Kat's Korner

Editorial

Katheranne Reese

Deep Ecology 

 Throughout history human kind has held a certain fascination for the natural world, that they are a part of. The key principle of the deep ecology movement is that men are not the proprietors of nature, but only a small component of the biosphere. This principle explains how each and every creature, no matter how microscopic is essential in the circle of life.The Dominant World View is primarily based upon homocentric and money centered ideals, whereas Deep Ecology presents a solution to this disconnect between man and nature. It proposes developing a harmonious relationship with nature, where all members of the biosphere possess intrinsic value. We must live in harmony with nature and discontinue destructive and wasteful ambitions, for simpler more altruistic ways. It employs the finest ecological aspects of many different religions and philosophies to create a comprehensive “Deep Ecology” World View. It “preaches” against technocratic anthropocentrism, and the consumerist principles that seem to be devouring the Western world. It supports minority traditions that find their ‘roots’ within living in balance with nature. The hope of Deep Ecologists is not necessarily to dispute science or discontinue its advancement, but to go about development carefully and in a “non-dominating”, and appropriate fashion.

Deep Ecology: Living as if nature mattered is an important book to read promoting stewardship of the Earth. It explains the premise of the “Deep Ecology” movement and how it relates to the Dominant World View. Deep Ecology is presented to give the reader a sense of responsibility towards Earth and its inhabitants, human and non-human, present and future. I mostly agree with the authors’ message. I believe that the human race has really lost something, as has each individual living in a society that has strayed so far from its origins.

“[Your body] is saying there’s gotta be something out there. I remember, it was green, and gorgeous, and blue skies. But it doesn’t know we paved over all that.”(Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody) In this day and age people are so out of touch. In this fast paced, modern, industrialized world we scarcely have time to get a breath of fresh air, if there was any “fresh air” to be found. If man was made to live like he is currently, the Earth would have already come equipped with microwaves and T.V. dinners. “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” (Gandhi) Many citizens have no idea where their food comes from. Children are becoming so detached that they cannot recognize the food they eat in its natural form, seeing only what is packaged in chemical-laden materials on the store shelves with their favorite television character printed in bold colors on the front.