“We were Voyagers!”--Moana
One of the biggest surprises of this Voyage is how much we’re learning about the Ocean. Before this Voyage, we knew very little about the ocean, except it’s wet and serves as a backdrop for beach photos! We just thought of the ocean as how we would get from point A to Point B on the Voyage.
So, it’s particularly enlightening to deepen (pun intended) our understanding about the Ocean. We’ve realized that we have two mothers (Mother Earth and Mother Ocean). Learning about a new mother and that we have lesbian Planetary parents is quite a lovely discovery! Learning that we (humans) are trashing our Other Mother as much (maybe more) as Mother Earth is quite sobering.
The Global Studies course has oceanography lectures, which are excellent. And, Semester at Sea (SAS) has Interport lecturers, content experts who sail with us from one port to the next. These distinguished guests hang out, share meals with the community, provide guest lectures in classes, and do a keynote kind of presentation.
The Deep, Deep “Blue”
Ms. Karina Holden sailed, with us from San Diego to Honolulu. She is the producer and director of the acclaimed documentary, “Blue,” which was screened at the United Nations in New York. We cannot adequately describe this brilliant film. Greenpeace Australia said, “Blue is a cinematic song for our oceans; beautiful, intimate, and grand. Fearlessly truth-telling, yet passionately hopeful. See this film and you will want to rise up with the waves.” Please, just check it out! www.Bluethefilm.org
Spending time with Karina and learning about her work was a distinct privilege. We shared a small table with her at several meals. She is such an authentic human being. Her approach to her work and her story are inspiring, in and of themselves. Erlene mentioned that her work reminded of Moana (e.g., feminist approach). Karina shared that she garnered funding for the documentary through a highly competitive process. The funding source also funded Moana! Then, when we actually saw the documentary…WOW!
The night of the showing of “Blue,” the large Union hall was packed with almost every person on the ship in attendance. The energy in the room was electric. During the viewing, we were all mesmerized—no side-talking, etc. Then, Karina did a Q&A. The film is more than a movie; it’s a movement, with exponential resources and educational efforts. #oceanguardians!
Stop Trashing Our Mama
Continuing the Voyage, it’s amazing to hear our resident oceanographer faculty member, Dr. Laurie McConnico, talk with such passion in class. This Voyage is the first time SAS has had an oceanographer lecturer; we cannot imagine the Voyage without it. We are learning so much about a completely different, complex, essential world below the water’s surface.
Laurie expertly draws the inter-connections of “Mother Ocean” (which covers 70% of our planet and provides most of the oxygen we breathe) to life on land. One of the biggest lessons so far is the connections between our everyday behavior—even far in-land (Yes, Kentucky!)—and the threat to our Mother Ocean. Literally, our trash is killing it.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that plastic is problematic. However, Plastic is THE biggest threat to ocean life and, ultimately, all life on this planet. “Blue” will convince you—and give hope and resources to be part of the solution!
Moana Connects Us All
While sailing on Mother Ocean, we are also learning about the culture of Oceania, the Pacific Islands. One of the evening lectures given by Anthropology professor, Dr. Patricia Delaney, was very informative. The lecture was followed by a showing of Moana, a favorite of Erlene’s! The lecture heightened understanding of how well (albeit with limitations) the movie depicts the Polynesian culture.
Moana means Ocean, Ya’ll! With a deepening appreciation of Mother Ocean and initial understanding of Oceania culture, the movie was even more compelling! Without giving away too much about the film for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet (Please, do!), the film is about female power and a feminine approach. In particular, the ending is a startling, beautiful depiction of saving the planet through koru heart reconnection—as contrasted with traditional approaches of war and violence. With this new depth of understanding, the Ocean connection in Moana is crystal clear now. “The Ocean has no borders. It connects us all.” (quote from “Blue”).
Like Moana, because of SAS 2019, we will be able to say, “We were Voyagers…” And like the Voyager Shero, Moana, may we all go on adventures, claim our purpose, and do what is necessary to (re)connect Mother Ocean, Mother Earth, and all their beautiful creations. #oceanguardian
