Author Archives: Kayla Poland

Final Essay

Posted on by
Reply

Can You Hear The Sea? 

The Water Will Carry Us Home by Gabrielle Tesfaye includes a very significant closing scene where an African woman creates a complicated, yet innovative pair of “shellphones” (headphones crossed with seashells) and plugs them directly into the sand. With intricate wiring and artifacts straight from the sea, these “shellphones” being plugged into the sand demonstrates how history has been hidden and it has to be searched for by using new perspectives and technology. In this case listening instead of looking while using a new device forces a concealed part of history to be uncovered. 

In Derek Walcott’s poem The Sea Is History he says history is “in that grey vault. The sea. The sea has locked them up. The sea is History” (line 4). Understanding the historical context of both these texts is crucial, as the film dives into the notion that history is not a singular, objective truth but rather subjective and multifaceted. Both the film and the poem suggest that the ocean serves as an archive, preserving specific histories that may be otherwise overlooked or marginalized. We have convenient access to set views, leaving the other in the vault. Both of these texts compare land based European history to the sunken history of Africans. By juxtaposing these perspectives, they highlight the importance of recognizing different viewpoints and understanding the complexities of historical narratives. With that we are able to recognize the differences in perspective and better understand the final scene in The Water Will Carry Us Home. 

This film demonstrates a heavy time in history, and shows how pregnant women were thrown overboard during the Middle Passage and this led to the birth of Yoruba and the coming of the water spirits. Tesfaye’s film The Water Will Carry Us Home uses multimedia including water color, collage, real articles and photos, animation, music, and live action throughout. By offering multiple creative methods it allows for several demonstrations, offering a new lens and thus a new understanding of the film. Using multimedia enhances communication and makes information more memorable through visuals. This allows us to acknowledge the metaphors that are otherwise difficult to understand. This approach not only makes the information more accessible and engaging but also allows for a deeper understanding of the layered and stratified nature of history. By using collages, it offers a way to grasp the hidden history, the layers, and the complexity of it all. In perceived negative times, the ability to turn these tragedies into something beautiful is a great representation of strength. 

Furthering this idea, The Water Will Carry Us Home alludes to the way that they are able to take such tragedy and create a meaningful story out of it. Instead of leaving these bodies behind with no recognition, comes a sentiment that demonstrates hope and optimism. It suggests that even in the darkest moments of history, there is strength and hope to be found. This encourages the idea of changing perspectives and not dwelling, but embracing. These are such horrible times from history but the spirits turn it into a meaningful part of their culture. With that being said we can bring back the ocean as an archive, and reiterate how the ocean holds an important part of their history. Again, in The Sea Is History by Derek Walcott says “it is locked in them sea-sands out there past the reef’s moiling shelf, where the men-o-war floated down;”. The question is how do we find it? 

This is where the “shellphones” come in as a new device made to discover.  The concept of them in this film symbolizes the importance of innovation in uncovering lost histories. Using new technology in this way helps access marginalized histories. The expected way to find this history would be to look, but in this case she using the “shellphones” to listen. The use of “shellphones” as a new device not only reflects the innovative approach needed to access hidden histories but also emphasizes the importance of listening to these narratives rather than relying solely on visual or written records. Moreover, the comparison between land-based European history and the sunken history of Africans highlights the need to recognize different perspectives and understandings of history. By acknowledging the ocean as an archive of specific histories, both texts emphasize the subjective nature of historical narratives and challenge the notion of a singular, objective truth. Ultimately, the concept of “shellphones” serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of innovation, perspective shifts, and listening in uncovering marginalized histories. By embracing new technologies and approaches, we can work towards a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the past.

Speaking of this new device, the creation of the “shellphones” represents a merging of traditional and contemporary elements. The use of seashells, artifacts straight from the sea, connects to the overarching theme of the ocean as a vault of history. By incorporating these natural elements into a modern device like headphones, the scene suggests a bridging of past and present, tradition and innovation, human and nonhuman. The specific the act of plugging the “shellphones” directly into the sand symbolizes a deeper connection to the hidden histories that are buried beneath the surface. Instead of searching for history through traditional means like written records or visual artifacts, the film suggests that listening to the ocean is key to uncovering concealed truths. 

