Blog Post #13

Before I read, I wasn’t really sure what to think of ecofeminism.  I took a class on feminism last year but we never covered ecofeminism.  I figured it would somehow incorporate some of the Green values into feminist ideas.  I also figured that ecofeminism would in some way look at the hierarchies in society.  After completing the reading assignment, I have a better understanding of ecofeminism and I think that ecofeminists make some interesting points.  I like that ecofeminism pushes forward some of the ideas of social ecologists in order to combat hierarchy in society.  If women are perceived to be closer to nature and hierarchies are seen as unnatural, I think it makes sense that women would be the ones taking the lead to dismantle the hierarchies that we have created in society. 

            One of the concerns that I have with ecofeminism, however, is that many of their ideas seem to draw a clear distinction between men and women.  Even if ecofeminists are not saying that men are the enemy, I feel that most men would be hesitant to stand behind ecofeminist ideas.  Ecofeminist ideas may actually divide society rather than unite it to cooperate and fight for a common goal. 

Blog Post #12

Although I do like the commitments of the Green Party, I personally would not join the Green Party.  When considering the political situation in the US, the Green Party does not have a ton of force behind it in politics, which I would find frustrating if I were member. 

I definitely think that one of the main green values that needs to be incorporated into a “green party” is the idea that we as humans are a part of nature and not separate from it.  I also feel that a “green party” should incorporate a respect for diversity, from biodiversity to cultural, racial, and sexual diversity.  These values do align with the Green Party and are listed on their website under “The Ten Key Values of the Green Party”.  In fact, we read this article for our class when we were learning about Green Values. 

Concerning the EarthFirst! activists, I do not feel that they are justified in their actions.  The EarthFirst! article tries to make the argument that EarthFirst! is  nonviolent but then they go on to say that “explosives, firearms and other dangerous tools are usually avoided”(227).  Usually avoided?  This group just sounds crazy to me!  Also, even though their violence tends to be directed towards equipment and machines, their actions are still violent and, in my opinion, way too extreme.