I would gently suggest a reframe of the correctional facility visit. While I understand the orientation toward octopuses, I think a more interesting conclusion than, “look at all the ways and places we’re finding care for octopuses,” is perhaps, “if we earnestly respect octopus intelligence to be so advanced that we do not completely comprehend it, what can we learn from the lived experiences of women (and probably non-binary people) at a corrections facility — in human captivity — that might give us insight into both how we treat octopuses in captivity and how we treat our fellow humans?” I was so moved to hear that the participants expressed concern for the octopuses who even die to escape. I wouldn’t begrudge someone with that much on their plate to not spend their time worrying about an animal they have no relationship with, and yet here they all are, people and octopus, bonded by what appears to be similar sentiments and experiences. (Note: my intention isn’t to condemn octopus captivity; I do think, however, that every idea worth acting upon deserves analysis.)
While my experiences aren’t identical, I also felt deeply for La’Darion, as I’m also a disadvantaged aspiring marine biologist who wants to study octopuses, and if your life doesn’t go exactly the right way, the goal feels impossible! I wish her the best and sincerely hope the educators follow up with her in a more meaningful way.
I’m sincerely looking forward to when your drawing panel is posted; I hope you update us when that happens!
I would gently suggest a reframe of the correctional facility visit. While I understand the orientation toward octopuses, I think a more interesting conclusion than, “look at all the ways and places we’re finding care for octopuses,” is perhaps, “if we earnestly respect octopus intelligence to be so advanced that we do not completely comprehend it, what can we learn from the lived experiences of women (and probably non-binary people) at a corrections facility — in human captivity — that might give us insight into both how we treat octopuses in captivity and how we treat our fellow humans?” I was so moved to hear that the participants expressed concern for the octopuses who even die to escape. I wouldn’t begrudge someone with that much on their plate to not spend their time worrying about an animal they have no relationship with, and yet here they all are, people and octopus, bonded by what appears to be similar sentiments and experiences. (Note: my intention isn’t to condemn octopus captivity; I do think, however, that every idea worth acting upon deserves analysis.)
While my experiences aren’t identical, I also felt deeply for La’Darion, as I’m also a disadvantaged aspiring marine biologist who wants to study octopuses, and if your life doesn’t go exactly the right way, the goal feels impossible! I wish her the best and sincerely hope the educators follow up with her in a more meaningful way.
I’m sincerely looking forward to when your drawing panel is posted; I hope you update us when that happens!
Best wishes!