, ancestors, or nature.
Example: In Greek mythology, the story of Icarus (who flew too close to the sun) teaches about hubris (excessive pride) and the importance of humility.
Preserves Cultural Identity:
Myths help a group of people maintain their shared history, identity, and traditions over generations, even before the advent of written language.
Example: Indigenous myths worldwide are often tied to the land, illustrating how people view their place in the universe and their bond with nature.
Influences Art, Language, and Ritual:
Mythology inspires festivals and ceremonies, literature and theater, symbols, sayings, and idioms.
Example: The Olympic Games are inspired by ancient Greek myths and rituals honoring Zeus.
Summary: In essence, mythology acts like a mirror, reflecting what a culture believes, values, fears, and aspires to. It's not merely about gods and monsters, but about what it means to be human in a specific place and time.
Fun Fact: Why NKU is Called the “Norse”
Northern Kentucky University adopted the nickname “Norse” in 1971 after a student newspaper vote.
The name was chosen to evoke the spirit of the Norsemen, known for their resilience, bravery, and fierce independence.
NKU’s mascot, Victor E. Viking, embodies these traits and serves as a symbol of the university’s competitive and bold identity.
The Viking mascot and the Norse name reflect a cultural mythology that champions courage and community—qualities that resonate with the university’s mission and student ethos.
Leadership & Cultural Mythology
Mythology is important to the study of leadership because myths often explore themes of power, responsibility, morality, and human behavior—the same themes central to leadership.
Leaders, like all humans, develop through their socialization within their cultural context.
Mythology demonstrates this development and changes as necessary to reflect the cultural context, just as leaders change and reflect cultural context.
When examining all cultures, we observe similarities and differences in leadership style.
To understand leaders in every culture, we must look at the myths within those cultures.
Global Leadership & Mythology
Leadership is fundamentally grounded in the mythology of its cultural context.
Both universal and unique characteristics are present in cultural mythology and, consequently, in leadership.
Globalization demands global leadership.
Global leadership can be developed by learning and leveraging cultural mythology.
The intersection of cultural mythology, globalization, and leadership is a dynamic space where interactions between global leaders enable cultural evolution.
Implications for Leadership
Leadership is inexorably linked to culture, and mythology provides an important key to understanding the nature, manifestation, and dynamics of global leadership.
Expectations of Leaders
How we expect a leader to behave is profoundly influenced by how we have experienced leadership in the past.
This influence is especially strong if the leadership experiences we have been exposed to are in the form of cultural myths and legends.
US Superhero Mythology
The concept of