In class on Tuesday, we observed and analyzed a commercial for sun-maid raisins. In said commercial we pointed out a few facts about the way it was made–how the landscape seemed beautiful and lush, and how the woman looked as though she’d never worked a moment in her life. This goes the same for many other ads out there–noticeably in my mind orange and grape themed products. However, one then realizes that oranges and grapes are mostly grown in California–a place that is the opposite of lush and thriving. Not only that, but again, the woman is very ideal–the perfect weight, a beautiful face, and flawless skin. These are all the exact opposite of how the field really work.  Continue reading →

Out of many of the metaphors that Charles Darwin uses, one that sticks out greatly is that nature is a war. This metaphor can be seen in very many places–even those where he relates nature to something completely different like a web or a tree. No matter what it is, evolution in general comes down to the survival of the fittest. While all the metaphors are valid, the war is a reality that we all have to live with–one of the reasons we can never truly be at peace…because

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In Emerson’s Nature, the relationship between man and his environment is one of great importance.  Though written in a time before global warming and over-harvesting was a problem, Emerson writes very wise words that reflect the idea that man and nature depend on each other. First off, Emerson states that finding a certain peace with nature is essential to finding delight in the natural world. Man and nature need to find a harmony. This brings me back to the last post I wrote where I stated that the wilderness was a place where a person faces themselves and has to fight and be at peace; for when left to their own accord it is up to man to decided whether he be evil or not.

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When looking at the term Wilderness, one of the first pieces of literature that pops into my head is, surprisingly, Lord of The Flies by William Golding. Though a juvenile novel compared with other works that deal with the environment and though it is based more upon Hobbes’ Leviathan, I still can’t help but automatically jump to this high school level book as I reflect on the definition of wilderness.  Continue reading →