There was a quote that stuck out to me in this section where echolocation is discussed. It goes “echolocation is not the same as mind-reading. Some of this magic is just the complexity of a mammal being alive in sound. I can hear what I cannot see yet. I can make a whole world of resonance” (Gumbs, pg. 18). I understand that Gumbs is not describing echolocation in a literal sense, but rather using it as a metaphor for the ways in which she tunes her own frequencies. I thought the usage of echolocation was interesting, however, and it made me curious about its literal connection to humans, as explored in the article I chose. I also chose another article that serves as further knowledge surrounding the extinct species hydrodamalis gigas.

Reference 2

Part of this section discusses the fear of the unknown (using the example of a baby Weddell seal and it’s mother), and how, when undergoing positive pressure from an outside source, one is able to break past these fears and obtain a version of themselves that embodies their complete potential. This particular part of the section made me think of the overarching idea of pushing one’s physical and mental boundaries, hence is why I selected this first reference, which is blog-like post in which the author describes their experience with leaning into discomfort and how it changed her outlook on life and her personal identity. I also chose another source--an analysis of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” song-- because a quote in this chapter reminded of the song: “There are at least three ways to love you: as you were, as you are, as you will be” (Gumbs, pg. 22).

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I found the discussion of giving birth in captivity impactful, both among human and animal mothers, and I decided to use one of my references as a way to explore this further, specifically with mothers in prison. The article dives into the realities and hardships that mothers face during and after pregnancy, including individual women’s stories along with broader common experiences. I was not previously aware that this was such a prevalent occurrence, and it is both saddening and angering that the justice system lacks the basic care and attention to essential time for a mother and their child during and right after birth (and obviously the time spent between the mother and her child as she raises them but this is specifically about right after birth). I’ve also referenced an article that discusses the unspoken/ hidden sinister side of Sea Life Park.

Reference 2

I felt moved by the beginning of this section, specifically when Gumbs describes her “dorsal practices.” It made me want to incorporate, or at least try out, some of the ones she mentioned, particularly yoga, which is something I have tried but not stuck to in the recent past. I’ve attatched one yoga video that I will be following that specifically focusses on regulating the nervous system, which will be useful for my own decompression needs. Additionally, I was interested in the Indus susu and Ganges susu dolphin species, so I attached another video that goes further in depth about them and their habitat.

Reference 2

I was intrigued by Gumbs’ brief mention of the interspecies collaboration and interaction (outside of crossing paths) between dolphins and hump back whales who travel “in huge group conductive to safety and collaboration” (Gumbs, pg. 59). Thus, I searched for a reference that gave a general overview of interactions between dolphins and hump back whales, and found that the two species not only unite for safety, but have also been observed interacting in a playful manner (literally playing together). I’ve attached a video of this alongside the article. 

I found the social patterns of the Pacific white-sided dolphins (the fact that they form “close-knit” groups), as well as their scarring, quite intriguing, so I included a reference article that provides general information surrounding these dolphins, as well as their (treacherous) interactions with killer whales. In addition, although I have no outside resources to supplement this, the section where Gumbs opens up about her relationship with her teeth, specifically the paragraph that begins with “Sometimes I wish I lived in a world where teeth were never for sale (to fairies or anyone else)...” (Gumbs, pg. 65) was moving, especially as a person who is not the most fond of their own teeth. The particular quote also touched me: “And my first marine mammal lesson was that if I breathe I can still speak even while crying” (Gumbs, pg. 64).

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Firstly, I found the theme of being, giving, saying, “here” when discussing the Indus river dolphins and their lack of sight, but nonetheless abundance of connection and communication, emotionally moving. Because I have already included a resource relating to these dolphins, I sought out an article that provides a little recounting of the San Francisco Bay’s encounter with Allie the humpback whale, as well as a short video of a spinner dolphin spinning in the air. 

I was inspired by Gumbs’ explanation after introducing the Black-chinned dolphin, specifically their swimming patterns and the whirlpool they form as a collective to gather food. A particular quote from her is that “Sometime you do have to make your own whirlpool, redirect the waters, initiate a spiral of momentum that can displace whole governments” (Gumbs, pg. 79). This made me think of the concept of movement, or more specifically, dancing, as a form of protest against higher, corrupt powers. I chose a source that provides several accounts throughout history of protest via the form of dance.

