Thinking Allowed
Water Ways
Sep 13, 2023
An exploration of human relationships with water through the lens of anthropology and politics. From ancient beliefs in water serpent deities to the current environmental crisis, the podcast discusses the need to turn back the tide of ecological disaster. It also highlights water poverty in western societies and the importance of indigenous protests and artistic depictions. The United Nations' approach to water issues and the concept of developing a kinship-based relationship with rivers are also discussed.
28:43
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Quick takeaways
- Water beings symbolize the importance of water in sustaining life and the shift towards dominance over nature has contributed to the current environmental crisis.
- The resource-oriented view of water as a commodity has detached humans from perceiving it as a sentient and powerful creative partner, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable ways of engaging with water.
Deep dives
Water Beings in Different Cultures
Water beings, ancestral or supernatural figures, appear globally in ancient rock carvings, paintings, and various objects and images. These beings personify the powers of water and reflect its characteristics. Examples include giant anacondas, cloud dragons, plumed serpents, python beings, and Chinese dragons. They symbolize hydrological flows, fertility, and the importance of water in sustaining life.
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