Dear Angela,
As I understand it, ecofeminism is the application of feminist thought and
action to the ecological crisis. By this definition, it is going to include
discussion of how centuries of patriarchal thought, education, and systems
have affected the ecology of earth. Yes, one can be an ecologist and not be a
feminist. And yes, one can be a feminist and not be an ecologist. But in a
capitalist society, people have to work to feed the babies, and so it doesn't
really further the discussion, it seems to me, to set up Straw-woman arguments
about someone who works for a polluter but believes in ecological action. All
U.S. corporations, including "good" ones, and including most non-profits,
operate in a top-down hierarchy that promotes society's dependence on
consumerist and competitive models for judging and rewarding "achievement."
This is the nature of the beast. Ecofeminists are struggling to break chains
and ladders; to re-vision our systems and belief structures so that they
support values of cooperation and sustainability. Does anyone out there have
a better or different definition? This is my best shot at it (to use a
patriarchal, macho metaphor)!
Blessings,
Jane
