Divers Discussion Forum
You can reply to the message below by clicking the reply to this message link. If you have a question or have seen something interesting please please send us a new message. Wade or some of our viewers will reply to your questions.
[ Home | Contents | Search | Post a new message | Reply to this message | Next Message | Previous Message ]
From: WADE DOAK
_: 5
Date: 12-06-10
Time: 12:13
SOLO DOLPHINS: THINKING IT OVER WADE DOAK Having met many solo dolphins in different parts of the world and reflecting on Moko: to me a solo dolphin episode starts me thinking in two directions.
First: as non-domesticated, big-brained animals interacting with our species, solo dolphin responses to people have set me off on a journey wanting to know more about the capacities of other dolphins and then, other cetaceans; and from there, to explore the capacities of other living things. So much of our attitude to nature rests on assumptions which have no real basis in reality. The solo dolphin acts as a catalyst to make me reconsider what our anthropocentric culture expects us to accept without question. When we have some of the answers we may have a context in which to further our interspecies exploration and our understanding of the place of humans among other life forms- before we ever consider voyaging to the stars.
Secondly, the Moko visits and the assembled stories of other solos, hold up a mirror to humanity: how do we humans, 'poor bare forked creatures', [Shakespeare] appear in the light of our contacts with Moko? What is there to admire in our responses to the dolphin? And what is there to make us ashamed? Looking in this direction and reflecting, may lead us to behave in ways more worthy of a big-brained creature. And then, once we learn to behave more appropriately and consistently, we may learn a great deal more when we meet other creatures in the wild and on their terms.
One simple thing we learn from dolphins: they share our sense of fun and play. But this is my angle on it. Perhaps others will have thought to add? Wade Doak
Last changed: 23-Jul-2011