On Tue, 09 Jan 96 12:56:24 CST Jane Sooby wrote:
> From: Jane Sooby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Tue, 09 Jan 96 12:56:24 CST
> Subject: checking ecofem credentials
> To: STUDIES IN WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> Despite our purest principles, where is the "ecofeminist" who
> doesn't compromise them on a regular basis?
>
> Do you utilize currency, issued by a government established by violence
> and used to maintain an oppressive economic system?
>
> Is your home completely solar-powered, or do you use natural gas, extracted
> from the Earth, or electricity, made using dammed and bridled waters, or
> huge polluting coal plants, or nuclear power plants?
>
> Do you pay U.S. taxes, the bulk of which goes to support massive
> spending on sophisticated killing systems?
>
> Do you manage to always avoid transportation in a gas-fueled vehicle,
> which not only pollutes but causes the plunder of coasts and natural
> areas?
>
> A few of you seem to be lining up to check others' ecofeminist credentials.
> One of the great lessons we can learn from nature is that diversity and
> change are the key to survival. Intolerance is a hallmark of totalitarianism.
> Each of us has her own pace toward enlightenment. Relax and appreciate
> our differences. We don't need to have identical views on eating meat
> in order to change the status quo.
>
> Jane Sooby
> Ag Tech II (Sustainable Ag)
> High Plains Ag Lab
> 3257 Rd. 109
> Sidney, NE 69162-3129
HI Jane,
I agree that there's something wrong with a possible 'you cant be in our
gang' attitude. But the ethical treatment of animals has always been central to
ecofeminist writings, at least in the West. Moreover, a common criticism of
ecofeminism is that there are inadequate links between theory and practice. While
obviously this meat debate is not going to go on forever it will hopefully catalyse
further discussions on ecofeminist practice and the formulation of practical and
livable ethics. While we theorise the earth dies.
-Richard
