More Than a Name: The Meaning Behind 'Black Fish’
The name "Black Fish" holds a depth of meaning that started before our fishing group; it stems from a powerful experience I had while watching the documentary of the same name, which explores the lives of orcas in captivity at SeaWorld. You remember it, right? If not, stop reading this and go watch immediately! 10 out of 10; would recommend. As I witnessed the heartbreaking stories of these majestic creatures, I couldn't help but draw parallels to issues far broader than just marine life:
- Captivity and Exploitation: The documentary detailed how orcas were captured, stolen, and transported, often seen merely as assets for breeding, income generation, and entertainment. This practice took me straight to our historical knowledge of the African slave trade (and many other countless slave trades across the world), where human lives were commodified, stripped of their dignity, and exploited for profit.
- Emotional Impact on Capturers: I was unexpectedly moved by the retelling of Tilikum’s theft from the open sea by one of the paid capturers, who expressed profound guilt and shame years later, brought to tears as he recounted his experience of hearing the other orcas' audible grief as they circled the boat helplessly. This serves as a reminder that the impact of our actions transcends time and affects us all—this isn’t merely a Black person's weight to bear; it’s a shared human experience that calls for empathy and understanding. Just as there are descendants of slavery, there are descendants of slave overseers. Dr. Joy DeGruy gives a brilliant explanation in her talk, "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome."
- Physical Trauma: The documentary highlighted Tilikum, the orca whose fin bent over due to confinement. This physical manifestation of trauma resonated with me, particularly as I reflected on the physiological challenges faced by many melanated people living in countries like the UK, where sunlight is scarce and vitamin D deficiency is prevalent. Where has our energy gone come winter? Why does our skin look faded? Why do my muscles and bones hurt?!
- Reconnection with Our Sacred Spaces: A way to heal from these disconnections is to reconnect with our sacred spaces. Nothing can tell you that you are home quite like the earth and sea. We may not be able to return to a gestational state, but we can immerse ourselves in the waters that have shaped our ancestors’ lives and spirits. Have you noticed how your troubles feel lifted when you get to the water?
- Spiritual Significance: A quote from the documentary stood out to me: “First Nations called them black fish, an animal with great spiritual power and not to be meddled with.” How better to encapsulate what I hope for the people within this group— to recognize the strength, dignity, and spiritual connection we share with the ocean and each other?
As we move forward with our fishing group, let this name serve as a reminder of the profound history and spirituality that envelops both the sea and its creatures, and us, the caretakers.