(T.T.T: Tea Time Thoughts): The ocean, the fishermen & the fish monger: a clichéd dichotomy?

The ocean, the fishermen & the fishmonger: a clichéd dichotomy?

The author is under no illusion that when there's a giver, there will always be a taker.

This is a dynamic that feeds the cycle of life or Samsara (if you're feeling a bit Brahmanic). In the end- whether you're the all-embracing, impervious mother ocean that serves as the planet's source of life, in charge of the sustenance of the planet OR the meritorious, studious & go-getting fishmonger that partakes in the seizing of marine lives & in a huge extent, also the sustenance of the planet- either end of the stick, you're still fucked.

As self-defeating as this whole notion might sound, I guess the catch of the day (touché…) here is: will you be contented to be the ocean (to supply fishes) or the fishmonger (to sell fishes (selfish))?

Or perhaps to make things easier- which end of the stick would you want to end up in?

This piece seeks to shed some light on the meaning behind this dichotomy & to see whether it is still relevant today. 

The Ocean:

We all know what the ocean is capable of. Since age eternal, the word "ocean" is ubiquitous with sea monsters, Moby Dick, Bermuda Triangle et cetera.

The notion that the ocean is the planet's largest habitat to all ecosystems still holds water (pun intended). The ocean as we already know is the home to live of all sorts. The first thing that NASA would look for is the source of water as the first palpable sign that would differentiate a planet to be habitable to one that is not. It is the foundation of all life-form & it is also capable of conjuring up calamities of all sorts.

Now without going into any more detail to prevent us from diving into something metaphysical & scientific- I am highlighting the gargantuan nonchalance that is prevalent in all planet dwellers (us humans, that is). It is exactly because of this that it won't be farfetched to say that the ocean, being the cradle & mother of all habitats, has become an increasingly easy piñata for target practice from all quarters.

Illegal ensnaring of near-extinct marine wildlife, oil spills, waste disposal et cetera- feel free to identify any of these activities with what we in social convention & relationships always do.

Some take things from people they care about. They don't give back. Some take people they care about for granted. Worst, wholly justifying the act of taking simply because the giver is willing to give & it is their own volition to give.

The fishmonger:     

The enfant terrible. The Gog Magog. The greedy Ayuthaya. The incessant logger. You name it. They take & take but, are their roles really as bad as they are portrayed to be?

A fishmonger works closely with the fisherman in bringing & selling their produces & catches in the market. Safe to say, a fishmonger is a titular figure in a fish market. They solicit potential customers with prices, induce them into a contract of sales & purchase that closely represents their best interest, close the deal, bob's your uncle.

 

The fisherman:

For someone who sells raw fish, you’re more than geared up for whatever comes in life. Picture this- you set sail to the vast unending ocean for rations.

You have the captain on deck, the crews on board & the fish wranglers. You're out there for days mingling with unending waves & unsettling weather- the longer you're out there the more real your feelings of yearning to be home come to be.

Once you're back on shore, your primary job would be to sell off the produce you've got. Occasionally, you might get people that promised you a 100 & give you 50 when the goods are delivered to their doorstep. Just because they can.

 

Conclusion:

Some take things from people they care about. They don't give back. Some take people they care about for granted. Worst, wholly justifying the act of taking simply because the giver is willing to give & it is their own volition to give.

Ideological entrapment much, you say? This author disagrees. We are not an island. We live in relation to each other. We help each other. We share our strengths & weaknesses with each other.