The ROOT Of All Evil

So I’ve addressed ecofeminism but now lets locate the roots!

It is important to note that there are many different perspectives and variations of ecofeminism. Most of the differences and commonalities can be categorized by Western and non-Western perspectives. According to Ynestra King, in, “The Ecology of Feminist and the Feminism of Ecology” (1989)”, there are four universal beliefs amongst both viewpoints. One being that women are compared to nature and in turn should take on the struggles of nature as their own. Life on earth is a web, not a hierarchy. Balance is important in a healthy ecosystem. And, for human survival (as a species), we must understand the nature around us. From what I learned last week, I am seeing that I do not agree with many Western beliefs. I believe that stems, mainly, from the portion regarding animals. Western beliefs highlight that humans are at the “top of the food chain”, hence should delegate what and how animals are tended to/used on earth. I do not agree with that. The only person that should have that much power is God. One of the arguments is that humans have languages and are cognitively aware (with an emphasis on men). Yet, I beg to differ. The DUMBEST things I have seen done on this planet have all been done by humans- EMPHASIS on men. I do not believe we as humans should have that power nor have the rights to inflict anything on another living being.

Speaking of the earth… for many ecofeminists, the focus of woman and nature is very prominent. For centuries woman have been compared to many elements of nature. For the woman of Garhwal in India, it is not just a comparison, but a way of oppression. Vandana Shiva worked with Third World women, who are still accustomed to “working off the land”. They use the nature around them to sustain their families and duties in the household. By destroying the land around them, one is destroying the the very identity they have established. That is their livelihood and their life source. They are the known experts of said land. For many, it is all they know. Stripping them of this land would take their knowledge and way of life away; unraveling their definition of womanhood. But of course, this works perfectly for patriarchal agendas. Stripping the land AND the woman of the land of their few rights? Great… a “coupon” for oppression.

For a good read, check out Shiva’s work!
Source: https://www-jstor-org.libproxy.umassd.edu/stable/3178217?Search=yes&resultItemClick=true&searchText=Bina&searchText=Agarwal&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DBina%2BAgarwal%26amp%3Bacc%3Don%26amp%3Bwc%3Don%26amp%3Bfc%3Doff&seq=16#page_scan_tab_contents

From the comfort of my throne (my bed),

Princess Joelle