I arrived in Ecotopia in late August. It is now approaching early October. I have spent little time here, but it has been enough to see that Ecotopia seems to be going back in time. There has been many advances in environmental policy, and gender equality that we should think about adopting in the U.S. however, separation between whites and blacks and the complete overlook of other minority groups, as well as the lack of technology in education I still do not understand and I believe will be detrimental to this Ecotopia. Ecotopia seems to be whitewashed, the politics and culture all reflect white values. I was told that blacks voluntarily asked to be separated in soul city but in my heart I don’t feel like that was the case. I think Ecotopia has been dominated by whites so they went with the majority vote and were content but not pleased with the decision. There is so much that other cultures can bring to Ecotopia without causing a halt in their progress. For as much as Ecotopians take pride in social justice, they are ignoring one of the most unjust inequalities there is. Ecotpia has put preconceived labels on the ways in which these people think, act, and hope. As far as technology in education, I feel like Ecotopia is regulating what children are learning. Holding them back from the world unknown. The students could find great use out of technology and advance their learning. Yes technology has had negative effects in the U.S. but I do not think the complete ban of it is necessary or advantageous to Ecotopia. There has to be a way in which technology can be utilized strategically. After thinking about my stay here, I feel that there is still much to learn between the U.S. and Ecotopia. If there was somehow an exchange, a balance between the two ideals, that’s where I would want to be.
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