WR prompt #5: Leopold’s take on CONSUMERISM…

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I’d like you to consider this prompt in light of our conversation Tuesday about the similarities and differences between Leopold “sketches” and Trumpey’s lectures. Remember that there were as many overlaps of core concepts and attitudes as there were distinctions.

In lecture we have been talking about the “production based and consumer oriented” nature of our global society.* Find a quote from Sand County that illustrates Leopold’s opinion on this topic. The text is FULL of his observations infused with either implicit or explicit commentary on consumerism (see examples below). Summarize the context of the quote, explain Leopold’s main points and tone. Reflect on your individual experience in our production-based/ consumerist society. Give an example from your personal experience/ observations that relates to the quote you chose.

Things to think about: There are many ways you could approach this depending on which quote you choose. Think about his discussion of the paradox of conservation (100-101) or how not “thinking like a mountain” actually leads to poorer situation for the consumer (129-133).

Examples:
• “The high priests of progress knew nothing of cranes, and cared less. What good is a species more or less among engineers? What good is an undrained marsh anyhow?” (100)
• “To build a road is so much simpler than to think of what the country really needs” (101)
• “…but if I were (an economist) I should do all my pondering lying prone on the sand, with Draba at nose length” (103)
• “everything on this farm spells money in the bank…even the pigs look solvent” (119)
• “…Thoreau’s dictum: In wildness is the salvation of the world” (133)

Last thing: No more slacking on citing your sources in the other WRs!!! (I know most of you have been doing this, so disregard). This was a clear requirement of all written work in this class (it’s for your own good- trust me☺) and I have to take off points when you don’t list your citations.

*(note: this is no longer just a critique of “Americans” or “American society” but a pervasive global trend).

Leopold, Aldo. Sand County Almanac, and Sketches Here and There. New York: Oxford UP, 1949.

Trumpey, Joseph. Art Design Perspective 3: Technology and the Environment. Stamps Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI. 5 and 7 Oct 2009. Lecture.

world changing response 4

Public health is a huge issue in todays society. It is important for us as individuals to understand health, in order for our communities to be safe environments.It is interesting to note that the country of Sweden has the lowest rate of teen pregnancies, and is also commended for achieving such a low rate in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. it is stated that Sweden has put sexual heath education as one of their priorities in an educational setting. They teach, and believe that "personal relationships", and "sexual identity" are important aspects of everyday life. There is much emphasis on sex, and therefore the youth of Sweden are well educated, and have come to make healthy decisions. Why dont we take from them these ideas, and start instituting the deeper sexual education in our schools? This will only help prevent teen pregnancies, and lower the rate of STD's. The more that we know on the subject, can only help us in the long run. Why is a country that is so defined and developed (USA), so behind when it comes to the teaching of sexual identity? I believe that if we grow up around these ideas and beliefs, the youth of america will be less "rebellious" when it comes to sex, causing people to be more aware and more careful. I feel that the US is way to concerned about the issue at hand, yet nothing is being done about it, in efforts to better the public health of our society.

World Changing Response 3

One way we can change our technologies to better coincide with nature is to mimic it.  Instead of fighting nature, work with it and allow its preconceived ways to influence ours.  For example, scientists at Lewis and Clark College and the University of California, Berkley have designed an adhesive to mimic the sticky feet of geckos’.  It does not leave a chemical residue, and is not only suitable to replace tape or glue, but also screws, nails, and much more.  This could “enhance our ability to design for disassembly, an important part of Cradle to Cradle [sustainable products] thinking” (Steffen 101). By using tools and ideas from nature, we are more apt to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

 

 

Steffen, Alex. World Changing: A User's Guide For the 21^st

 Century. New York, NY: Abrams, 2008. Print.