Doing cultural studies in rough seas: the COVID-19 ocean multiple. Issue 2 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Probyn, Elspeth
• Is Part Of: Cultural studies. Volume 35:Issue 2/3(2021)
• Page Start: 557
• Page End: 571
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Conjunctural analysis -- oceanic cultures -- cultural studies -- keywords -- site-specific thinking; Culture -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; 306
• DOI: 10.1080/09502386.2021.1898032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-2386

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article seeks to demonstrate what a conjunctural analysis of the oceanic manifestation of COVID-19 might look like. While the ocean has seemingly remained on the periphery during the ongoing pandemic, the marine has nevertheless been deeply affected as a space of more-than-human connection. As we know, it was at a seafood market (The Huanan Seafood Market) that the first signs of the virus allegedly emerged – an event that propelled the circulation of disgust and racism that was to follow. I take three sites: Botany Bay, Sydney; the Ruby Princess cruise ship; and the effect of COVID-19 on fish supply chains and the lives and livelihoods of fishers especially in the global south. I draw on John Clarke's argument that 'tracing the different dynamics and forces that come together to constitute the conjuncture is a substantial challenge', and Meaghan Morris' call for site-specific thinking in cultural studies. This is, I argue, a time for messy digging in the swamp of the pandemic if we are to find thin threads of hope for our more-than-human world, and our discipline.