Ideas to Postpone Apocalypse
Essay Prompt
Ailton Krenak’s short book does an interesting job textually making his arguments. For instance
he uses a number of false analogies to make his points, (I don’t mean to poison the well!) but his
writing style also embodies one of his points: different ways of thinking necessitate different
ways of argumentation. How did you enjoy reading it? Regardless of your views on his
argument: notice the craft of it.
So, for your next paper, in 4 pages, respond by crafting an essay in response:
● Summarize his arguments, highlighting the key point you will focus on.
● Take an explicit stance on one key point you agree or disagree with (see below my
prompts)
● Provide at least one quote of support from the articles found in the BCC database as well
as the book. Note: don’t just pull some random sentence from an essay; really try to use
your research to back up your stance or argument.
Prompts:
● One of his key points is that we are being raised to be more consumers than citizens. He
points to Gretta Thornburg as an example of what citizen might look like. And Synder’s
book might also be seen as lessons on what it means to be a citizen. Summarize Krenak’s
argument, do your own research on what it means to be a citizen, and enter into the
conservation with Krenak.
● One of Krenak’s overarching themes through the book is that we are different not just
culturally, but also in the way we think and view our relationships to the world, especially
nature. Summarize his arguments, do some research on the idea of “multiplicities of
knowledge,” and write an argumentative response.
● In the center section of the book, Krenak explores the relationship of the State to
indigenous communities. We here in North America are also contemplating the State’s
relationship to indigenous communities. Right here in Northern California land was given
back to a tribe (Google it). Summarize his arguments, do some research, and write a
response on the responsibilities we might have towards indigenous communities.
