04-14-2015, 01:13 PM
Originally posted by PunaMauka2
it is 2015 after all. a degree of lifestyle different amongst various families and individuals, yes, but let us not get romantically carried away in perceiving the mystery of the exotic "other" living in the here and now.
And yet given all these commonalities, many disagreements and misunderstandings still abound. Why?
In my experience, it is challenging enough to reach a thorough understanding even between people with common backgrounds and good will. Human experience and perspective is just too varied to generalize or presume to know.
As my education and occupation are in the sciences, I deeply appreciate the power of science to increase our understanding and ability to address some of life's challenges. However, I was also born and raised at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, and have climbed my share of 14k foot peaks to look out over miles of unchanged wilderness. Not having a clear sense of the meaning, I would not use the word sacred to describe those spaces or experiences, but they are awe-inspiring, perspective changing, and worth protecting. For me there is no easy answer to reconciling these competing values as applied to Mauna Kea.
No doubt others, given their own backgrounds and reasonings, may have complex and nuanced views and should be allowed to speak for themselves. No need for anyone to be an "exotic other" to have very different and often insightful beliefs.
As I've noted, there is plenty about this movement that is baffling or bothersome; the reaction to it is even more odd and disturbing IMO. But for everyone's sake it probably most productive to adopt the stance of the host culture here: assume the best, and ask questions.
PS Thanks for explaining your thoughts with more depth and fewer debate tactics. Makes it easier to understand and appreciate your perspective.
it is 2015 after all. a degree of lifestyle different amongst various families and individuals, yes, but let us not get romantically carried away in perceiving the mystery of the exotic "other" living in the here and now.
And yet given all these commonalities, many disagreements and misunderstandings still abound. Why?
In my experience, it is challenging enough to reach a thorough understanding even between people with common backgrounds and good will. Human experience and perspective is just too varied to generalize or presume to know.
As my education and occupation are in the sciences, I deeply appreciate the power of science to increase our understanding and ability to address some of life's challenges. However, I was also born and raised at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, and have climbed my share of 14k foot peaks to look out over miles of unchanged wilderness. Not having a clear sense of the meaning, I would not use the word sacred to describe those spaces or experiences, but they are awe-inspiring, perspective changing, and worth protecting. For me there is no easy answer to reconciling these competing values as applied to Mauna Kea.
No doubt others, given their own backgrounds and reasonings, may have complex and nuanced views and should be allowed to speak for themselves. No need for anyone to be an "exotic other" to have very different and often insightful beliefs.
As I've noted, there is plenty about this movement that is baffling or bothersome; the reaction to it is even more odd and disturbing IMO. But for everyone's sake it probably most productive to adopt the stance of the host culture here: assume the best, and ask questions.
PS Thanks for explaining your thoughts with more depth and fewer debate tactics. Makes it easier to understand and appreciate your perspective.