In conclusion, “The Water Will Carry Us Home” by Gabrielle Tesfaye suggests the exploration of hidden histories and the importance of new perspectives in order to uncover them. The film’s closing scene, featuring the creation of “shellphones” and their connection through the sand, symbolizes the fusion of tradition and modernness, as well as the importance of listening to the tales of the past. Through this, Tesfaye highlights the complexity of history and the need for new approaches to unravel its concealed truths. Ultimately, the concept of “shellphones” serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of innovation, new perspectives, and active listening while uncovering marginalized histories. By embracing new technologies and approaches, it offers a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the past, honoring the diversity and experiences that shape our collective narrative. Through Tesfaye’s visual storytelling, we are reminded of the significance of our connections to history and the power of listening to its untold stories. The film invites the intersection of ideas, highlighting the importance of listening to alternative perspectives and challenging traditional narratives. By merging ocean and land, old and new, and artificial with artifact The Water Will Carry Us Home by Tesfaye invites us to reconsider our understanding of history using new approaches. By using the “shellphones”, combining traditional and contemporary technology the film recognizes the interconnectedness between past and present. Tesfaye challenges the idea of looking for history and rather listening to it. By changing perspectives, we can challenge conventional western ideas of history in an inclusive way that allows for various experiences and views to come forth. She reminds us that history is complex and prompts us to reconsider the way we discover and understand history. Allowing for a more diverse understanding of history comes from a shift in perspective.

Reflection

Posted on by
3

Wow! I can’t believe it is already the end of the semester. It is impossible for me to recite everything I have learned in this class but my biggest takeaway is how I view perspective now. To be more specific, the way we talk about history and how it is not one universal truth has really stuck with me. I have always been really stubborn and wondered “how do we know?” in a classroom or based on a textbook and it is sometimes difficult to get a productive answer. I feel like this discussion has allowed me to realize things don’t have to be right or wrong, left or right, and they can be a combination of anything and everything. There is comfort knowing that knowledge is so personal and dynamic, and that not everyone has to understand each others history. With that being said, I definitely am excited to continue learning and looking for new perspectives in all aspects of life, to continue asking why, and thinking of this class whenever I see a mermaid! So grateful for this class and everyone in it, cheers and good luck!

Final Essay

Posted on by
Reply

The Water Will Carry Us Home in the “shellphones” scene shares that history has been lost and in order to find it it has to be searched for by using new perspectives. In this case listening instead of looking, by changing the way she understands the ocean a new side of history can be uncovered.

I really enjoyed this film and wanted to try and encapsulate the lesson I learned from it, and how history is not one truth and in changing perspectives we can see that. I am still making sure my thesis is strong enough so let me know if you have any advice!

The Deep

Posted on by
1

While reading The Deep there is obviously a big focus on the remembering, and at the same time I am confused about this aspect. It is clear to me that Yetu holds the memory and it is painful but does leaving to the surface erase this? I suppose my question will be answered as we read further. It is just a crazy concept to me that she is the only one that holds this and why? What is the reasoning behind just her knowing and it being so painful? It is interesting to me that just one individual holds so much history, and this can remind us that history is not parallel, and everyone has their own. It is also wild how there is just so much history, and so much unknown. I appreciate the perspective The Deep has opened up for me, because just a small change in the way you look at things can open up a whole world of new knowledge. Simultaneously, it makes me sad that there is so much truth in history that has been lost or destroyed because of who is in power. Makes me curious to discover more and find what is hiding. I am glad that these questions are leading to growth and allowing myself to understand history as a entirely new concept that is so variable.

African Water Spirits

Posted on by
1

It has always been fascinating to me how in traditional cultures respect and connect to the environment in such special ways. This has been relevant in many stories, but specifically stood out to me in Ti Jeanne when she says ” Maman Dlo, I didn’t mean to be rude, I didn’t hurt anything.” For the girl knew that punishment awaits the one who offends the forest creatures, the plants or the animals”(p. 276). It is almost as if these are meant to be warning signs for those who follow their generations. Their traditions and practices use natural resources scarcely to ensure that there is enough to consider others and their kind. Their teachings were ignored, just like their existence, and it is sad because they have a mindset that seems more beneficial to the environment that ours currently. These also is relevant in the strange story of Agannju and Yemaja as they are named after water, sky, and air. In these tales it is also evident that the gods are of nature, and should be respected at a higher level. This is another demonstration of the respect and knowledge that they had of the natural world. I am excited to talk more about the other aspects of these stories as I know there is a lot to uncover beyond the environmental points.

