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Burn the Maps and Get Lost in the Territory

Posted 03/03 |

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An Edwardian influence? I just want to comment on one little point in Josh’s excellent review. To wit, readers should be on their guard respecting Edward Abbey, the Earth First! guru, who’s invariably cited in writings such as this. An influence on St. Clair? Let’s hope that Abbey’s influence doesn’t extend to that aspect of Edward’s avowals of “superiority of northern European culture.” Too many ecologists who seem to be for what we’re all for on the surface include contempt for Indian people (and their demands for recognition vis-a-vis the environment); George Weurthner and Dave Foreman are two other examples.
Best, Richard Oxman

Posted by Richard Oxman from on 03/03 at 01:08 PM

In response to Richard’s argument about Abbey. Indeed Abbey was an anti-immigration/racist, who didn’t believe violence was cyclical. However his novels enticed a movement committed to social justice and radical environmentalism. I believe that St. Clair’s work, when related to Abbey’s, has to do with the relevance of that revolutionary spirit than Abbey’s fetish with “white” european culture.
Best-
j

Posted by Josh Frank from on 03/03 at 02:31 PM

Very good, Josh, thanks. I’m just concerned that people understand that all those “concerned with the environment” are not necessarily --in most cases not, I’d say-- particular “friends” of Native Americans, not truly considering their traditions and interests in approaching how to improve matters in the wilderness, ecologically, etc. Simply having an opportunity here to underscore that Abbey is NOT one of the people that the Indians approved of while he was alive...is satisfying. I hope that readers will approach environmental matters with a special consideration given to how Native Americans might tackle a given issue, what their stance happens to be. In short, the general view is that most of their land should be given back to them...and that they should oversee Mother Earth in their realm...for our mutual good...that the White Man has a horrid track record...and that academics and gov’t officials, essentially, if allowed to continue to control our natural resources, etc. on Indian lands...it will doom the planet. Whereas this typically puts many people off initially --this notion of “returning land"-- a quick review of the literature...such as Ward Churchill’s STRUGGLE FOR THE LAND...enables those interested in justice and heading off ecocide to see an alternative to our present madness...that’s truly doable. Loving regards for ALL THE WONDERFUL WORK you do, Josh...RICHARD OXMAN

Posted by Richard Oxman from on 03/03 at 09:24 PM

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