weeds

Red Alert! ch5-6

1. Why is it important to emphasize the collaborative nature of indigenous knowledge?

2. Wildcat renounces "New Age secrets" and romantic tribal mythology (as well as "hard-fact skeptics"). Why do you think native wisdom holds such appeal for New Agers and romantics? What have they misunderstood? (Or, if you're one of them: why does Wildcat renounce your perspective?)

3. What would be the practical utility of "inter-species communication with animals"? What would you tell the wolves? What do you think they'd tell you?

4. In what sense is knowledge a gift? To whom or to what do we owe our gratitude?

5. Indigenous knowledge rejects "linear temporal universal history... progress and civilization." Does that imply a static and possibly stagnant view (& experience) of history? Don't we need collective goals to pursue, in order to advance? Or do we just need Black Elk's "circles"?

6. Do you favor the large-scale development of wind energy? What will it take to bring that about?

7. If there is not a sustainable way for large urban and suburban populations of the future to inhabit the desert southwest, what should be done to address the problem of water scarcity there? What do you think will be?

8. Which creation story (besides evolution) says we were animals before we became human? Are 7 generations enough?

9. Do you agree with Wildcat that emphasis on human design, talk of "the human condition," and affirmations that "man is the measure" are arrogant?

10.[John Dewey on nature-culture... David Quammen on weeds... the "big picture"... James Lovelock... the homeland]