Midterm Close Reading

Posted on by
Reply

Kayla Poland

ECL 305

Pressman

24 March 2024

Dual Reality

In Sirenomelia by Emilija Skarnulyte at 4:32, framing the mermaid in a small canal then immediately the vast ocean creates a drastic divergence between the two moments. These binary spaces contrast each other to reiterate the dual reality of the environment and the life it holds while being mistreated by humans. This alludes to creating a separation between human and nonhuman, in other words natural viruses not. This malalignment of visuals and sounds tells us we have created a separation power amongst these worlds. 

While understanding the first frame, it is important to recognize that she is moving through a canal that is manmade, and contains metal barriers. She is surrounded by the remains of what once were a NATO base, which is now fully decommissioned. One could say the remains being left here is presumptuous, as they could have been removed or properly disposed of. This scene itself can identify where the line is drawn between human and nonhuman. She continues to wear goggles throughout, in this polluted space that is becoming more unnatural with time because of human acts. It is important to note how the sounds accompany this scene and how they are somewhat eerie. The power of humans is seeming to overtake the natural form of the environment, making us separate from it. Humans left the remains, polluting the entire ecosystem that resides there while trying to maintain its biodiversity. 

In the following clip she is welcomed into the open ocean, while the sounds take a drastic shift to become calm and relaxing. As she becomes free from the small, enclosed area she demonstrates how marine life ought to be free and uncaged. This again highlights the separation between human and nonhuman whilst emphasizing the power that humans have granted themselves over the natural world. The sound of the open ocean is peaceful and inviting, while the enclosed space with manmade parts blares. This allows us to feel different emotions during each moment, and have the noise be the words that were not said aloud. 

It is important to note that the mermaid herself was not in a realistic costume, but clearly a human dressed up while she was swimming through the water. This provides another moment where it is made clear that humans try to remain in control in a place that is meant to be natural. Also noting that she wears a mask for the sake of protecting herself from the toxicity of the water from the remains. 

Having these binary scenes parallel to each other brings forth alternating perspectives of the environment. The one that is altered to fit human needs, and on the other hand the one that is in its natural form. These next to each other allows us to compare the two worlds and see how we have separated them from each other. Emphasizing the ability that humans have to create and destroy as we wish and build while breaking down the natural world. 

There is this strange power dynamic that humans have taken on, but there is an aspect where Sirenomelia reminded us how big the ocean is and how much life can be held within. Almost in a way warning us to proceed with caution, because the environment can regrow itself around our destruction. The constant comparison, especially in literary work we have studied, goes to show how humans comprehend this power dynamic. When really there is clearly a lack of knowledge, and maybe even misunderstanding when it comes to other creatures and the depth of the ocean. This film allows us to take a step back and recognize how we treat the environment and understand its effects, but also that human and nonhuman do not have to be parallel, and can work together. 

The Water Will Carry Us Home

Posted on by
2

Getting to this analysis fairly late, but wanted to make sure I had watched the film before class discussion. What I wanted to touch on mostly was the ability to tell a story with no words, but still have a clear picture of what is meant to be understood. Although this is the sad reality of the first examples of exploration, including slavery and segregation the ability for us to gain this understanding without speaking through the film is powerful. The way that it switches between real people to art to demonstrate a story makes for an interesting interpretation. There is layers to this film, and how it starts by showing important parts of African American culture, but then the history of the passage, and then how this connects to water spirits. I think this is one of the more fascinating visuals we have seen just because of the connections it makes throughout various parts of our studies. We can gather snippiest of true history, spiritual history, and the connection to water while having cool aspects of art throughout.

Week 11: Sirenomelia

Posted on by
2

This short film left me with wonder and confusion while it also demonstrated a great sense of complexity. I felt that it was a bit difficult to follow, but the key idea is the depth of the oceans and how much is left unknown. It brings forth examples of climate change by showing the warming temperatures affecting climates around the world. It is a common idea that we know the effects of climate change, but it reality we only know bits and pieces. Sirenomelia reminded us how big the ocean is and how much life can be held within. Hard to say that humans will ever fully comprehend the ocean and all the organisms that come with it. With that being said, I think this film strives to encourage proceeding with caution and be intentional in our involvement with this underworld.

