Preachy
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Preachy Posted on Nov 11 2007 at 12:21pm by I admire both Iconoclasts and the green programs, especially the ones that show practical solutions to environmental problems. What concerns me, however, is the tone that sometimes appears in the promotions and shows. It's occasionally preachy, greener-than-thou, and wags a green finger of shame at the ignorant masses.
Want to throttle the green movement? Make it about moral superiority, not about everyday activism, results, and accepting everyone's involvement. Polarize the issues, make it us or them, and you'll be back to hugging trees and desperately trying to recruit volunteers for your special group or cause.
I'm begging here. Please remember that how you say (or sell) something matters as much as what you say. The old Family Values campaign was offensive because a specific group claimed that they were better because of their beliefs. It was us or them. This type of attitude, unfortunately, is not limited to a specific political persuasion. Nobody likes to be talked down to.
The other danger is paralyzing people with overwhelming bad news about the environment. Ask the folks who worked on world hunger for years. What would they do differently today? They'd probably have emphasized progress as well as poverty, and demonstrated the skills and dreams to people in less developed nations. Year after year of images of hungry kids shut people down. The problem seemed permanent and insurmountable, a sick fact of life that no one could improve. It wasn't true, of course, but it has taken some time to invigorate those efforts.
My personal view is that we are not saving the planet. If enough environmental damage occurs, human life may pass, but Mother Earth will eventually regenerate. We are saving ourselves. That includes people we don't agree with or even despise. We're going to need everyone's help to turn this ship around and change things for the better. A little humility and the willingness to build partnerships goes a long way. Positive stories inspire and teach.
Please, as environmentalists, as creative people, remember that acceptance and inclusion will further these goals. Some of us may be called to be fighters, to go to court or chain ourselves to trees. The rest of us, meanwhile, should do the hard work of harmonizing, softening, finding common ground instead of drawing lines in the dirt. That's the old way. It cheers the ego. It also cheapens the cause.
RE: Preachy Posted on Nov 12 2007 at 3:20am by Bravo, artist! I'm one of those fighters...a "warrior" for Mother Earth, if you will...but on this topic, I am in full agreement with you. I get very angry at a great many things that go on, and I am sometimes very belligerent about it, but I blame myself as much as anyone else, and I realize that there are far too many people out there to whom the proper information hasn't even been made available. There are others, such as myself, who would love to be "greener" but are too poor to afford the often outrageous expense of being "green". It's as if being green and being healthy have become a fad, and so such products and services are exorbitantly priced, so as to exclude those living at or below poverty level here in America--(and our numbers are growing exponentially). Many of us *want* to do the right things, but can't because we have bills to pay, and kids to feed, and can only afford what is made affordable *for* us. The best some of us can do is recycle and use less...and try to educate others and make our voices heard to our elected officials. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I think if the poorest of us were able to do more, it would go a long way toward improving our self-image, abating our helpless anger, and truly healing our Mother Earth.
RE: Preachy Posted on Nov 15 2007 at 9:43pm by I both agree and disagree with some of your statements but to keep it focused I feel that the primary issue that "cheapens the cause" is infact alot of the talk encompassing environmentalism. As a Landscape Architect I can quietly get along with 'environmentalism' and producing positive environments without the need to preach or even mention the words sustainability to ecosystems etc.
In saying this I am also aware of the increasing need for education, however 'environmentalism' and sustainabilty can be acheived without personal merit, medal or self justification because everyone of us, if truly honest, can do more!
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RE: Preachy Posted on Nov 28 2007 at 11:25pm by I heartily agree. It isnt a big deal to me but the preachiness turns off people such as my husband. So anything I might say or do, which I reference back to The Green is automatically rejected as ridiculous and nonsense by him. And I get the feeling he is a pretty good example of the "average person in America." RE: Preachy Posted on Nov 29 2007 at 1:04am by I completely understand the tendency of people to be turned off by what they think of as being preachy, and I myself *try* not to sound "preachy" with my statements...Yet, first and foremost, I *always* speak from the heart. Sometimes, when we feel something so deeply, it comes out as preachy, though that may not be our intention. There again, what sounds "preachy" to some may be viewed by others as simple opinion. We all do it from time to time. What I think is most important, is that we--ALL of us--obviously *care* enough to say anything at all, while so many turn their heads and keep silent, when they *should* speak up, "preachy" or not.
There's also the fact that "preachy" serves it's own purpose in the scheme of things. "Preachy" does get through to those who lend an ear to preachers, when they will not listen to any other voice of reason. I personally believe that we should all try to find some middle ground, but if we sometimes come off as "preachy" in our efforts to communicate and educate, we should give each other a break, and attend to the real *content* of the message instead of taking it personal or looking for things to find offensive.
The important thing, is that we're all trying, in our own various ways, to get the message out there...to educate others...to communicate...in order to effect a change in the world, for the betterment of humanity and the planet. Be thankful that there are others out there who care as much as you or I. It is such diversity that makes the world go round, is it not? I love you all, and am grateful for all of your words and the special insights that each of you have to share. Thank you all, for voicing your opinions.-----Wind.
