Annie Leonard
Through discussing world processes
by system, this video illustrates how everything is interconnected. Because natural
systems are exploited by man-made or industrialized processes, there is no way
to separate the different worlds systems. As a result of all this exploitation,
our health is most definitely affected by pollution. Discussing the paradoxical
nature of the world we live in, Ms. Leonard remarks, “That’s one of the ‘beauties’
of this system. The erosion of local environments and economies here ensures a
constant supply of people with no other options.” This system is based on “the
golden arrow of consumption” which is “the heart of the system, the engine that
drives it.” Ultimately, we must keep the awareness that what we do in one
system affects all the others at the forefront of our minds. Although we might
be told otherwise, our actions aren’t limited to one tiny, inconsequential
area.
When reflecting back onto
education, this video illustrates the importance of looking at issues from
different angles. Now, this video has both practical and theoretical
implications for the educational system. As the video states, processes like
the exploitation of natural resources, consumption, and pollution are a part of
our day to day lives. Because the world systems affect us on such a personal level,
shouldn’t it be one that is openly discussed in education? If we are slowly
being poisoned from toxic chemicals, what good is knowledge about math or
literature or art? On a more theoretical level, this video demonstrates the
importance of looking at an issue from many various lenses. Before she began
her research, Ms. Leonard wanted to know where her stuff came from and where it
eventually went. Just as this required analysis from many different levels,
educational subjects should also be considered from different lenses.
Chris Jordan Photography
While the photography is admittedly
visually stunning, it serves the larger purpose of shedding light on issues
that are common to all of mankind. Like the earlier discussion of awareness of global
problems, Chris Jordan’s art implies a need that the academic community has yet
to address on a wide scale. Although the finished products might seem complete
and shiny, they need a closer look. When it comes to global warming or pollution
or resource depletion, there are certain global issues that not only transcend
specific academic disciplines but can also be presented in a way that is
integral to the actual course material. The fact that students can go the
entire time at college without hearing of these worldwide problems is utterly
absurd. If these global issues are the most serious problems facing us today, how
can we – in good conscience – neglect them?
Lake Onondaga
Although Lake Onondaga is a
Superfund site, pollution still remains a big problem. The lake, which is
considered sacred by the Haudenosaunee people and used to belong to them, was
illegally obtained in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Even though a
treaty was draw up between the ethnic people and the U.S. government, the state
of New York obtained the lake without federal authority. Because of this, the
Haudenosaunee people tried to reclaim the lake but were unfortunately held back
by U.S. courts. This is a ruling that hardly seems fair because New York is
responsible for letting the lake “become some of the most polluted waters.” As
Lake Onondaga’s original owners, the Haudenosaunee people simply want to
reclaim the lake so that they can supervise clean-up efforts. Although the road
to repossessing the lake will undoubtedly be a long and exhausting one, the
Haudenosaunee are determined not to give up. <http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/11/the_native_land_claim_case_thats_too_disruptive_to_be_heard_in_the_supreme_court.html>
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