Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature) Bioregionalism and the Reinhabitation of Place with Mark Gonnerman
May 9, 2024
Author Mark Gonnerman discusses bioregionalism and reinhabitation, inspired by Gary Snyder. They explore rooting in the earth, cultural landmarks, Gary Snyder's influence, and the importance of recovering native knowledge for sustainable coexistence.
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Literary Shift in the 20th Century
- Twentieth-century American poets shifted from a westward, future-focused perspective to exploring America's past, including its indigenous roots.
- This "descent" aims to rediscover ways of existing on the land without destroying it, acknowledging past exploitations.
Re-inhabiting a Place
- Re-inhabitation involves learning to live in a place that has been disrupted by past exploitation.
- Become native by understanding the ecological relationships, activities, and social behaviors that enrich the life of that place.
Turtle Island and Bioregionalism
- Gary Snyder, a key figure in bioregionalism, renamed North America "Turtle Island."
- His work emphasizes understanding the land we live on to promote long-term sustainability.