Shifting Currents

Shifting CurrentsDiscover 'Shifting Currents,' a groundbreaking exploration of swimming's rich history that delves into cultural dynamics and the complex narratives surrounding water. This engaging book, authored by Karen Eva Carr and published by Reaktion Books in 2022, dissects how swimming, often seen as a universal act, has been steeped in racial, social, and gender tensions over the centuries. With a keen focus on how non swimmers from the North perceived African

Discover 'Shifting Currents,' a groundbreaking exploration of swimming's rich history that delves into cultural dynamics and the complex narratives surrounding water. This engaging book, authored by Karen Eva Carr and published by Reaktion Books in 2022, dissects how swimming, often seen as a universal act, has been steeped in racial, social, and gender tensions over the centuries. With a keen focus on how non-swimmers from the North perceived African and Southeast Asian swimming traditions, this title unveils the conflicting relationship with water—both as a source of healing and a site of fear. Using a variety of archaeological, textual, and art historical references, Carr reveals how swimming practices were stigmatized, particularly for women and marginalized communities. This compelling history not only highlights the allure of swimming but also provides critical insights into issues of race, gender, and power dynamics. Ideal for historians, swimmers, and those interested in cultural studies, 'Shifting Currents' offers a fresh perspective that is both enlightening and thought-provoking. Dive into this narrative to understand how the currents of history still influence our contemporary views on swimming and its participants.