Today we are more globally connected in communication and know more about our planet and its interconnected ecological systems than ever before-- but because of the sociopolitical systems in power and the dominant cultural consciousness we seem bound, and unable to make the needed strides to significantly alter our current path.
Our ways of connecting with nature have changed. The shifts in our relationship to the earth as westerners can be examined through history. Two major periods of change were the “conquering” of the new world, where Europeans with guns killed and subjugated peoples and claimed their land, and the industrial revolution which increased the destruction of nature and paved the way for the consumer economy.
I did not find looking at environmental smart games as fun. I think they may be helpful for elementary school teachers, but so many seem sponsored by the corporations that do so much damage that I’m skeptical of their benefit other than branding tools. Yes they might help young children learn about difficult issues like energy and pollution and contribute to their class discussions. But it would be more beneficial for teachers to take students outside and help them cultivate a connection with nature. Get them away from electronics.
Why is environmentalism boring or a downer? Is it because no one likes house cleaning? Clearly, environmentalism may need rebranding! But at the heart of this is how people connect with the earth. We spend so much time online; what about going outside?! What about mindfulness in how we live?
The U.S. looks so pathetic politically in our inability to legislate positive environmental change. Our politicians couldn’t even agree to the Kyoto Treaty or facilitate change at the recent global climate conference. Our leaders’ hands seem bound by either the system or their private interests.
I own An Inconvenient Truth. I think Al Gore does a good job at putting the concept and scope of global warming in an easy to understand perspective and provides abundant examples. He did start a meaningful dialogue. It still astounds me how the right wing media and political hand like Fox and company have successfully swayed so many to not believe global warming is real. Just last week watching Jesus Camp we got a look I into a part of the population that will not accept global warming. While the folks featured in Jesus Camp seemed to be looking forward to their afterlife because life on earth is hard and messed up in many ways— non "Jesus Camp" people who want life on earth sustained seem slow in making big changes regardless of the severity of the problem. Human behavior seems to be the hardest thing to change!
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Did you play any games? Would love to check out some of the sites, even if they weren't "fun." Do you think a game interface would at least engage some folks who might not ever think about certain issues?
ReplyDeleteI agree about the problem of those people in the population who think that Jesus is going to come down and save us so we don't really need to worry about the planet. I like that Al Gore says trying to protect the environment is a moral issue. I wish that evangelicals would adopt the same attitude they have towards their bodies (that their body is a temple and they should not disrespect God by disrespecting it) towards the earth. The argument, what if? What if you're wrong? I don't think that studying the environment needs to be boring but I think that there is an intellectual communication gap. It's hard for scientists and/or sustainable activists to communicate to everyday people. I know that was a big deal when Palin was running for VP. She said she stood for real people who speak "plain" English. I think that has a big emotional connection with people, when you speak in their language. I don't think we have the option to just say well they're never going to change their minds so we might as well give up.
ReplyDeleteI haven't thought of rebranding the Environmentalism. That is a great idea. It is a weighty word because the problem is so big. Having a positive connotation to it would help. I also am not a fan of the games.
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