Platypus Politics
The Wiradjuri people from New South Wales share a story that often comes to mind when I hear about which group matters, which doesn’t and who will carry us in the coming elections. The story relates how very early the animals, the water creatures and the birds were all vying for what they thought was the top position. Each group was sure they were the ones who deserved special attention, notoriety and accolades.
The birds decided to invite the platypus. She belongs with us cried the birds. She lays eggs and has a bill like a duck. The platypus graciously declined. She did say she would think about it.
The animals held a meeting. The kangaroo thought it would be wise to invite the platypus. She is different in many ways but she runs and is covered with fur. She should join the animals. The platypus liked the attention, but decided to think about it.
The big fish chaired the meeting of all the water creatures. Inviting he platypus was on the agenda. The platypus is one of us. She has webbed feet and is a fine swimmer. The platypus smiled and decided to think about it.
The platypus went for guidance from the spiny echidna. “ Don’t join any group,” she advised. The platypus wrote to everyone. You are all my friends. I understand birds, as you must too keep eggs warm. I know about water creatures because I too like to dive to the depths and explore. I feel a connection to those who run on the land and are covered with fur. I am grateful that a little of me is like all of you.
I like the idea that the platypus is similar to many and also unique and separate. Too much energy is spent on determining who is on top. Truth is we are all in this together. The platypus knew that.
Our political pundits would be wise to ponder the wisdom of the platypus. “Platypus thinking” is focused on shared connections, shared outcomes, and the need for a shared future. Such conversations bring to mind decisions based on a moral compass not on who matters most or what differences are significant. It is the connections - the parts that are alike that resonant with our shared need for tomorrows, survival and hope.
The birds decided to invite the platypus. She belongs with us cried the birds. She lays eggs and has a bill like a duck. The platypus graciously declined. She did say she would think about it.
The animals held a meeting. The kangaroo thought it would be wise to invite the platypus. She is different in many ways but she runs and is covered with fur. She should join the animals. The platypus liked the attention, but decided to think about it.
The big fish chaired the meeting of all the water creatures. Inviting he platypus was on the agenda. The platypus is one of us. She has webbed feet and is a fine swimmer. The platypus smiled and decided to think about it.
The platypus went for guidance from the spiny echidna. “ Don’t join any group,” she advised. The platypus wrote to everyone. You are all my friends. I understand birds, as you must too keep eggs warm. I know about water creatures because I too like to dive to the depths and explore. I feel a connection to those who run on the land and are covered with fur. I am grateful that a little of me is like all of you.
I like the idea that the platypus is similar to many and also unique and separate. Too much energy is spent on determining who is on top. Truth is we are all in this together. The platypus knew that.
Our political pundits would be wise to ponder the wisdom of the platypus. “Platypus thinking” is focused on shared connections, shared outcomes, and the need for a shared future. Such conversations bring to mind decisions based on a moral compass not on who matters most or what differences are significant. It is the connections - the parts that are alike that resonant with our shared need for tomorrows, survival and hope.
posted by Ada at
1:50 PM
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