Trinity Of Despair

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead

This quote ran through my head a few times while listening to Professor Maniates speak in class on Tuesday. I thought his discussion of the 'trinity of despair' was very interesting and pertinent. I would like to break it down, one piece at a time:

1. Human Nature

This is a huge part of the issue of environmentalism for me. As a self-proclaimed socialist, I have over the years vehemently stuck with my belief that humans are inherently communal beings with good intentions. To be honest, with all the selfish action I see happening every day, especially when you look at the massive failures and despicable manipulations that have occurred within the realm of environmentalism, it can be pretty hard for me to keep believing this assumption at certain times. But honestly, I believe that things like capitalism and a general overemphasis on personal freedom in America have brainwashed people into thinking that self-interest is the bottom line. They have betrayed their inherent instinct to work together towards solving problems and co-existing peacefully. But let's say for argument's sake that humans are self-interested. Well, than you better believe that it is our absolute duty to transcend those natural instincts and become communal creatures. Only then can we possibly overcome a challenge on the magnitude of climate change. So let's either look deep within ourselves to find that community spirit, or suppress those stupid urges that are telling us, 'I don't have to worry about these problems, I won't be around when they really start to mess things up!'

2. Environmental Strategy

Here I took some issues with Mr. Maniates' analysis. Over the last few classes, we've been challenged to think about thinks in a broader sense, to try to realize that these problems are bigger than just turning off our light bulbs. And while I concede that this is true, I think that this sends too much of a disconcerting message to people who are just trying to do their best to act responsibly on their own. For what ever the reason, some people just don't want to get actively involved in the power games at the top level, the policy stuff that will make a bigger difference. It is important to realize that while they are not making a massive different, people's personal choices should not be trivialized as being 'ineffective.' I believe this strikes at the very soul of many environmentalists (like myself) who have found such inspiration and validation in the practice of a grassroots and personal style of environmentalism. I will say that personally, becoming a vegetarian opened the door for me to a wide array of broader environmental issues. And it is for that reason that it was one of the best decisions of my life. I think if we blend the human nature facet with the environmental strategy part for a second, we will realize that if humans are self interested, deep down, even being green is just a self-validation thing. I think this may be a little harsh to deal with at first, to think, 'oh, so you're saying I just do this to make myself feel good?!' But as much as I like to think of myself as a true altruist, I've got to admit, it's probably true that wayyyyyyy deep down there, I am doing this to make myself feel good.

Don't get me wrong, I also truly believe I am doing this for other people. But hell, even if I am doing it for myself, does that trivialize it? No, because you are still doing something good. It's more than that though. My roommate always said that a big part of being vegetarian (or being green, for that matter) is about being an individual and I couldn't agree more. When a friend challenges me and goes, 'yeah, but who are you actually saving by not eating 1 hamburger,' I reply, 'Okay yeah, maybe I'm only saving one cow, but it's about being an individual. It's about not just following the pack because 'it's not gonna make a difference anyway.' Mr. Maniates talked about the importance of consumer power in our consumerist society and it's true. What you buy is unfortunately one of the biggest statements you make about yourself. So why not buy green? Of course it's important to realize that you have to go the extra step if you are really passionate about the environment. Organize! Write your congressman! Change the rules! But also, be an individual and make those lifestyle choices that say, 'I live what I preach.' I find when you start on the personal level, it opens the door to many different possibilities.

3. Social Change

Here's where that Margaret Mead quote fits the best. This was my favorite part of Mr. Maniates speech and really the biggest 'A-ha!' moment for me. It's so easy to get frustrated with how many ignorant people there are in this country, who don't comprehend the magnitude of the problem that we are facing. But I actually made the point in class recently that we live in a political system that allows 51% of the people to write the rules for 100% of the people. We have to use this to our advantage because you are always going to have people who disagree. But if we can get the power in the hands of the concerned people, they can effectively take the steps necessary without having the support of everyone. The people of the future will thank us, big time.