Behind the Colonial Silence of Wilderness

Abstract What is the relevance of concept wilderness today? For some, recognition a troubled history regarding people color does not challenge its pertinence in facing ecological crisis. However, author contends that problematic because inability to recognize other conceptualizations Earth held by Indigenous and Black peoples Americas Caribbean. As case point, critically engages with failed attempt accommodate enslaved experiences into perspective made Andreas Malm 2018 paper titled “In Wildness Lies Liberation World: On Maroon Ecology Partisan Nature.” Paradoxically, suggesting fugitive slaves’ “wild” spaces can point Marxist theory wilderness, ignores concerns Maroons peoples, including their theorizing voices, ecology, demands for justice. Wilderness portrayed as emancipatory on condition colonized remain silenced. In response, argues it was “wilderness” but ingenious relationships nurtured these woods created possibility world: marronage lies search world.