Month: January 2025

PLACE

I live in a very small community in Ghana called the village of Ayanful with a population under 120. where running water and electricity are not daily yet am grateful for the experiences that come along with, wildlife, forest, and organic food. While city life might have its benefits from daily electricity and running water and the internet, for instance, it may be more challenging for city dwellers to experience the kind of wildness Kingsolver writes about, but it’s not impossible. Urban parks, gardens, and green spaces can provide a connection to nature, even if it’s not as vast or untouched as wilderness areas.

Additionally, city dwellers can seek out experiences that allow them to reconnect with the natural world, in a different sense by introducing community gardens, urban parks and green spaces, nature reserves, and wildlife areas and offering outdoor programs and activities, such as hiking groups, outdoor yoga classes, or nature walks.

 

While these experiences may not be the same as immersing oneself in the wilderness, they can still provide a sense of connection to the natural world and promote a sense of well-being and peace.

As I sat on the beach, watching the waves roll in, I felt a sense of peace washing over me. The sound of the water, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the smell of the salty air all combined to transport me to a place of serenity. This picture was taken on a family trip at the beach and serves as a poignant reminder of happier times and the importance of family bonds.

I resonate with Barbara Kingsolver’s emphasis on the importance of preserving natural landscapes and our connection to them and I couldn’t agree more. In her work, she highlights the untouched, natural areas that allow us to reconnect with the earth and our place within it. Arguing that humans have lost touch with their place within the ecosystem, leading to environmental degradation and social injustices. Kingsolver emphasizes the need to recognize the interconnectedness of human and natural systems and to adopt a more humble and reciprocal approach to our relationship with the earth. She draws on her own experiences as a farmer and a mother to illustrate the value of living in harmony with nature.

Susan B. Taylor’s article, “The New Sisterhood of Black Female Homesteaders,” also comes to mind. While focusing on homesteading and sustainability, Taylor’s work touches on the theme of Reconnecting with one’s heritage and the natural world. My experience of finding peace and connection to my family at the beach echoes this idea. On the other hand,

Berry’s concept of the “bedrock of democracy” – the idea that a healthy democracy relies on a connection to the land and local communities – also resonates with my reflection. My experience of finding peace and connection with my family at the beach suggests that this natural landscape serves as a kind of “bedrock” for my sense of identity and community.

 

I thought back to the last time my family was together, laughing and playing in this very spot. My children’s giggles, my parents’ smiles – it was a moment of pure joy, one that I’d carried with me ever since.

But life had taken its toll since then. As a single mother raising four young women in a community that often frowned upon women’s progress, I’d faced my share of challenges. There were times when the weight of responsibility felt crushing and when the struggles seemed insurmountable.

Yet, in moments like these, by the ocean, I felt a sense of connection to something deeper and more meaningful. The natural world had a way of putting things into perspective, of reminding me of what truly mattered.

 

As I looked out at the waves, I felt a sense of gratitude for this place, for the peace it brought me, and for the connection it gave me to my family and my heritage. It was a reminder that, no matter where life took me, I would always carry this sense of wildness, this connection to the natural world, with me.

As I sat there, the sun beginning to set over the ocean, I knew that I would carry this peace, this sense of connection, back with me into my daily life and that it would sustain me through even the toughest of times.

 

SOURCE

Kingsolver, B. (2002). Knowing our place. In Small Wonder (pp. 1-14). HarperCollins.

Taylor, S. B. (2020). The new sisterhood of black female homesteaders. Yes Magazine, 34-39.

Susan B. Taylor’s article “The New Sisterhood of Black Female Homesteaders

 

BLACK WOMEN AND NATURE IN THE EYES OF ECOFEMINISM

The painting “Egyptian Fantasy” by Dindga McCannon holds profound significance for me. As a Black woman, I’ve often struggled with self-esteem and encountered discriminatory experiences in public spaces. However, this artwork offers a powerful antidote to those negative encounters.

The image of a Black woman kneeling in harmony with nature resonates deeply with me. It symbolizes a sense of hope, self-worth, and connection to the natural world. Through the lens of ecofeminism, this painting challenges dominant narratives of separation and control, instead embracing the interconnectedness of human and natural worlds.

For me, this artwork serves as a reminder that my worth and value come from within. It’s a celebration of Black womanhood, self-love, and self-care. In a world that often seeks to diminish our voices and experiences, this painting stands as a testament to the power and resilience of Black women.

https://images.app.goo.gl/HT88nTio7snxmJo99

Source of picture

The image of a black woman kneeling in a peaceful environment, surrounded by growing grass, baby trees, and flying birds, explicitly conveys a sense of Through an ecofeminist lens, this painting represents the interconnectedness of women and nature. The woman’s peaceful coexistence with birds and plants symbolizes harmony and balance. Her kneeling position conveys reverence and respect for the natural world. The image challenges dominant narratives of human-nature separation, instead embracing a holistic, reciprocal relationship. The woman’s connection to nature also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, echoing ecofeminist principles of mutualism and care.