Although this section was on the shorter side, I found the snippet that mentions the rāpoka and Maori’s relationship interesting and endearing, and located a source that elborated on this dynamic. What I found was a silly and lighthearted but informative site that describes a small range of information, from the history of the rāpoka and Maori, to the actual Maori perspective of the creatures, whom were described on the website as being akin to “sea dogs.”

Gumbs’ quotes, “There is a difference in being shy and being selective,” as well as “We have the right to obscure. It is not an invitation to colonize us. It is not seduction. Boundaries can be so beautiful. Teach us so much” (Gumbs, pg. 92), are further pieces of advice and wisdom that have touched a deeper part in me. Her words are powerful, and in my interpretation are not limited one group of people, but rather anyone from any marginalized group or identity, etc. Additionally, I added a short article that explains how capitalism damages one’s mental health, and provides self-help and community-centered coping strategies.

Like every section Gumbs has written, the subject of this section has been expanded and explored in a multitude of ways, both metaphorically and literally. I, however, felt a connection to the actual discussion of hair and its beauty and significance, especially because I’ve gone through a bit of a hair journey myself in the last two to three years. Although my hair does not have any deep cultural significance or a unique texture, this section reminded me that it is nonetheless significant. In the last year, specifically, I’ve hopped between several shades of browns and blondes (and unintentionally orangey-browns), but about two months ago, I returned to my natural hair color. This does not quite relate to any broader societal significance, or really to this section at all; however, I feel that it has signalled a change in my esteem, as I am now secure enough in myself that I no longer need to hide behind the mask of (looking back, what seemed to me) foreign shades of hair. (Obviously, some individuals use their hair as a way to express their identity, which was a factor in my hair experimentation, but I think that my differing shades of hair color served as stepping stones toward a more complete version of myself- does not apply to everyone.) As a result, I've linked a site that explores the spiritual energy associated with hair. 

Reference 2

This was yet another section that was impactful and left me feeling several emotions, from anger to endearment. One thing that evoked the former emotion, along with indignation, is the oil companies that have been let in by the Greek government in attempts to solve their economic problems. One of my references explores this further, specifically the activist side of the issue, and how an all-women activist group named Vrisoules in particular is not only “using music… to raise awareness and stop off-shore drilling speculation” (Gumbs, pg. 105), but are also singing and dancing to interrupt politicians speeches and political rallies. Additionally, I was saddened by the ongoing struggles that the New Zealand white front dolphins are facing, and I linked another source that delves into their story and connection to the Maori people.

Reference 2

When Gumbs discusses the Balaenoptera acutorostrata, the “winged whale with a sharp face” (Gumbs, pg. 111), she describes them as “speak[ing] quietly and carefully,” and organizing themselves in groups to evade the listening ears of orcas and bioacoustic researchers. This behavior, although a bit of a reach, reminded me of the secret code signals among other strategies used in the Underground Railroad escape passage during the time of chattel slavery from around 1810 to 1850. In both cases, communication was modified to avoid the ears of oppressive or predatory figures. Additionally, I found the discussion of the grey whale quite intriguing, particularly how it had disappeared for two centuries and mysteriously returned for the first time since 2013, so I linked another source that delves into the past, present, and future of this species

Gumbs discusses the contemporary sperm whale, specifically mentioning its massive, sharp teeth, and ponders the transition of the species’ ancient firceness to its now seemingly (comparatively) docile nature: “I wonder what happened over millions of years for being known for its sharp teeth to evolve into one whose teeth scientists now theorize are never used to chew, but are actually mechanisms rhat simply attune their echolocation. Is that possible? That what was made to puncture you could now be used to listen deeply?” (Gumbs, pg. 123). This evoked the thought or concept that parts of someone or something do not, and usually are not, stagnant, and are always shifting as time passes. What was once made to harm or shield could now be used to heal, listen, or express. I found a source that explores this concept, specifically the act of owning one’s “bad” qualities and reworking them into positive growth and personal tools.

