I'm not saying that you shouldn't care. I'm just generalizing the vast majority of American consumer culture in actual fact, as you did before, but highlighting a wider spectrum of belief than you were. I'm trying to tie it back to the tragedy of the commons phenomena. (I'm attempting to be ambitious, you know psychology, politics, economics, and environmental science all in one. Guest staring urban studies!)
Of course there are smaller groups that are lobbying for these changes, but corporate America is just going, hello environmentalist, tell exactly how it will change our natural habitats. These scientists cannot give exact predictions as, environmental science cannot predict exactly how our natural surroundings will react to pollution, greenhouse gases, etc. Thus there is little incentive for these corporations, and a lesser extent, the government to act since there is not an actual prediction fact book. That is corporate America’s general argument—ridiculous yes, still in use, you bet ya!
There is no real burden to the average consumer—sure they are screwing over their grandchildren and future generations, but hey they're saving an extra buck or two.
It goes back to the dollar sign and which groups have the most power on K Street.
It would be all fine and dandy, if the world were all green, but it is not economically possible for all parts of the world, such as third world countries, and countries that are quickly developing and industrializing. Pretty soon in a decade or so, China will likely emit more greenhouse gases than the USA. Does that country really care? Not until international law starts kicking its ass. And who is going to regulate the world on an international level effectively. Good luck.
I don't see how shopping at a "small chain store" will save the world. Better yet get the vast majority America to switch to hybrid cars, biodiesel, or ethanol. (And tell the American government to stop going head over heels for with the corn lobby, and have more amicable relationships with countries that export sugar so we can produce sugar based ethanol that has less waste products when produced, while you're at it.)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not mobilizing America to not care; I'm just acknowledging the status quo. And until there is a higher level of education and awareness, and there is economic incentive and/or a sense of convenience to change the average American lifestyle; the vast majority of America will resort to shopping at Walmart and other corporations of like in our gas guzzling SUVs, drinking Starbucks instead of free trade coffee.
Yes, and textbook on the environment or documentary will tell you that no other point in history have we seen such a destruction of our ozone layer and environment, but this still isn’t something for which people actively fight. Mr. Gore’s film raised awareness, but unless other people who can put up the money can help generate greater publicity for this cause, it will remain to be a predominantly grassroots driven effort.
I'm not bashing your efforts in anyway, I'm just trying to get you out of this idealistic nutshell. Unless we reduce our emissions by like 80%...we're effing up our ozone layer regardless. It's not something we can do overnight, but a progressive process, that just isn't on the agenda of corporations or for many on a consumer level.
Usually, it is not until you attain a level of wealth and age, that one actually is able to back up these organizations with what they need most capital. Sure, there are plenty of small groups lobbying for this, getting their 10 seconds on the 6 o'clock news. I mean there was no movement to protect the environment until like the 50s or 60s. (Right now my historical time frame is failing me.) So unless a real mass of people are propelled to do something, keep being that little engine that could.
{edit}
I just thought you should know that I don't believe in the "God will smite you" agenda, so I would appreciate if you would not use that in reference to my post. It makes me want to throw up a little, very much like college applications and subway masturbators.
P.S.: I breathe grande white chocolate mochas, 2% milk, extra whipped cream. :) Lo siento.
Updated On: 12/10/06 at 07:35 PM
