This talk considers surfing and musicking associated with surfing as indigenous Hawaiian cultural practices that were colonized, appropriated, and globalized. Cooley analyzes how surfing and the musical expressions of and about surfing changed during the colonial process with particular attention to what those changing cultural practices tell us about ecological or exploitive human behaviors. He finds a hopeful model for sustainability in the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which began in the 1970s during the Hawaiian Renaissance. Part anthropological experiment and part effort to restore Hawaiian pride and dignity, the Society continues today with ever more ambitious projects that seek to reconcile traditional indigenous ecological practices globally with scientific theories to create sustainable natural and cultural environments.

 

The event will take place next Wednesday, February 7 at 12:00 PM in SSMS 2001. After the talk, the speaker will join the audience for informal lunch and conversation. The event is free to attend and includes lunch.