Blog #13

What do you think of ecofemisnism before you read, and after? Did you have any strong reactions? What do forms of dominance do you see in the world around you? 

            Before looking at the readings my impression of ecofeminism is one of irrelevance. I don’t see much need for distinguishing between genders socially to achieve some sort of environmental realization. I think the more genders and races for that matter are distinguished, the more attention we are bringing to the more we are creating the so called “inequality.” This reminds of our discussion during the spiritual ecology lecture when we got into having male gods and male dominated religions. I have always recognized my God is male; however, I don’t let that define Him. People, who point out the differences, I feel, are looking for them.

            Earth is defined as a woman, mother nature or Gaia. However, I don’t see how this perspective can be used to blame men for the destruction of the planet. The article on Vanadana stated she relates monoculture to male dominance with no support to back those claims and that this makes her an ecofeminist as defined by someone resistant to abuse of women or mother nature. There seems to be no logical progression of thought here and I don’t find their presentation of information very legitimate. I appreciate her work; however the connection seems to have been made with questionable motivations.

            I do agree with part of the article on the green fuse that states ecofeminists believe women should aim for liberation as women. This is similar to an argument I made in an earlier blog about how equality is best reached when people appreciate everyone’s roles, not seek to infiltrate them.

            I definitely see dominance in the world, including between men and women; however, I see the reasoning behind it and approach to solving it often as a fight of point the finger or pushing the blame on someone else. There is certainly dominance in business or across developing and underdeveloped countries. The gender division presented in the Lego video definitely presented a side that seemed to put boys’ creativity and development over girls’. Unfortunately, I saw this as just another example of the unequal appreciation of feminine and masculine tasks. It did seem that the buildings in the girl’s lego world were not as involved, but if they were, what is wrong with a bakery lego building? Are there not bakers in this world? Do they not enjoy their work? Are they not valued in society? Are there not male bakers? Yes, the Hogwarts theme sees great. I love Harry Potter. You certainly don’t have to be a boy to enjoy it and it is upsetting that it is seen as a male product.

Blog #12

Would you join the Green Party or not? What aspects of green values do you believe should be ideally incorporated into a "green" party? Do these align, do you think, with the Green Party? Also, are the Earth First! activists justified in their actions?

 

I believe green values have already been incorporated into the Green Party according to the readings. The Four Pillars borrowed from the German green party certainly reflect green values, such as ecological wisdom and non-violence, but also do a good job making them relevant to politics with grass roots democracy and social justice. The four sets of two added by the American Green Party to complete the Ten Key Values similarly following green values we have discussed in this course. The feminist values along with more local and regionalized economics to achieve global responsibility are all instrumental in green values. The article went on to discuss the party’s debate over social and deep ecology. I believe all these aspects of the Green party imitate green values very well and seem to fit smoothly with a political agenda. If each pillar or value is sought after rationally and reasonably I think the party would have a lot of success and I would consider joining it; however, there are certainly areas where motives could become skewed or actions taken too far that may turn people away from the party.

I do not think Earth First! is justified in their actions of monkeywrenching. I think any form of vandalism or sabotage is an immature and reckless form of protest that shows an equal amount of disrespect towards the business/company they are attacking. I do not think it is right that so many resources and so much money and jobs should be put at risk because of an individual’s selfish agenda. If they are concerned, intelligent and thoughtful enough they can do it appropriately. A movement to save the environment can’t be headed by such destructive people. If they want their ideas and opinions to be respected and considered by the government or private businesses then they should show some.