I think sound and sensitive ecofeminist perspectives on population issues
are urgently needed in the ongoing ecophilosophical dialogue. One aspect
that should not be forgotten is the severe pressure expanding human
populations (and the increasing impact of unbridled consumerism on the
part of *some* human populations, which also may be simultaneously
expanding) on nonhuman beings around the globe.
If we are to overcome the problematics of our dualism-ridden (western)
culture, we must include dualisms of human/nonhuman and culture/nature.
Yes, many human cultures historically and still at present are resistant
to human population limitation, and many women are placed in multiple
binds confronting these issues. But I think of "culture" as something
constructed and potentially pliable, even if deeply entrenched. Many forms
of nonhuman life are *not* capable of adapting to the continuing human
takeover of the planet. We humans, in contrast, are (biologically at
least) highly flexible and able to change our behavior--even if we have
strong cultural resistance to doing so.
Nonhumans need to be given a
voice in the dialogue, if only by proxy, by humans who seek to represent
them. And I think nonhumans who want, at some level, to avoid extinction
would vote
strongly in favor of humans choosing to limit their reproduction at this
time in the planet's evolutionary history. If we're really such an
intelligent and moral species as we pride ourselves (often in the face of
evidence to the contrary), we can do so through education, awareness,
*examination and reconstruction of patriarchal cultural structures*, and
voluntary choices, not through draconian measures.
Ronnie Hawkins
