Author: Colin Brustad (Page 2 of 2)

Linda Hogan’s Power reflects on many critical issues in today’s society, including climate change, ecology, and identity. However, considering Hogan’s deep roots in the Chickasaw tribe, I believe that the most important theme in Power is indigenous rights. The conflict between the Taiga tribe and the modern society in Florida is evident; over the past decades, the Taiga reserve has shrunk, making way for urbanization. Highways, shopping malls, and corporate buildings have overthrown nature. Even invasive species such as the kudzu are growing out of control in the Taiga reserve, once again symbolizing the modern society’s takeover.

With modern society expanding its land on the expense of indigenous people comes the issue of indigenous rights. And these issues can spark a lot of controversy, which is the case of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who are directly affected by the construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline argued that the project will contaminate their water supply, cross sacred land, and was approved without the consent of tribal leaders. What followed was a protest which spread to Washington D.C., and gained international media attention.

Dakota Access Pipeline protest in Washington D.C. Link: https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jPFGVqjXk.WxHpbYe3gClQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9MTI4MDtoPTk2MA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/f337a0e17b1f6fecc0cc41162909be1e

What I find particularly interesting about the protest is how it became an international rallying cry for both indigenous rights and climate change activism. The fact that protesters claimed that both issues were violated by the government goes to show how interconnected the issues are. I believe that this is what Linda Hogan was trying to illustrate. In Power, climate change and indigenous rights are not separable. The killing of the Florida panther illustrates this perfectly. On one hand, the killing could be justified as it is an act of spirituality and mercy, as the panther was weak and sick. On the other hand, the Florida panther is an endangered species, protected by the U.S. government. However, one could argue that the panther is endangered due to climate change, which in turn has been caused by modern civilization. Thus, Power and the Dakota Access Pipeline protests show that most issues are interconnected, and it is vital that we keep this in mind when addressing critical issues.

I believe that Bidder 70 stood in stark contrast to The Monkey Wrench Gang, especially when it comes to the ongoing debate we have had in class about good versus bad activism. Although the intent is similar in both cases, as both groups fight for nature and the environment, the approach is completely different.

On one hand, the group in The Monkey Wrench Gang sabotage billboards and buildings belonging to the ‘evil’ corporates. As I have discussed earlier in a blog, I believe that this approach is too extreme. The group can quickly be labeled as the villains, which in turn discredits their beliefs and values.

However, Tim DeCristopher, the man behind Bidder 70, utilizes effective activism. It all starts with a relatively simple and peaceful protest, as Tim DeCristopher disrupts an auction selling land for drilling, by successfully bidding on some of the land himself without an intent to drill. As a result, his action includes severe implications, both positive and negative. On the negative, Tim DeCristopher quickly finds himself in the crosshairs of powerful corporates and the government, as he is prosecuted for civil disobedience. But on the positive, he gains national media attention. Tim DeChristopher is given a powerful voice in society, and takes full advantage. For instance, he founds Peaceful Uprising, expresses his concern for mountaintop removal in West Virginia, and supports a new democratic candidate in Utah.

Peaceful Uprising protest. Link: https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1302879127_16.jpg

Bidder 70 therefore illustrates how powerful civil disobedience can be. The documentary itself even refers to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King on multiple occasions, possibly the two people behind the most successful movements involving non-violence. Drawing these comparisons sends an impactful message to the viewers. It gives us hope that we can have a voice in the issue of climate change. And we must utilize that, the same way Tim DeCristopher disrupted the auction posing as bidder 70.

My main takeaway from what I have read so far of The Monkey Wrench Gang and the discussions we have had in class was how hard it is to define activism. Everyone seemed to have a different opinion of what activism was, whether it was people protesting Trump’s anti-shark comments by donating money to help save sharks, or vegan “extremists” threatening and harassing a group practicing cooking with meat literally from scratch. At least we could all agree that the latter was a bad form of activism, or not even activism at all, due to its sinister execution and lacking intent.

However, The Monkey Wrench Gang presents a unique situation. Doc, Bonnie, Seldom, and Hayduke are fighting for the environment, for the beautiful nature they treasure. But the means of gaining attention and standing their grounds are highly controversial, including burning down billboards, vandalizing machinery, and utilizing explosives. The group itself justifies its actions, concluding that it would not be able to gain any attention otherwise.

And on one hand, it is true. The Monkey Wrench Gang’s actions does gain attention, which in turn spreads the message of environmental sustainability. They are not harming any humans, only the “greedy” corporations.

On the other hand, although the intention is good, the execution is ultimately bad. The group is committing crimes to further their own cause, which is why I believe we disliked them in class. They can quickly be labeled as villains, even terrorists, which therefore dismisses them of any credibility.

I believe the interesting case of good intent but bad execution that The Monkey Wrench Gang describes is why the book captured the attention of so many environmentalists. We are still trying to find a way to effectively communicate our concern to the people in power, and this book illustrates an extreme but interesting approach. However, as concluded earlier, we must find another way of doing so.

I believe Margaret Atwood’s It’s Not Climate Change, It’s Everything Change effectively illustrates the social inequalities related to climate change. In fact, the article depicts the environmental injustice that is taking place today – and may worsen in the future – in a provocative but insightful way, portraying two extreme situations that are complete opposites. The author names the utopian outcome “Picture One”, where humans are able to adapt through reforms in technology and mindset, ultimately solving climate change. On the other hand, “Picture Two” illustrates a somber future, one where chaos and panic ensues as the worst imagined consequences of global warming occur.

Finally, “Picture Three” combines the two previous situations, and creates what seems to be a realistic view of how countries are combatting and will combat global warming. Several western and developed countries have already taken significant measures to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, my home country Norway, has been a leading example of greener policy. In fact, the government has vowed to cut 30 % of their emissions measured in 1990 by 2020, and become carbon neutral by 2050. However, Norway is also an example of hypocrisy and irony. While the government claims it is doing everything within its power to reduce carbon emissions, Norway is one of the largest exporters of oil in the world.

One of the Norwegian oil rigs. Link: http://www.norwayexports.no/Documents/Articles/norway%27s%20green%20oil%20industry.jpg

Countries like Norway are set up for a picture one scenario, while less developed countries will likely face a version of picture two. The bottom line is that while rich countries prosper and remain seemingly unaffected by climate change, a problem caused by them, poor countries suffer the consequences. As such, we must change our mindset, and think about the people we are affecting. Because that is the goal of environmental justice.

Name: Colin Brustad

Hometown: Oslo, Norway

Major: Economics, Minor in Environmental Sciences & Policy

Three topics/ideas/issues that intrigue me: Sports, Music, Environmental Sciences

Interesting/exciting bit of news I read today (or lately): Netflix’s new series “Rotten”