Spiritual ecology was a topic that at least to me didn't really seem like ecology at all. It seemed like a sort of religion that was based on the conservation of the environment. I was born and raised Catholic, but that does not give me the view on spiritual ecology I have. I did not really think that Catholicism had a take on the preservation of the environment, but I read the message by the Pope sent out a few years ago. He said that as Christians we are obligated to respect and preserve creation: in essence protect the planet from pollution and global warming. This surprised me that the head of the Church issued a religious stance about sustainability.
The Gaia hypothesis was basically saying that the planet was a living thing and could adapt on its own. I was intrigued by the evidence brought to the table to try and defend it. I just don't think that it is the case though. If the planet could regulate itself, it would have stopped warming at such an alarming rate some time ago. Also, if we all put all of our eggs in the basket of Gaia regulating herself, we might cause this planet some serious problems by neglect.
With regard to hyper-masculine culture, I do believe that we live in a male-dominated society. Women can work the same jobs as men but be paid less. Less than a hundred years ago women were not even allowed to vote. With the way I see it, everyone being born today is instilled with the male-dominated culture around them which is why it continues. I feel that changes are slowly being made, but total equality may be a bit far off.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Blog #10--Social Ecology
Social ecology is a form of rational thinking and partially political outlook that focuses on conservation of not only the environment but society as a whole. Social ecologists reject the traditional view that industry and having more is "progress" and sees them more as a hindrance to the overall outlook of how we as humans should see the world. According to the ideals of social ecology, social hierarchy is the basis of all problems. In my opinion, avoiding social hierarchy is next to impossible because it is in human nature to organize themselves. Imagining a world where everyone sees everyone else as equals is very hard to imagine.
I view most other aspects of social ecology as ones similar to my own. I do think and know that industry is killing our planet, and it is very backward to think that exploitation of land and resources for quick profit is how one needs be successful in this world. I do agree that humans should view themselves as a part of nature and not the ruler of it. Although social ecology does have some very down to earth views that would be great to instill in the younger generation, many aspects of it are simply not compatible with the way the world is now.
I view most other aspects of social ecology as ones similar to my own. I do think and know that industry is killing our planet, and it is very backward to think that exploitation of land and resources for quick profit is how one needs be successful in this world. I do agree that humans should view themselves as a part of nature and not the ruler of it. Although social ecology does have some very down to earth views that would be great to instill in the younger generation, many aspects of it are simply not compatible with the way the world is now.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Blog #9--Deep Ecology
My overall view on deep ecology is a little shaky at best. From the things I've read, it seem that the concepts of deep ecology are just like the concepts of green learning communities mixed in with green politcs. The only thing that stands out for me is the inclusion and high importance of the concept of "self-understanding" in deep ecology. According to the philosophy, one cannot understand anyone else or even be very successful if they do not understand themselves first. It seems as if the self is just as important as the environment.
Deep Ecology does not relate too much to me in most regards, but I do sort of agree/understand the concept of quality of life over quantity. The quality of life for many people in third world countries is falling drastically as the world's population increases. Many of the other aspects are completely unfeasible, such as eliminating social class and centralized government. My only concerns with deep ecology is that it can only be a philosophy for one's self, or at most a small group or village. Scale in following this philosophy is very important, as a country of large size would not be able to live how deep ecology says.
Deep Ecology does not relate too much to me in most regards, but I do sort of agree/understand the concept of quality of life over quantity. The quality of life for many people in third world countries is falling drastically as the world's population increases. Many of the other aspects are completely unfeasible, such as eliminating social class and centralized government. My only concerns with deep ecology is that it can only be a philosophy for one's self, or at most a small group or village. Scale in following this philosophy is very important, as a country of large size would not be able to live how deep ecology says.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Blog #8--Consensus
The idea of consensus was a seemingly straightforward topic, but so much detail and analysis is involved with the whole concept of consensus decision making, which greatly surprised me. The assigned articles really give a good feel for the concept, but they portray it in a very positive, almost biased way it seems.
A few preconditions exist which help consensus work more smoothly. The main thing is that everybody in the process in on the same level and will let their voice be heard. These are how the decisions are made. Instead of the standard, vote yes or no for one thing and majority rules, in consensus decision making, decisions are kind of sculpted from everybody's opinions and potential conflicts. The decisions are manipulated until it becomes something everyone can collectively agree on. A few other conditions for the process are cooperation, nonviolence, and patience among others.
