Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Snowbowl Effect
The Snowbowl Effect movie was good to see, because it made these injustices seem more real to me. I suppose when I read a book, it seems farther away or made up. To be able to put faces with the people fighting for their beliefs and land made the issue much more powerful and real. The movie brought up a moral dilemma for me to consider- watching the film, being completely disconnected I totally, one hundred per cent agree that the San Francisco peaks should be left alone for the indigenous people of that area, but also realize that I would have a harder time if I were closer to the area. I don't backcountry ski (though I hope to change that soon) and do rely on chairlifts and snow blowers for my recreation....if that were my only option, it would be much more difficult.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Not So Different...
Apart from the continuing theme of minorities and lower income people being targeted in regards to hazardous waste sites continuing in chapter four, I was distraught to see the let down these immigrants found in our nation.
What was hope for a more just system for these individuals coming to America, they were met with injustice and sneaky, "legal" corruption similar to what they were hoping to leave back in Mexico. Rather than blatantly do their dirty business, American officials cater to their wants and what makes the most money. It is a dirty system apparently wherever you go.
I was also shocked to see the company and lawyers come back after the appeal to ask these low-income farmers for $8,000!! This goes back to what we were discussing in class earlier today that those denied adequate safety and living conditions are also hit hard with lack of cleanup. The folks living in Buttonwillow were obviously having some issues with the happenings in their community (otherwise they wouldn't have pushed so hard for so long), but they were then pressured to pay money they don't even make in a year! This disgusted me, because it's all about money and fees; fees and money.
I would like to see the value that our society places on money decrease, and be replaced with empathy. If we as a nation were a little more empathetic and understanding as a whole, there would be less struggle and need to survive. We could start living. Sadly this needs to be spread throughout those in power to trickle down and lessen the burdens of those struggling in order for the social change to truly take place. When the majority of citizens are living rather than trying to survive, I believe we would be more united and helpful to one another.
What was hope for a more just system for these individuals coming to America, they were met with injustice and sneaky, "legal" corruption similar to what they were hoping to leave back in Mexico. Rather than blatantly do their dirty business, American officials cater to their wants and what makes the most money. It is a dirty system apparently wherever you go.
I was also shocked to see the company and lawyers come back after the appeal to ask these low-income farmers for $8,000!! This goes back to what we were discussing in class earlier today that those denied adequate safety and living conditions are also hit hard with lack of cleanup. The folks living in Buttonwillow were obviously having some issues with the happenings in their community (otherwise they wouldn't have pushed so hard for so long), but they were then pressured to pay money they don't even make in a year! This disgusted me, because it's all about money and fees; fees and money.
I would like to see the value that our society places on money decrease, and be replaced with empathy. If we as a nation were a little more empathetic and understanding as a whole, there would be less struggle and need to survive. We could start living. Sadly this needs to be spread throughout those in power to trickle down and lessen the burdens of those struggling in order for the social change to truly take place. When the majority of citizens are living rather than trying to survive, I believe we would be more united and helpful to one another.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
System Reform
After reading chapter three, I believe a major reform in the system of site choice and processing is crucial to the environmental justice of those affected.
The companies and society blamed the people of color for moving into these areas when in reality they were "forced" to move there by those aware of socioeconomic needs and abilities. It's easy to deny racial motives because of the vague guidelines that ultimately lead to the isolation of poor, people of color in these toxic wastelands.
I say the system (obviously) needs reform because, "[these] agencies, in determining a proposed facility's "suitability" for a community, rarely look beyond the geological and environmental characteristics of the proposed site. Most agencies would argue that current laws do not allow them to do so. This is true...."
If the agencies seeking a permit were required to research the "soft" criteria, I would hope that would make a difference in their decisions. If not, it would be a shame.
The companies and society blamed the people of color for moving into these areas when in reality they were "forced" to move there by those aware of socioeconomic needs and abilities. It's easy to deny racial motives because of the vague guidelines that ultimately lead to the isolation of poor, people of color in these toxic wastelands.
I say the system (obviously) needs reform because, "[these] agencies, in determining a proposed facility's "suitability" for a community, rarely look beyond the geological and environmental characteristics of the proposed site. Most agencies would argue that current laws do not allow them to do so. This is true...."
If the agencies seeking a permit were required to research the "soft" criteria, I would hope that would make a difference in their decisions. If not, it would be a shame.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Injustice in Chester
Chapter two highlights and details the resident's of Chester, Pennsylvania struggle to have a clean, safe environment to live in. There are numerous waste plants, incinerators, toxic waste cleaners etc. in the area and more seem to flood in. Finally, the residents began taking action to stop these establishments from continuing their practices in the manner they do, while also preventing more from coming. Chester is composed of many low income African Americans, which apparently makes it okay to take large dumps in their part of the world. WRONG! They began as any small activist group would, going to city meetings and gathering with representatives from the plants. This proved to be a joke as they were belittled and blatantly lied to. They then sought legal help which looked bright, but once again they were shut down due to their race. Finally they integrated others into their group and started making some progress, but this also was not entirely successful.
Reading this case study, I was in disbelief of how obvious these people were condescended upon. I thought, if one were to be racist, the system especially, there would be some discretion involve. There was absolutely no subtly in the handling of these claims and requests. I, personally have never truly witnessed such racism, therefore it is hard for me to grasp these happenings in this country. If caucasian and wealthy people deserve a clean, safe environment to grow and thrive, other ethnicities and classes ought to be as well.
Reading this case study, I was in disbelief of how obvious these people were condescended upon. I thought, if one were to be racist, the system especially, there would be some discretion involve. There was absolutely no subtly in the handling of these claims and requests. I, personally have never truly witnessed such racism, therefore it is hard for me to grasp these happenings in this country. If caucasian and wealthy people deserve a clean, safe environment to grow and thrive, other ethnicities and classes ought to be as well.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)