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I thought I'd begin this month's newsletter by featuring a few recent long reads. Two that have stuck with me over the past month, and one encountered earlier today.
The first, an essay on that oh-so-hard-to-define 'analytical framework' of decolonization: "The Last Days of Mankind" by Pankaj Mishra. Within context of modern political movements and the most recent developments in Gaza. A piece that asks: What are we missing in our analysis and what is it costing us?
"We inhabit a world that differs radically, in all its political mentalities and emotional outlooks as well as economic structures, from the world that existed just two decades ago. History has always been a clash between stories in which people aspire to recognize themselves. Our preferred story about the past orients us to the world as it is, offers us a place and an identity, and broadly explains our feelings of possibility. [...]
But this story in which several generations of Western journalists flatteringly recognized themselves now clashes with another, much bigger, more resonant and persuasive story: of decolonization, the central event of the 20th century for the vast majority of the human population."
I do not agree with every conclusion relayed, but I do find myself repeatedly reflecting on the governing narratives of race in political speech, or definitions of culture and how they frame media narratives led by largely static mainstream voices. If an overhaul of Western history and public culture is overdue, as the writer suggests, it will be up to younger, marginalized journalists to lead the charge.
Secondly, an article from The Tyee outlining the stats behind humanity's energy sources and consumption rates, dating back 225 years: "A Reality Check on Our ‘Energy Transition’" by Andrew Nikiforuk. While we make plenty of progress in diversifying our fuels, it argues, we cannot course-correct to a greener path without radically altering our consumption, from levels industrial to individual. A sobering read for yours truly, residing in a province that has recently (and to popular approval) doubled down on increasing resource development output in quick time.
Thirdly, and for the science lovers out there: "Colossal squid: The eerie ambassador from the abyss" by Stephen Dowling. A deep dive into the storied chase for one of the largest, yet most elusive, creatures on the planet. A reminder of how little we know about our ocean's depths, home to aliens stranger than those imagined in the most revered sci-fi.
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On the personal front, just a few updates to the blog this month. Inspiration and motivation need not be forced.
A couple of indie movies for your awareness - one a classic and another that has received and will continue receiving plenty of deserving accolades. And some music from a renowned trilogy.
Degrees - Some numbers you may not be aware of, and a window into my past via a French film that has left a lasting imprint on my personal ethos.
Sugarcane - A memory from the 2017 wildfire recovery operation. A story shared in a circle, unique in its telling but universal in its resonance, particularly for Indigenous individuals. Part of a wider narrative explored by the film whose trailer is featured at the link - one that is making waves here in Canada as the ongoing Truth and Reconciliation efforts continue.
End Credits - a few featured songs that wrapped things up nicely, helping a film series to iconic status.
Until next time,
Pratyush |