 

DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE IN MY OPINION

The image of a black woman kneeling in a peaceful environment, surrounded by growing grass, baby trees, and flying birds, explicitly conveys a sense of Hope serene atmosphere, and signs of new life suggesting a promising future. On the other hand, one can say a woman’s peaceful coexistence with nature implies a balanced relationship therefore suggesting serenity

The image highlights the bond between humans, particularly women, and the natural world.

Through an ecofeminist lens, this image can be seen as:

As a black woman myself I see that by portraying a woman in a peaceful, natural setting, the image reclaims the feminine association with nature, challenging patriarchal notions that often view women as separate from or dominant over nature. Women naturally have a connection with Nature

In my culture for example we recognize the sacred bond between women and the natural world, often associating women with the earth, fertility, and life-giving forces. Many have taken this into account through written poems and literature connecting women to nature or the earth some examples of this are Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” and Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” explore the relationships between women, nature, and the African American experience.

Another example is the work of artists like Agnes Denes and Ana Mendieta highlight the connections between women’s bodies, nature, and the environment, often using ecofeminist principles to challenge dominant narratives.

Some Real-life examples of women’s connections to nature that I’ve come across are those of

Wangari Maathai, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Vandana Shiva have led environmental movements, highlighting the importance of women’s roles in conservation and sustainability.

Also, in the past women have played crucial roles in indigenous land rights movements, advocating for the protection of ancestral lands and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

In conclusion one can say through an ecofeminist lens, this painting represents the interconnectedness of women and nature. The woman’s peaceful coexistence with birds and plants symbolizes harmony and balance. Her kneeling position conveys reverence and respect for the natural world. The image challenges dominant narratives of human-nature separation, instead embracing a holistic, reciprocal relationship. The woman’s connection to nature also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, echoing ecofeminist principles of mutualism and care.

citation

Viso, O.M.(2004).Ana Mendieta:Earth bod, sculpture and performance 1972-1985.Hatje Cantz Publishers.

Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace (2005)*

Shiva, V. (2005). Earth democracy: Justice, sustainability, and peace. South End Press.

 

Growing up in the Global South, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of environmental degradation. As a young girl, my daily responsibilities were endless – waking up before dawn to fetch water, walking miles to collect firewood, and managing household chores before attending school. This was the harsh reality for many girls and women in my community.

 

A faded photograph from 25 years ago brings back memories of those challenging times. Taken at 5 am in Aburi, the picture shows me and my friends waiting in line to fetch water before heading to school. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about resilience, community, and the intricate connections between human and natural systems.

 

The works of Vandana Shiva and Anil Agarwal resonate deeply with my experiences. They highlighted the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of nature and promoting sustainable development. Agarwal’s emphasis on environmental justice and addressing the social and economic dimensions of environmental degradation aligns with my story.

 

My narrative serves as a testament to the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on women and girls in the Global South. It underscores the urgency of addressing this issue and promoting sustainable development that prioritizes social and environmental justice.

Ecofeminism is a philosophy that combines ecological concerns (caring for the planet) with feminist concerns (caring for women’s rights and well-being). Women in the global South are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, facing unique challenges that exacerbate their vulnerability. Anil Agarwal’s work highlights the social and economic dimensions of environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and environmental justice ¹.

 

From a Western perspective, ecofeminism focuses on the interconnectedness of human and natural systems, challenging the dominant narratives of human exceptionalism and control over nature. This perspective emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and recognizing the intrinsic value of nature ².

 

In contrast, non-Western perspectives on ecofeminism, such as those represented by Vandana Shiva, focus on the degradation of the environment and the threat to survival, with women taking action to address these issues. This perspective highlights the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on women in the global South, who are often the primary caregivers and managers of natural resources ¹.

 

The central differences between Western and non-Western perspectives on ecofeminism lie in their approaches to environmentalism and feminism. Western ecofeminism tends to focus on the ideological roots of environmental degradation, while non-Western perspectives emphasize the practical, everyday experiences of women in the global South.

 

I find the non-Western perspective more appealing because it prioritizes the voices and experiences of women in the global South, who are often the most affected by environmental degradation. This perspective also emphasizes the importance of community-based initiatives and grassroots activism, which can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. But it starts with all of us especially folks like me who have lived it first hand

work cited

(London, In the Footsteps of Gandhi: An Interview with Vandana Shiva) (London D. V.)

 

 

BLACK WOMEN AND NATURE IN THE EYES OF ECOFEMINISM

The painting “Egyptian Fantasy” by Dindga McCannon holds profound significance for me. As a Black woman, I’ve often struggled with self-esteem and encountered discriminatory experiences in public spaces. However, this artwork offers a powerful antidote to those negative encounters.

The image of a Black woman kneeling in harmony with nature resonates deeply with me. It symbolizes a sense of hope, self-worth, and connection to the natural world. Through the lens of ecofeminism, this painting challenges dominant narratives of separation and control, instead embracing the interconnectedness of human and natural worlds.

