“To speak is not about speaking louder, it is about feeling entitled to voice a wish.” Things I Don’t Want To Know: On Writing, Deborah Levy For MOULTING No.3, I decided to explore 선녀 sunyeo from The 선녀 Sunyeo and the Woodcutter, a Korean folktale. If you’re Korean, you will be familiar with the story. If you’re not Korean, I would be surprised if you’ve heard the story.
Thank you for helping me to see what is not said, as well as what is. One is expected to sympathize with the woodcutter because he is human. Does this mean that anyone or being not deemed human is not worthy of sympathy or compassion? This could explain the way women, minorities, animals and natural ecosystem have been treated through the centuries, to the detriment of both humans and nonhuman beings, destroying the very balance on which life thrives.
Freedalyn, thank you for your response. Yes, like you, I believe, often throughout history, humans create systems that hurt the “other” when in fact we need each other. I’m so glad you brought in natural ecosystems, something I touched on briefly in MOULTING No.2. Perhaps it’s simply taking the time and care to respect and give dignity to all life around us.
Thank you for helping me to see what is not said, as well as what is. One is expected to sympathize with the woodcutter because he is human. Does this mean that anyone or being not deemed human is not worthy of sympathy or compassion? This could explain the way women, minorities, animals and natural ecosystem have been treated through the centuries, to the detriment of both humans and nonhuman beings, destroying the very balance on which life thrives.
Freedalyn, thank you for your response. Yes, like you, I believe, often throughout history, humans create systems that hurt the “other” when in fact we need each other. I’m so glad you brought in natural ecosystems, something I touched on briefly in MOULTING No.2. Perhaps it’s simply taking the time and care to respect and give dignity to all life around us.
Thank you for writing this piece! I enjoy seeing the connection you have to the piece you are writing about. Thank you for teaching us about Sunyeo.
You’re so welcome!!