This reflection paper responds to two environmental essays — Nicholas Kristof's "Our Gas Guzzlers, Their Lives" and Vandana Shiva's "The Soil vs. The Sensex" — examining their arguments about individual and corporate responsibility toward the environment. The paper explores Shiva's philosophical framing of Earth as a nurturing mother lost to commodification, and Kristof's fact-driven account of how greenhouse gas emissions threaten the lives of subsistence farmers in Africa. Drawing on both pieces, the author outlines concrete personal and community actions and analyzes the rhetorical strategies Kristof employs, including appeals to reason, ethics, and emotion.
Today, it is impossible to ignore the issue of environmentalism. The noticeably erratic nature of the weather, the instability of the yearly seasons, and the general mayhem of droughts, floods, hunger, and excess have all contributed to a widespread human understanding that something must be done, and soon. On the other hand, it is all too easy for an individual — even one fully aware of the crisis and its current and future impact — to simply ignore it in favor of going about his or her daily struggle. Such an individual may hold out hope that giant corporations will finally begin to take the responsibility they have been shirking for decades or even centuries. After reading the two articles by Kristof (2012) and Shiva (2012), I have come to the conclusion that it is not enough to hope, to pray, or to think positively. Each individual must do his or her part as much as possible to slow the rapidly destructive course on which we travel.
I particularly appreciate Shiva's article, which considers the fact that Earth is generally seen as a mother by agricultural cultures. According to the author, the problem is that both corporations and individuals have lost sight of this concept of the Earth. Instead, our planet is seen simply as another commodity, or as a vehicle toward commodity enhancement. Everything has become about money. As human beings, we have lost our connection to Earth as our mother.
In response to Shiva's article, I believe the first thing I can do as an individual is change my thinking about the Earth and what it means to me. Shiva's essay therefore inspires me toward a deeper appreciation of the planet. I also feel moved to share these thoughts with those around me.
Kristof's work is somewhat less emotional and esoteric than Shiva's, but nonetheless provides a shocking wake-up call. I had no idea how dire the situation was in many African countries. For this reason, the article has inspired me to pay greater attention to the way in which I use my privileges. As an individual, I can make recycling a habit rather than something I do only when I feel particularly motivated. I can also buy earth-friendly products wherever and whenever they are available. By doing this, I will connect my new thinking about Earth — rather than the supermarket — as our true source of sustenance.
"Carpooling, gardening, and local awareness projects"
"African lives threatened by wealthy nations' emissions"
"Logos, ethos, and pathos in Kristof's persuasion"
Shiva, V. (2012). The soil vs. the Sensex. In J. Ramage, J. Bean, & J. Johnson (Eds.), Writing arguments: A rhetoric with readings (pp. 579–580). Pearson.
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