D4

D4 BARAKA/NATURE

The film BARAKA is described as non-verbal spiritual meditation on the relationship between humans and nature.  The film consists of three segments representing the following themes:  the beauty of the natural world and the spiritual world, the negative impacts of humans/technology on the natural and spiritual worlds and the reconnection between humans and nature via spirituality/religion.  From this perspective, spirituality is at the center of the relationship between humans and nature and its also the means by which humans connect or reconnect with nature.

Our text book presents a different perspective.  According to our text, technology is the means by which humans adapt to, interact with and make sense out of nature. Technology is what allows us as humans to live fully within an otherwise powerful and somewhat uncontrollable natural world.  From this perspective, technology, rather than spirituality, is at the center of the relationship between humans and nature and the means by which humans connect or reconnect with nature.

How do you perceive, based on your personal experience, the relationship between humans, technology, nature, and religion/spirituality?  Do you agree with the perspective of the film? With the text? A combination of the two? Neither?  

Be specific in your argument and use examples from the film, text, and your experience to support your argument.