This process has both strengths and weaknesses. Some of the main strengths are equality and true democracy. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and everyone's opinion collectively molds the final decision. In essence this is true democracy because the group is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The biggest and only inherent weakness is that this decision making can only be made in small communities. In no way could this ever be the process of a large country, because hearing the opinion of millions is just too impractical. This can only be used for small living and learning communities.
A few preconditions exist which help consensus work more smoothly. The main thing is that everybody in the process in on the same level and will let their voice be heard. These are how the decisions are made. Instead of the standard, vote yes or no for one thing and majority rules, in consensus decision making, decisions are kind of sculpted from everybody's opinions and potential conflicts. The decisions are manipulated until it becomes something everyone can collectively agree on. A few other conditions for the process are cooperation, nonviolence, and patience among others.
This process has both strengths and weaknesses. Some of the main strengths are equality and true democracy. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and everyone's opinion collectively molds the final decision. In essence this is true democracy because the group is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The biggest and only inherent weakness is that this decision making can only be made in small communities. In no way could this ever be the process of a large country, because hearing the opinion of millions is just too impractical. This can only be used for small living and learning communities.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Blog #7--Culture Jamming
All of the readings about culture jamming I found very entertaining and enjoyable. I did not realize that a group existed out there whose sole purpose was to create ads that go against the ideology of ads in general. Culture jamming is providing some way, in this case ads, to allow the public to briefly snap out of this modern world of advertising and be able to see clearly without the shroud of consumerism. Culture jamming nowadays has a few forms of communication. The most prevalent are billboards, television ads, and especially in this age memes.
Culture jamming is a good tool for activism, because the ones who are doing the jamming have the backup of the First Amendment on their side. The ones who are culture jamming believe that they have the right to use the airways if they have money. The television stations, however have become a big obstacle for them. Culture jamming itself is an effective way to get a point across because rather than lecture, it takes a well known and familiar ad concept and sort of puts a real-world spin on it. A good example would be of the classic "Joe Camel" from Camel brand cigarettes. A culture jamming spin was taken and featured a bedridden camel in hospital gown hooked up to an IV and dubbed "Joe Chemo."
Until media outlets will be willing or forced to allow these ads to be aired more often, Americans unfortunately might be further embedded in a consumerist lifestyle.
Culture jamming is a good tool for activism, because the ones who are doing the jamming have the backup of the First Amendment on their side. The ones who are culture jamming believe that they have the right to use the airways if they have money. The television stations, however have become a big obstacle for them. Culture jamming itself is an effective way to get a point across because rather than lecture, it takes a well known and familiar ad concept and sort of puts a real-world spin on it. A good example would be of the classic "Joe Camel" from Camel brand cigarettes. A culture jamming spin was taken and featured a bedridden camel in hospital gown hooked up to an IV and dubbed "Joe Chemo."
Until media outlets will be willing or forced to allow these ads to be aired more often, Americans unfortunately might be further embedded in a consumerist lifestyle.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Blog #6--GTP Reading
My group's Group Teaching Project (GTP) is centered on the concept of Green Democracy. The readings on Green Democracy were very interesting. One one of the main links, a web site about the U.S. Green Party, had a tab about its platform and its stance on policies, which had some different views than the other two main political parties. The overall stance on the Green Party is giving the people more say in their government. They truly believe in a government of the people, by the people and for the people. They distrust powerful government because they believe that the spoils system and buying elections is the downfall of this country's "democracy."
Another link was to an article about the Earth First! movement. The article was defending the Earth First! people because they were essentially non-violently protesting against environmental harm. Some may call it vandalism, but they are adamant that their actions are perfectly fine.
The last article was on Environmental Racism. Essentially, low paying jobs in developing countries are very dangerous to their workers because very little environmental control and worker protection exists. Green Democracy is worked into this topic because one if its goals is to end this unfair lack of worker protection.
When my group presents this topic, one of the tactics I was thinking we could at least start off with is basically discussing what people agree and disagree with about the concepts of Green Democracy. I feel like stating the concepts in a black-and-white fashion will allow others to freely give their honest opinions about this topic.
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