Taking Back Your Own Back Yard

Toxic Sludge Ch. 12:

A democratic system is fair and just and recognizes different voices in all communities. The last few years I have questioned the usefulness of Democracy in the United States. There is no doubt that the engine of corporate America is running on all cylinders with only profit in mind. This has debilitating effects on this vision of democracy. Accepting that the profit motive of business encompasses many people, democracy has a different meaning to me. In a true democracy everyone is on an equal playing field. Despite this, democracy in this country still has a meaning to me because one person still counts as one vote no matter one’s gender, race, or affluence. It is hard to stay true to the one equals one ideal because of propaganda and corporate lobbying, How many of our politicians are bought off by companies? Also the reading suggests that Public Relations campaigns have completely clouded the truth to what is a true democracy and who is looking out for the health of the public.

As corporations are using capitalism to gain power and wealth, the people can use it just as well to take it back. Every time people purchase a product they are voting. Buying hormone-free milk is a choice, and if enough of these choices are made everyday companies will have to change their policy to make money. Greenwashing is not an option when the public is educated enough to deconstruct the PR. Grassroots and NIMBY organizations; derisive label or not, are leading the charge informing the public about the truths of corporate injustice. I completely agree with the quote about the difference between propaganda and education, it fits the narrative well. There is hope in Tylczak’s efforts and grassroots organizations for sure but stimulating this progress is the democratic ideal that everyone can participate and one vote still counts the same.

Observation Experiment

This has been a rare weekend where I was not able to get out for a run, bike, or hike so I was not able to observe in a secluded wilderness location. I chose my 30 minutes away from the world to be on Church St, sitting down with some friends and ‘people watching’. I observed that it was a beautiful day out, and my overall feelings were ones of relaxation and content. I sat in the sun and did not want to move or feel the need to say anything. I observed all different kinds of people, the usual variety on Church St. In the afternoon. High schoolers going to the mall, college kids with their parents, street musicians, and older couples shopping. There was quite a relaxing atmosphere even though this was an urban environment.

My 30 minutes watching television were extremely different. I was sitting down with my girlfriend flipping through the channels, and the entire time I felt anxious, annoyed, and happy that I never watch TV. I was disgusted with every single advertisement, I had to tell my girlfriend every little technique that was used to try and sell a certain product. The conversation turned to the obnoxious world of marketing and environmental atrocity and I was immediately sad. I usually do not mind discussing such things but I was trying to relax and watch some TV. Tiger Woods’ commercial with the voice of his deceased father put me over the edge, I just started laughing because I knew exactly what Nike was thinking when they put this add up. This says I am educated about corporate responsibility and environmental issues but I think for any person TV has to have a negative impact on their brain. Compared to 30 minutes on Church St. This was a completely different scenario.

PSA:

Our group, which plans to produce a visual of being ‘unplugged’ has some good ideas. We have created a storyboard and planned ahead for set selections and actors. We have lots of ideas whether or not they all get into the video might be doubtful. With a little more planning we should be set to shoot soon.