Wow, Patty... very well put!
lokken wrote:
>
> At 12:43 PM 9/15/96 EST, you wrote:
>
> >By the way, I'm still waiting for a response to my question about how sexism
> >connects with environmental degradation in the practiacal life of a
> >middle-class, north american, white woman.
> >
> >Omar Freilla
> >Black Men for the Eradication of Sexism
> >institute of Environmental Sciences-Miami University, Ohio
>
> Omar,
> I'm a middle-class, north american white woman, & I have observed
> that the role expectations & high rate of consumerism promoted by our
> culture encourage women to continue activities which are environmentally
> destructive. These include:
> Clean, clean, clean!
> To the point that the use of toxic chemicals is "necessary" to keep
> our whites whiter, our floors shiney, etc. We have become so sensitized to
> dirt that our expected level of personal & home cleanliness goes way beyond
> what is required for good health.
> Buy, buy, buy!
> Not only does fashion change in clothing requiring us to keep buying
> new clothes just to look "normal" and fit in, so does home fashion. I
> wonder whether we keep redecorating because of a desire for a more visually
> stimulating environment or because the home decorating magazines, TV shows &
> cataloges keep promoting "new looks" which we just have to achieve if we are
> to feel worthy in our consumerist society.
> Drive, drive, drive!
> Women do most of the shopping in our society, & drive everywhere.
> We take our kids to extracurricular activities, commute long distances to
> work, & see travel as our reward for working hard. (Even though I feel
> guilty using fossil fuels to get where I want/need to go, it doesn't keep me
> from going.) We all say we want to help the environment, but don't even
> THINK about limiting the number of miles we can drive to maintain our
> lifestyles!
> These are just a few of my thoughts on the subject.
> Patty Lokken
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
- Charlotte Sullivan
Executive Director
Protect Animal Life
"PEACE AND FREEDOM FOR ALL WHO LIVE"
