To Diane:
To the best of my understanding, a woman who works in the environmental
movement is not necessarily a feminist, nor are all feminists
environmentalists (i.e. Marxist feminists.) An ecofeminism is anyone who
believes that the roots of oppression are all related, and that women and
nature need to be liberated together. They have both suffered horrors at
the hands of civilization, which is represented as male. Ecofeminism
strives to end all oppression, whether it be racial, gender-related or
related to species. Through this freedom, we can all be a better society
because we will accept each other for who we are.
Some books that I have found helpful are "Earthcare" by Carolyn
Merchant, "Reweaving the World: The Emergence of Ecofeminism" published by
Sierra Club books, "Ecofeminism: Women and Nature" edited by Greta Gaard and
"The Fruitful Darkness: Reconnecting with the Body of the Earth" by Joan
Halifax. I have also found the Spring 1991 issue of "Hypatia", the feminist
journal to be very helpful, because it is a special issue devoted to
ecofeminism. These books helped me to understand the philosophical and
ideological roots of ecofeminism.
-Meg
P.S. Also, Moonshadow, I find what you think about the Greens to be very
interesting. Can anyone provide me with information about ecofeminism and
the Green Party? I would be very interested to learn more.
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* Spring-water in the green creek is clear *
* Moonlight on Cold Mountain is white *
* Silent knowledge - the spirit is enlightened of itself *
* Contemplate the void: this world exceeds stillness. *
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* -Gary Snyder *
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