For me, this artwork serves as a reminder that my worth and value come from within. It’s a celebration of Black womanhood, self-love, and self-care. In a world that often seeks to diminish our voices and experiences, this painting stands as a testament to the power and resilience of Black women.

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/HT88nTio7snxmJo99 (Source of picture)

The image of a black woman kneeling in a peaceful environment, surrounded by growing grass, baby trees, and flying birds, explicitly conveys a sense of Through an ecofeminist lens, this painting represents the interconnectedness of women and nature. The woman’s peaceful coexistence with birds and plants symbolizes harmony and balance. Her kneeling position conveys reverence and respect for the natural world. The image challenges dominant narratives of human-nature separation, instead embracing a holistic, reciprocal relationship. The woman’s connection to nature also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, echoing ecofeminist principles of mutualism and care.

 

DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE IN MY OPINION

The image of a black woman kneeling in a peaceful environment, surrounded by growing grass, baby trees, and flying birds, explicitly conveys a sense of Hope serene atmosphere, and signs of new life suggesting a promising future. On the other hand, one can say a woman’s peaceful coexistence with nature implies a balanced relationship therefore suggesting serenity.

The image highlights the bond between humans, particularly women, and the natural world.

Through an ecofeminist lens, this image can be seen as: As a black woman myself I see that by portraying a woman in a peaceful, natural setting, the image reclaims the feminine association with nature, challenging patriarchal notions that often view women as separate from or dominant over nature.

Women naturally have a connection with Nature as motherhood and nurturing is associated with us.

   In my culture for example we recognize the sacred bond between women and the natural world, often associating women with the earth, fertility, and life-giving forces. Many have taken this into account through written poems and literature connecting women to nature or the earth some examples of this are Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” and Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” explore the relationships between women, nature, and the African American experience.

Another example is the work of artists like Agnes Denes and Ana Mendieta highlight the connections between women’s bodies, nature, and the environment, often using ecofeminist principles to challenge dominant narratives.

Some Real-life examples of women’s connections to nature that I’ve come across are those of Wangari Maathai, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Vandana Shiva have led environmental movements, highlighting the importance of women’s roles in conservation and sustainability.

Also, in the past women have played crucial roles in indigenous land rights movements, advocating for the protection of ancestral lands and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

                                              

 

In conclusion one can say through an ecofeminist lens, this painting represents the interconnectedness of women and nature. The woman’s peaceful coexistence with birds and plants symbolizes harmony and balance. Her kneeling position conveys reverence and respect for the natural world. The image challenges dominant narratives of human-nature separation, instead embracing a holistic, reciprocal relationship. The woman’s connection to nature also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, echoing ecofeminist principles of mutualism and care.

 

pic courtesy by Molly Mastantuono https://www.bentley.edu/news/ecofeminism-answer-climate-crisis

INTRODUCTION

Hello, my name is Fran Quarm, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on feminism and ecofeminism philosophy on my webpage. As a mother of four girls, feminism is deeply important to me.

I’d like to explore the Western tradition’s signature concept, which views human existence as separate from nature and justifies the domination of the natural world. This perspective is rooted in instrumentalism, which has its foundations in Genesis 1:26-27.

Growing up, my father, a Methodist clergy, instilled in me a strong familiarity with the scriptures. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

In the 1940s, a new wave of environmental thinking emerged, led by deep ecology. This movement’s central figure, Aldo Leopard, argued that the natural world is an interconnected, holistic system with inherent value.

Feminism shares this holistic perspective, recognizing the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world. To bring about environmental change, we must dismantle the domination of nature and address the social and cultural structures that perpetuate it.

As social ecologist Mauray Bookchin argued, we must analyze the thinking behind instrumentalism and recognize the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. By doing so, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

I look forward to exploring these ideas further and sparking meaningful conversations about feminism, ecofeminism, and our relationship with the natural world.

One might ask what is INSTRUMENTALISM?  Instrumentalism is a philosophical concept that views the natural world, including non-human entities and the environment, as mere instruments or tools for human purposes and interests. This perspective posits that the value of nature lies in its utility and functionality for human beings, rather than having inherent value or worth.

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSTRUMENTALISM ARE :

Human-centeredness, utilitarianism, domination, and Lack of intrinsic value

Examples of instrumentalism are

Exploitation of natural resources Viewing forests as mere timber resources, or oceans as sources of fish and oil, without considering their ecological importance.

 Agricultural practices Treating land and animals solely as means to produce food, without regard for their well-being or environmental impact.

Climate change mitigation Focusing solely on technological solutions to reduce carbon emissions, without addressing the underlying values and behaviors driving environmental degradation.

Criticisms of instrumentalism include the following: Instrumentalism can lead to the exploitation and degradation of the natural world, threatening the very foundations of human existence. Prioritizing short-term human interests can compromise the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems, and Instrumentalism overlooks the inherent value and worth of non-human entities, such as animals, plants, and ecosystems.

 

 

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