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RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 11 2007 at 10:15pm by I'm amused by celebrities some of whom have lived their lives in wild and extravagant ways They mistakenly think that Americans value their opinions on politics, morals, environmental issues and the like. They are puffed up with pride and they over-estimate their influence. They can throw a lot of money into the campaign pot for their favorite candidate. So, in that realm yes they are very influential but that's where the influence ends. On Iconoclasts, Sean Penn referred to himself as a journalist. Ht Hm! He should not have used that term because he doesn't have the credentials for the job. I will watch his creative work, his acting, his directing and decide if I like it. He probably has the credentials to call himself an artist but I don't buy him as a journalist.
George Clooney has made some poorly informed remarks too in his efforts to push his political position. Sometimes a person should keep quiet rather than remove all doubt about his lack of wisdom. He is fun to watch as a movie star but as a spokesman he fails because there are more highly educated and well informed people around.
Danny Glover looked like he was tickled to death when he was following Chavez around in Venezeulia. It looked like he thought that he had arrived because he was rubbing shoulders with a world leader. Didn't he know he was being used by a man who is in bed with communists and terrorists. Chavez's men have thrown nail bombs at Catholic churches down there. Mr Glover did not look smart at all.
[b]The people interested in promoting environmental issues probably dont look as bad as the above mentioned characters but still as consumers a lot of them have 2 to 5 houses. A lot of those houses have how many rooms? Lets just say that they have many more light bulbs than a large clinic or small hospital. We hear about the stars who own a Toyota Prius or a Hybrid vehicle. Am I impressed? No They are multimillionaires. They consume a heck of a lot more than middle class Clarence or Cletus. They zip around on their private jets and private charters. Please, It is laughable. If it makes them happy to advertize their ownership of a Prius that's fine. I guess that they load it into the back of their Lear Jet or Yacht. They don't live in the real world with the rest of us. I'm not trying to be mean. I do like to see their creative endeavors. I'm am interested in that. I admire that. The rest of the behavior is tiring especially if it is hypocritical or immature. Oops sorry if any of them read this. They are successful as artists and they make our life fun.-
RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 12 2007 at 8:42pm by You touched on a sore spot with that last post. Indeed, I agree. It's one thing for a rich movie star to be able to afford to be "green", and quite another for your average joe. It's one of my biggest pet peeves, in fact. To live your life in an environmentally sound and healthy manner, with respect for the environment and all other living things on earth is made nigh impossible for your average working-class American. A vicious cycle has been created here. Exhorbitant prices on items that should be made affordable to the masses, if we're really going to make a difference. It's exclusive, is what it is...and *why*? It seems that being "green" is the "IN" thing now, so they can charge whatever they want for it, to the exclusion of your average working-class person. Any ideas on how we can change this pattern? -
RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 12 2007 at 9:05pm by Oh, no...I feel the need to say just a little bit more on this particular topic--HA, I'm about to get *really* preachy. See, just as soon as I made that last post, I went to check my e-mail. I was delighted to find my latest issue of sundancechannel's green-zine...and then, to my deepest disappointment, I saw these words, which reflect completely the exact thought which I'd just mentioned in my last post. (Quote:)--"Being green has become more chic than ever."...and that was just exactly my point. It's become "chic" to be "green"... Casting environmentalism in this light has allowed the industries to charge higher prices for these desperately needed services, thereby excluding all who live in a lower wage brackett. I find it absolutely infuriating. It's all about the latest "fad" and what's "in", not about caring for the planet, cleaning up our act, or doing the right thing. Where did this line of thinking come from? How has it come to this?
Perfect example, here...Whole grain organic breads are better both for the human body and the environment. It takes less chemicals and less effort to prepare bread this way. If the grain is grown locally, that's less shipping costs...and so forth and so on. Would it not logically follow that whole grain organic breads *should* be *cheaper*???--So WHY do such things cost 2 - 3 *times* as much as toxic plaster of paris *white* bread, that has absolutely *no* nutritional value whatsoever? It's ABSURD! HOW do we CHANGE this PATTERN??? How do we *make* them make it *affordable* for *everyone* to live a life that is environmentally sound and healthy???-
RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 24 2007 at 11:26pm by Gas is so high now that I wanted (slightly) to buy a Prius or Honda at one time.. New Prius are high priced though along with the other hybrids. The Hondas are phenominal in their milage records but I can't fold up like a knife to get into some of the smaller Hondas. I do like them though. There are too many huge vehicles to blow them off the road now. I have tall family members. The small cars do not give enough back seat leg room.
