Why I Hesitate Calling Myself an Environmentalist
We all can associate ourselves to many groups; our job, religion, political affiliation, family role, country, race, sex, etc. However, often times due to stereotypes and the negative connotations some groups receive, we may hesitate to call ourselves by that title. "Environmentalist" is one I have had trouble with recently.
The environmentalist movement that took off in the 1960's can be linked to amazing accomplishments in many areas, especially air and water. But as the environmentalist movement edged into the 80's and 90's it became more polarized among the general public. Phelan had a great post on her blog Homesteading Neophyte about an individual reacting to Al Gore winning an Oscar. Why are people so disgusted with people trying to work for the Earth? I believe that it has a lot to do with blame, negativity, and fear.
Using fear to help ones cause is a slippery slope. We see fear used in the war on drugs, the war on terror, justifying our current war, sects of Christianity that overlook the positive aspects of love and forgiveness for damnation and hellfire, and even in our schools. I have many peers that blast our current administration for creating a fear-based society only to turn around and use fear for environmental issues. Sure we may feel that our beliefs are fact-based and justified, but so do other groups.
I guess I am just getting burned-out on the negative. Of course I want a better world for KIA to grow up in. Of course I will keep pursuing and working for environmental efforts that I feel are important. But I want to stop putting blame on individuals, even if I feel they are causing great harm (I may have trouble with large corporations). We are all part of the problem, but we must also all be part of the solution. I would like to allow for more communication and cooperation instead of building greater barriers.
Thank you for listening to my thoughts for the evening. Be well.
Painting by James Marsh. Title: The Environmentalist
posted by BurdockBoy @ 9:40 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
Good post.
I feel burned out on the negative at times myself. It's hard to face reality and try to be rosey all the time, especially with the unstable climate we have facing us.
There is positive to be found. Perhaps a day out, alone in the woods. I know I could use one.
Take care.
Another great post. I can identify with many of your thoughts. But alas, it is late, so I will return tomorrow.
Very interesting thoughts.
I understand your concerns about pinpointing individuals. It's perhaps tempting to become involved in very polemical and confrontational debates when, as you say, real solutions might more easily be reached through dialogue, and more compromise on all sides.
Though some need to compromise more than others, of course. ;)
A good day to you, Burdock Boy.
I am tired of the extrems of both sides. Make your little piece of the world better, and some day other's will follow.
Great post. A friend and I want to create a community green 'zine as a resource for healthy city and planet. The hardest part thus far is the name. We don't want green/ eco/ environmental names because it turns off so many people. It is amazing that even a title or name such as environmentalism can cause such a knee-jerk reaction.
There is a story/fable about a guy walking along the beach littered with sea stars. He bends down and picks them up one by one and tosses them back into the sea. Another man walking by seeing this comments, "there are too many you won't make a difference.", the man did not look up just reached down and threw another star back into the water then he looked up and said, "it made a difference to that one."
Should have taken the time to find the story and the author but its the moral that is important, little individual steps. I try to make earth friendly choices everyday. I worry about what i can do and not what others are not doing. It helps maintain sanity and balance in my chaotic world.
Again great post.
Crallspace:
Thanks for stopping by.
I am not in denial on what is happening, but I don't want to become someone who begins assigning guilt to everyone. It wears me out.
A day out in the woods is the best way for me to regroup as well.
Carla:
Thanks. I know how those evening hours creep up....
barnes:
You are correct, some people need to compromise better. Perhaps they skipped their conflict resolution classes :)
Debates are wonderful to express ideas and education, but when insults and guilt trips enter the picture, it turns into more of a bad talk show atmosphere than productive debate.
I hope your weekend went well.
Phelan:
I consider myself pretty far-left or progressive-whatever, but I still believe in putting myself in other peoples shoes to view the issues. Sometimes I can't see the logic on someones actions, but I believe education and demonstration is a good approach to solving differences towards ones own beliefs.
Emme:
It is unfortunate that environmentalism has become so associated with radical thought that many are afraid to climb aboard. Populism seems very popular right now, if one could steer many of the issues onto being seen as the greatest good for all of us, people may be a bit more open minded. Thank you. Best of luck with a title for your zine.
Maggie:
Wonderful fable. It sort of coincides with the painting I chose for this post (well they both are set on the seaside).
What you are doing is a great way for us as individuals to chip away at problems. I also try to make conscious decisions in my everyday life-everything from my consumer choices to energy conservation. Sometimes we have the chance to educate someone in a passive situation why we are making the choices that we are. If we can be nonjudgemental and avoid inflicting guilt, perhaps they will even see the benefits. As I said before, demonstration of our choices and eduation can make a difference. But you are correct, concentrating on our actions is definitely most important and should come first.
Thank you.
I couldn't agree more. Personally, I am turned off by the "us versus them" mentality I've seen on some blogs. Judging others doesn't help anything. Helping others understand your concerns while genuinely understanding, and respecting, theirs is the foundation of good communication. Self-rightousness and disdain for those who do not act as we do, or making assumptions about others is not productive. This isn't maybe the exact point you're making, but I think it's related. It's easy to judge someone for not being as environmentally aware as one sees him/herself to be, but it's much more useful and admirable to as you said, step into that person's shoees and understand w hat they are doing and why.
Great post Quinn. You have it in two words. Love and forgiveness.
Okay, I'm back. I very much agree that assigning guilt is not helpful in the least bit. I think we need to each do our part and eventually others will start following the example. Perhaps I'm naive, but too cringe at being seen on either end of the spectrum. Just not very productive.
I'm with Phelan. It's not about guilt - either assigning or accepting - it's about doing. And that starts where you can do the most, with your self, and what is at hand.
Thank you for your considerations as always. Enjoy your family, and live the best you can as what you are meant to be. Simple...not so easy...but simple.
Have a great night!
M:
Hello. Thank you for commenting, as always.
Judging others is something that seems to come naturally to us, but as you say is not productive. I make plenty of bad choices in my life-we all do. But it hould be a learning experience for ourselves, not ammunition for others to criticize us. I have been even finding people or blogs or websites that I agree with on the issue, only to become disgusted and less interested because of the tone and approach they take promoting the issue. I can't imagine how disgusted I would be if I didn't agree.
Kim:
I guess those are good words to live by.
Carla:
Being labled as one end of the spectrum can be unfortunate. I am proud of where I stand politically and believe in the issues I care about, I just don't like being thought of as a "doomsdayer" or "hippy" or "elitist". I wish we could move beyond the baggage and stereotypes that supporting a cause carries.
T.Fool:
Thanks for your words.
One reason I enjoy your site so much is how you present a thought and allow for conversation and self-reflection. We are able to take away something for ourselves.
Happy Monday to you.
Funny, Tim and I had conversation yesterday along the same lines about labels and stereotypes. I was thinking of putting more in my blogger profile, but realized many of the labels that may partially fit us have a lot of stereotypes that do not fit us at all. Our minds want to file everyone into categories. They are a lot easier to deal with that way. :)
More progress is made when we are able to find the common ground and appreciate the difference and learn from each other.
Completely agree. Remember that old saying "more flies with honey than vinegar"
Monica
Well said. I've had a post brewing in my head about this exact thing. I tend to refer to myself as a "conservationist" because I hate to see how environmentalists are often competing with one another to be the greenest: "I'm more eco than you because I don't eat meat/drive/watch tv/have a flush toilet/etc". It just wears me out.
We'd do well to remember that we're all on the same side.
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