ReGeneration Rising S2E10: Border Work with Bayo Akomolafe & Tyson Yunkaporta
Jul 30, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Bayo Akomolafe, a renowned philosopher and activist, joins Tyson Yunkaporta, an advocate for Indigenous knowledge systems. They delve into the pitfalls of anthropocentric approaches and advocate for a kin-centric transformation in addressing environmental issues. The conversation examines the moral complexities in global waste management and the importance of community accountability. By weaving personal anecdotes with Indigenous perspectives, they challenge conventional narratives of agency and encourage a more thoughtful, collective journey toward regeneration.
The podcast highlights the inadequacy of traditional activism, advocating for a transformative shift towards understanding agency as emerging from interconnected systems.
Fugitive politics is introduced as a flexible approach to activism, encouraging individuals to embrace adaptability and fluidity in the face of contemporary crises.
Deep dives
The Exhaustion of Traditional Notions of Success
Traditional notions of success are becoming increasingly exhausted, as discussions highlight the inadequacy of chasing more time, more expertise, and more resources in addressing global crises. The speakers argue that even well-meaning environmental efforts can perpetuate systemic issues, exemplified by the way waste produced in the Western world often ends up damaging communities in the Global South. This acknowledgment raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current models of activism, suggesting that mere good intentions are insufficient if they continue to reproduce harmful dynamics. The conversation advocates for a transformative shift in our approach that moves beyond simplistic narratives of good versus bad and reimagines what solidarity looks like in a complex world of interdependencies.
Understanding Agency Beyond Individual Actions
The concept of agency is explored deeply, challenging the notion that individual actions alone drive change in the world. Instead, the discussion emphasizes a more systemic understanding, where agency is seen as emergent from the interactions and relationships within larger patterns and systems. An example is provided in the context of global movements gaining momentum post-colonialism, which often end up replicating existing patterns of dominance despite initially noble intentions. This frames agency as a distributed phenomenon, encouraging an awareness of the ways in which we are all embedded within interconnected systems affecting our environments.
The Notion of Fugitive Politics
Fugitive politics is introduced as a potential means of navigativing the political landscape, allowing individuals to shape-shift and explore non-traditional modalities of activism. This concept reflects a desire for autonomy from established structures that frequently fail to address the intricacies of contemporary crises. By using personal anecdotes, such as a transformative moment with an autistic child, the speakers illustrate how atypical responses to challenges can foster new understandings and interactions with the world. This idea encourages moving away from rigid political frameworks and embracing fluidity and adaptability in our approaches to creating change.
Regeneration as a Dynamic Process
Regeneration is positioned as an essential and continuous process, contrasting with superficial interpretations that frame it as a mere trend. The discussion underscores that true regeneration involves dismantling outdated structures and embracing the upheavals that precede new growth. Using the metaphor of the 'monster' to describe the regenerative forces at play, the speakers articulate that these processes may embody chaos and disruption but ultimately lead to necessary transformations. By redefining regeneration in this context, they challenge listeners to engage more authentically with the complex, often messy realities inherent in the pursuit of sustainability and healing.
In this episode, Philipa and Daniel talk about post-activism, border transgressions and making sanctuary with Dr Bayo Akomolafe and Dr Tyson Yunkaporta.
Tyson Yunkaporta is an Aboriginal scholar, educator, maker, researcher, and poet. He is the founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab at Deakin University in Melbourne, and the author of two books, the bestselling “Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World” and the recently published “Right Story, Wrong Story: Adventures in Indigenous Thinking”. Tyson’s work focuses on applying Indigenous methods of inquiry to resolve complex issues and explore global crises.
Reduced Fellowship offer:In celebration of the launch of Regeneration Rising, we're offering a special promotion for listeners to join our global community of RSA Fellows. Our Fellowship is a network of over 31,000 innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs committed to finding better ways of thinking, acting, and delivering change. To receive a 25% discount off your first year of membership and waived registration fee, visit thersa.org and use the discount code RSAPOD on your application form. Note, cannot be used in conjunction with other discount offers, such as Youth Fellowship. For more information email fellowship@rsa.org.uk.
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