15: "Wilderness" - the word, the myth, the construct (with Erin Monahan)
What’s your relationship with the “wilderness?” Is it romantic, reverent, fearful?
In this episode of "It's All Poetry," Erin Monahan and I explore the complex and dangerous implications of the word (and construct) that is "wilderness” through history — from the 1200s to present day.
This discussion delves deep into the colonial roots and violent connotations associated with "wilderness," as well as its intersection with issues of race, privilege, and systemic oppression. Erin, a trauma-informed coach and activist, shares insights on how these themes connect to broader social justice movements, including the rights of indigenous peoples and environmental justice.
P.S. Erin mentions the Feminist Killjoy Propaganda Summit in this episode and has offered us a special discount to attend!
Join the Feminist Killjoy Propaganda Summit for 15% off (code: FUCKJOHNMUIR)
Tune if you want to…
Unpack the word "wilderness" and discover how it shapes our understanding of nature and culture.
Dive into the myths surrounding "wilderness" and how they influence environmental and social policies.
Examine how "wilderness" serves as a construct that affects global discussions on freedom and occupation.
Gain insights into the implications of viewing nature through a colonial lens and the importance of decolonizing our perspectives.
Honestly, this one may surprise you. Press play.
Mentioned in this episode:
Feminist Killjoy Propaganda Summit: An upcoming event featuring discussions that will continue this conversation in more depth, with more voices.
Get your exclusive 15% discount for the summit here: https://terracollective.podia.com/?coupon=FUCKJOHNMUIR
Resources for Continuing the Conversation (notes by Erin):
Reclaiming the Nüümü Poyo (The People's Trail), or the so-called John Muir Trail
Five Weeks of Feminist Killjoy Propaganda! 15% off with coupon code: FUCKJOHNMUIR
The Terra Podcast episode 13: Nature is Political and John Muir's Racist Legacy
Free Resource! Toxic Masculinity in the Outdoor Industry Cheat Sheet
Terra Incognita Media Instagram @terraincognitamedia
Erin Monahan's website and Instagram @erin.k.monahan as a trauma-informed, anti-capitalist mindset and business coach
Zitkala-Sa was John Muir's contemporary and Indigenous writer and activist: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/zitkala-sa-american-indian-composer-author-activist-qqjsyq/15380/
"The Soft-Hearted Sioux" a short story about the impact of Indian boarding schools and ongoing colonization by Zitkala-Sa
Harriet Jacobs was a Black writer and abolitionist and also a contemporary: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2923.html
Seeing White podcast hosted by John Biewan and Chenjarai Kumenyika, and The Repair, which the first episode dives into exactly what we were discussing!
Episode 1 is called "In the Beginning" -- I get chills when I listen to this episode! Both series are by Scene on Radio out of Duke University.
Dispossessing the Wilderness by Mark David Spence
And I leave you with this…
From @indigenouswomenhike
Tune into this week’s episode to hear all about it.