We often discuss how humans intend to dominate, maintain control and are of a higher power than nonhumans. The constant comparison, especially in literary work we have studied, goes to show how humans comprehend this power dynamic. When really there is clearly a lack of understanding, and maybe even misunderstanding when it comes to other creatures. This can be demonstrated through mermaid, but also through ocean dwelling animals. There is a lot to understand in this film that can surely be brought back to the relationships with climate and humans.

Bridging the Gap Between Land and Sea 

Posted on by
Reply

Kayla Poland 

Pressman 

ECS 305

1 March 2025

Bridging the Gap Between Land and Sea 

While engaging in discussion that focuses on the environment and its plentiful relationships with history, humans, nonhumans, and beyond I have recognized my interest in the ocean and maritime history. To further this study I stumbled upon a Wooden Boat magazine from 1990 and flipped through the dated pages. I landed on this image titled “Railboat” which includes a railroad track with a train in motion, following behind a sailboat with four men onboard, and on the starboard side the vessel reads “Molly B”. A seemingly comical image that at first glance that visibly represents a time of technological advancements. In reality this demonstrates the gender roles that come forth in the workforce.

Initially, it seems this comic was intended to represent historic events in industrialization, but looking beyond demonstrates the male vs female representation in work environments. The only characters on board who work on the vessel are men. The boat is named Molly B, because it is referred to as a woman who is to be worked on and fixed by men. It is evident that it was intentional to refer to boats as female, and this remains true today. The woman is objectified, yet represented as the one that requires constant upkeep by another being, a man. This extends further than just this one depiction, but a multitude of jobs are not to be done by women because of fear of inability or lack of strength. 

As time moves forward opportunities are slowly opening up for women to have equal rights in the workforce, but it is still clear that this image demonstrates the gender roles that have been present amongst various aspects of society. The way the train is drawn in the background of the photo, with smoke, shows the advancements in industrialization that grew transportation and in result, opportunities. Similarly, boating has always been a way of exploration and transportation. It is encouraged now to not only use boats for these reasons, but to have more recreational opportunities. This is where sailing comes into play, but again has roles that are controlled by gender. Whether this boat is under sail for recreation or as a passage, there is lack of female representation. 

When it comes to the connection between literature and the environment, this image illustrates the relationship between industrialization and the environment by connecting land to sea. It also shares with us how the ongoing phase of rapid industrialization affects our environment negatively. These are key factors that are demonstrated through our studies and are found in various works of literature. This all comes together and contributes to the understanding of environmental history while simultaneously sharing the roles of gender in culture over time. 

There are many connections between this work and what we have studied in class. There is great representation of gender roles in mermaid texts. We can compare how in Hans Christians “The Little Mermaid”, there were only men onboard as well. There is clearly a trend amongst these pieces of literature that lack feminism. There are examples again in The Little Mermaid that normalize pain as part of a woman’s part in transaction.

We see many patterns through history that demonstrate polarity in gender, and especially in older works of literature. It is evident that this image has a vast number of messages, but it is key that gender has an effect on opportunity in work, and that women are predisposed to unfair treatment.

Week 7: Victorian Standard: The Little Mermaid

Posted on by
1

When studying The Little Mermaid with a more intense focus on close reading, it is evident that there are things I missed when I’ve watched it in the past. Ever since we discussed the marriage that was seemingly transactional, it seems to be a common trend in what they call romance. I am still fascinated, yet confused about the idea of receiving a soul in a mermaid, human relationship. What else does that have to say about the relationship? In this case, even though she doesn’t lose her ability to sing in a deal with the prince himself, it is for him that she looses this. It is almost frustrating how the characters often leave behind a part of themselves in order to gain the acceptance and validation of the other. This makes me eager to dive deeper into the ideals of love and romance that come from literature.

In addition, I think this story perfectly exemplifies the female-male relationship in the maritime industry. As I have mentioned in class discussion, a boat is always considered to be a female. According to Clipper Marine, “By referring to boats as female, sailors believed that they were connecting with the nurturing and protective roles traditionally associated with women” . In all honesty, I thought the reasoning behind this had stemmed from misogyny, but it seems the connotation takes the opposition. The female is considered secure and protective in this case, rather than objectified. In the text, it is clear that the little mermaid is the reason the prince survived the wreck. This is the first time in the literature I have recognized this trait in a mermaid, and it is interesting that it can be connected to the real world sailing world. Excited to discuss more of this going forward.

Why Are Boats Female?