I guess I should get to my point here. My husband was telling me that the savings on gas milage will possibly be eaten by the long term maintenance expense of the electric motor. They do not have a long history now. Engineers do not have long term studies on them to know what the life will be. My husband, an engineer, wonders how much the replacement of an eletric motor will cost if a hybrid needs it. With kids in college I don't really want to play around with that until the reports are in. So the stars can buy them while they are on the cutting edge. It's a good thing especially if the kinks are ironed out and the prices go down. I might play with buying one that is written up well in Consumer Reports but my husband is the expert on the engineering facts and he has a point worth considering. I'm all for new developments and I'm glad the upper income folks can afford them because soon it will move down to our price level. By then I won't need to drive as much though. Generations to come will use it.
Perhaps the Amish have a good idea. Then we would only have horse and buggy rage. Most idiots would think twice before getting angry then. That's not practical though. Our enemies would move in fast. Our researchers will find a way.RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 25 2007 at 12:02am by I know, I know! Simplicity should be "glamorous". That's it. ---but that idea will fall to earth with an unheard flutter because no one can make money off it. Talk about simplicity. Here I am playing around on my computer on this site after a simple Christmas Eve meal and gift exchange necessitated by a rigorous work situation. I don't believe that my family has suffered. They will still get their well loved turkey, gravy, and dressing tomorrow that I will prepare. The basics are the only things that matter. Family, food, gifts, and love. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Whatever Your Holiday Is this time of year. In my faith Christ came to earth, a king disguised as a child. He lived simply; more simply than any, alpha or omega, and he is still more influential than anyone ever known. His simplicity is glorious. It is quiet and very regal. That's a heck of a lot better than the "glamour" that the worldly folks pursue. He was simple and Holy. ----- Set apart
.......We're not teacheable. We don't learn as we should
In an ancient book it is recorded that, All Men Have Fallen Short of the "Glory" of God.
May your God bless you tonight and tommorrow. Oops Now I'm being preachy
RE: Preachy Posted on Dec 25 2007 at 12:02am by I
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RE: Preachy Posted on Jan 1 2008 at 6:47pm by I agree totally! I've recently found myself in an email argument with my sister who has been an environmentalist for over 13 years. 13 years ago I was a junior in high school. My wife and I are making a change for the better due to our concerns over Peak Oil Theory. We don't claim to be environmentalists, rather realists. My sister thinks that I have stepped on her toes by trying to "pretend to be something I'm not." What a slap in the face. Although, I don't agree with the claim that Environmentalists can change the climate, (please google "Jevon's Paradox") I do believe that I must begin to learn to use as little fossil fuels as possible. I guess my point is that my environmentalist sister made the comment that 'I've evolved into this over 13 years, he can't just become one of us overnight.' In other words, I took that as "I am holier (greener) than thou." What an ego-centric position. RE: Preachy Posted on Jan 1 2008 at 11:27pm by I know a family with male teens. The teens got environmental gifts from a close family member who has always made foolish decisions in her life. Her record for this is astonishing from the accounts that I have heard. I also know her. She had been the less well off family member that the relatives had always had to endure and be nice to although she was not the type to reciprocate the niceness due to jealousy etc. Her children are grown. They are older than the recipient teens. This woman adopted two lizards in the teen's names and gives them stuffed lizards in bags for Christmas. The parents laughed it off saying that she had always given strange gifts. The teens laughed it off too saying that she gives lousy gifts. The mom said that if she had given the kids of the giver the same gift years ago when the giver's kids were teens that the woman would have made a catty fuss over it. The relative whom I know has messed up almost everything and I do mean everything in her life but she is proud of being an environmentalist. She talks about aluminum foil as though it is a horrible thing but she hasn't used good judgement in the raising of her kids or anything else etc. The mom of the recipient teens said that she was going to give a gift to the Fish Pantry for the poor or make a donation to a religious group next year in the relative's name to see what the woman would do. She was joking as she said this. The environmentalist has never been a well behaved person but she is proud of being an environmentalist. I haven't seen her dwelling but I doubt that she sorts her garbage etc. The recipient's family is not anti environmental. Oh Well.....I havent spent much time trying to figure this out. The mom of the kids said that it would have been more appropriate for the woman to make the donation in her and her husband's name rather than her kids names. She guessed that the woman didn't want to miss out on her gift from them. They are better off. She said that it would have been more appropriate for the woman to request that donations be made in her name for Christmas rather than the way the woman did it. Shes got a point. I'm thinking that the environmentalist doesnt have a serious case of helping to solve the environmental problems. The so called environmentalist is used to getting more from the family of the recipients than she returns. Oh Well...No big problem ....just comical
RE: Preachy Posted on Apr 24 2008 at 3:09pm by Count me in agreement. Our "green lesson" must be, by example. We can't be, as described above, "greener than thou."
The phrase, "going green," is nicely terse. But through all-too-frequent usage, it may become tiresome or shallow or meaningless.
I've seen a "green" suggestion that we get rid of vinyl shower curtains because "vinyl is harmful to dispose of." I think we must get our own act together. Let us not urge others to "consume more to consume less."
We must somehow make ecology=economy.