Help Protect Our Ocean
Help Protect Our Ocean
This public-service announcement, produced by the U.S. Department of State and featuring Secretary of State John Kerry, makes an appeal to the American public to protect our ocean resources. As you watch, consider how Kerry describes the problem of ocean degradation as well as possible solutions to this problem. Does the problem seem dire to you, and do the solutions seem reasonable? Also consider how this video implicitly establishes a human relationship with the ocean.
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U.S. Department of State
The Reader’s Presence
After watching Help Protect Our Ocean, consider the questions below. Then “submit” your responses.
Question 4.1
1. What issues facing our oceans does Kerry identify? Of these, which are familiar to you, and which are new to you?
Question 4.2
2. What are some possible solutions to the problems presented in the video? Do those solutions seem feasible to you? Why or why not?
Question 4.3
3. In “Our Place in the Universe” (p. 470), Alan Lightman talks about the human relationship with the natural world. This video refers to the world’s ocean waters as “our ocean.” What relationship do you think this video wants us to feel toward the ocean? Why do you think that? Why do the makers of this video choose to play up such a relationship?