I appreciated the “Guide for Diving Deeper” that was included in this section. I, however, was intrigued by the deep scattering layer, especially by the fact that it was initially thought to be the bottom of the ocean, and found a source that provided a bit more background information on this structure. One interesting fact that I found on this site is that different species within deep scattering layers were not randomly distributed throughout each layer, but rather formed groups with distinct boundaries.

Towards the end of this section, when Gumbs opens up about her father and his “habits and rituals,” and how he would watch the sunset and sunrise every morning and evening, it almost brought me to tears. Gumbs’ quote stuck out to me: “I can say, yes, he was curious and calm. And some people took advantage. I can say he was born black, but I cannot say he was never afraid. What he died from, the opposite of a healthcare system, a machine that turns Black death into sugar” (Gumbs, pg. 139). It not only reminded me of the deeply disturbing and grotesque historical treatment of literal human beings who simply were of a darker shade, but also how these racially based disparities and mistreatments still occur in our modern-day society. Although it was only mentioned as a point of comparison, I have linked an article about the racial disparities seen in the United States' healthcare system.

Although Gumbs has in several sections now discussed various (more than there should be) endangered or almost, if not fully, distinct sea mammal species, something about the way that Gumbs describes the horrors that the Amazonian manatee has faced has had even more of an impact than some other sections. Hearing how “Not only does [the Amazonian manatee] have less space to be at home. They hunt her body. Harpoon her peace. Once upon a time… her flesh and skin were major exports for Brazil… her families, once large, have become small because of that” (Gumbs, pg. 143). This is heartbreaking. I wanted to learn more about this species of manatee and their habitat, so I found a source that provides this information.

Reference 2

I have developed a recent attention and interest in birth and what happens during pregnancy, what follows, and especially the mental (and obvious physical) effects that it has on the mother’s body and soul. Social media has exposed me to a side of pregnancy that I had previously never been aware of, and that is the deep importance of self-care and nurturment after giving birth. When Gumbs discussed the extreme physical change that a mother grey seal undergoes while nursing--losing thirteen pounds or 83 percent of her body weight before she begins mating again-- I was reminded of, to put it bluntly, how hard it is being a mother, and how overlooked rest and inward attention can be. One quote in particular from this section that stood out to me is when Gumbs writes, “And if I say my love is a renewable resource, then that would mean that my renewal is love. My renewal is sacred. My renewal is everything” (Gumbs, pg. 148). She is right; renewal truly is everything. This reminds me of the way motherhood and societal value of mothers differ across cultures and regions; Sweden allows mothers up to around 69 weeks of maternity leave, while the United States allows 10. Frankly, this is not surprising, and I could go on about the multitude of disparities in the U.S. (against so many marginalized groups), but this nonetheless demonstrates the deeply rooted flaws in American societal ideology and behavior, which in this day and age should have been long gone. I’ve attached both an article and a video that explore post-pardom depression and self-care strategies.

First, Gumbs brings up the marine otter and how she “takes care of her secrets” (Gumbs, pg. 152). This reminded me that there is most definitely a beauty in selective secrecy, or withholding personal information from strangers or acquaintances. It’s something that I’ve both seen on social media and also have learned through experience to do, not out of fear of the potential of being exposed, but rather to protect my peace, or as the title of this section directs, take care of my blessings. Second, when talking about the crabeater seal and the specific lookout role of the male-assigned seal after a mother gives birth, Gumbs describes how “researchers note that this role… may be just as important as mating itself, may be exactly the adaptation that makes this seal the most abundant on Earth,” following this with the questions, “could we be this diligent? Could we remember that protecting each other is our only future? Especially here where we protect each other not on ice, but from ICE?” (Gumbs, pg. 157). I thought this was a clever and moving play on words, and a very obvious yet important question to ask. Lastly, after describing the words of the Miami New Times as they stated that “it’s not a good time to be a manatee,” Gumbs rebuts this, saying that “maybe it is a good time to be a manatee,” as they are “graceful and loving,” “they want to protect each other and be safe,” and “they want to hear each other and be heard” (Gumbs, pg. 160). I was yet again saddened to read about the West Indian manatees’ hardships, and how they are one of the top two species that are the most threatened by the current federal administration, so I’ve linked a source that I will be using to look into the species.