- One of the most common
arguments against environmental racism is the question
of whether or not it actually exists. Many people
believe that it is a concept that has been created by
extreme leftists to draw more attention to the
environmental awareness movement. This line of
thinking is very similar to the belief that the US no
longer has problems with racism and discrimination in
general. How would one go about educating the public
regarding the reality of environmental racism?
- Since the advent of the World
Trade Organization and the consequential protection of
corporations "rights" regarding "free-trade," laws
that pertain to the environment are no longer enforced
in situations where corporations complain to the WTO
that such laws don't allow for production, storage, or
transport of their product. Because of this, do you
feel that global economic practices will cause massive
environmental problems in the future? Also, how does
consolidation of a global economy affect human beings
of undeveloped nations?
- How does the problem of
overconsumption factor into environmental racism?
Explain how developed states can combat environmental
racism by reducing the demand for products that
involve intensive extraction of natural resources and
create hazardous byproducts.
- What is the role of the media
regarding the problem of environmental racism? Do you
feel that people would consider it a valid issue if it
were covered by the mass media? Also, do you think it
is possible for the mass media (which is heavily
funded by some of the very corporations that
perpetrate environmental racism) to provide the public
with objective information about this problem?
- What is your individual role
regarding the issue of environmental racism? How does
your lifestyle and standard of living fit in with the
issue? Do you feel that you may be a victim of
environmental racism or are you a part of the problem?
|
|
|
