Final answer:
The idea that stories reflect local norms but not cultural expectations is false. Stories serve to enforce societal norms, transmit values, and both reflect and challenge broader cultural expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the kinds of stories people tell and the way they tell them nearly always reflect local norms but not cultural expectations is FALSE. Stories are deeply rooted in culture and reflect both local norms and broader cultural expectations. The tales that communities share, whether they be myths, urban legends, or personal narratives, serve to enforce societal norms, transmit values, and instill a sense of identity and continuity within a culture.
Myths, for example, are stories that may not be factually true, but are passed down with the intent that listeners will believe and learn from them. These stories often contain morals or lessons reflective of the culture's values. Similarly, single stories or stereotypes can arise from the selective retelling of narratives, leading to an incomplete understanding of a culture and its people. It is essential to embrace the multitude of stories within a culture to grasp its full diversity and complexity. Conversely, broken myths are stories known to be untrue but are still shared for the values they illustrate.
Moreover, storytelling varies from one region to another, reflecting both folk cultural roots and individual experiences. Creative nonfiction is a prime example of the artistic storytelling of true events that utilizes literary devices to convey deeper truths about human experiences. As such, the way stories are told can both align with and challenge cultural norms, illustrating that culture is shared among a group while simultaneously varying among its members.