Wednesday, May 19, 2004

21st Century Attitudes Don't Work in Colonial Times

I’ve caught the first four episodes of PBS’s Colonial House and I must say, so far, I’ve been disappointed.  Though it does make an interesting study in human action as Bill Cholenski at Catallarchy hoped. An example of my disappoint, and the failure of 21st century attitude in colonial times, would be the participants seemingly total helplessness when they first attempted to strike a fire with flint and steel, and, having little success, state they have failed, and instead of try, trying again, venture forth and mooch a coal off of an individual who was able to strike a fire.

A more interesting story, aired on PBS, would be “Alone in the Wilderness." The story details Dick Proeneke’s year in Alaska, as this blurb illustrates.

"To live in a pristine land unchanged by man…
to roam a wilderness through which few other humans have passed…
to choose an idyllic site, cut trees and build a log cabin…
to be a self-sufficient craftsman, making what is needed from materials available…
to be not at odds with the world, but content with one’s own thoughts and company…

Thousands have had such dreams, but Dick Proenneke lived them. He found a place, built a cabin, and stayed to become part of the country. This video “Alone in the Wilderness” is a simple account of the day-to-day explorations and activities he carried out alone, and the constant chain of nature’s events that kept him company."

- Sam Keith

A very enjoyable show.

Posted by John Venlet on 05/19 at 07:22 AM
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