The fifth word listed in the “Preface to Ocean” reading calls for a change to our language, as you ponder if “our language [is] too visual.” What other linguistic alternatives are you thinking would align with the communication of underwater creatures?
One of the first things that I noted in my reading of “Preface to Ocean” was your use of “moving and moved” to describe the waters surrounding us. What do those past and present tenses touch on with your ongoing studies of deterritorialization and “the blue humanities?”
You’ve mentioned the effect that the eco-crisis and climate emergency have on your field of study. How might the growing concern on this topic influence the future of “the blue humanities,” and how might we, as students and advocates of the oceans, better help?
Visibility and perspective seem to be huge points of interest in the process of destabilizing and adjusting our “old terrestrial language.” What role does visibility play in the advocacy for the oceans and surrounding waters? In other words, do you find that those in more direct proximity to the ocean and waters have a greater interest in “the blue humanities?”
In what ways has your interest in poetry influenced your outlook on your field of study? We often discuss fluidity in our literary discussion and analysis of poetry, which makes the subject of water/oceans and poetry seem like complimentary partners.
One thought on “Steve Mentz Questions”
Great questions. In particular, I find 5 a great one– and I hope you will ask the questions in person on Tuesday!
Great questions. In particular, I find 5 a great one– and I hope you will ask the questions in person on Tuesday!