The inspiration for this blog is based off the novel 'Green Collar Economy' by Van Jones.
With its rich examples on topics about the environment, culture, social justice, criminal justice, and equity, Jones’ book, “Green Collar Economy,” is a perfect fit to use in the final food blog project. The book’s invaluable insights on food production, contribution to the economy, and the impacts on the environment are wise. A societal role in ensuring the attainment of the green and protected environment is to pursue organic food production. The text informs the political audience of the current environmental crises and explains ways to achieve a livable environment characterized by food security, equity, and protection for all.
Definition of Environmental Rhetoric
Environmental Rhetoric refers to constant motivating talks addressing planetary crises, delivered by the powerful entities with the ability to act. Jones observes that the majority of
people are experiencing personal problems; thus, listening to crises tales such as "the global warming" do not engage them fully, and instead, dismisses them. Also, he elucidates that the solution to social justice and environmental crises involve addressing matters pertinent to the affected people and groups in the community through ways that mitigate the problems. Solutions to real-life concerns will salvage not only the disadvantaged and the colored but also the earth woes. Inclusive engagement goes a long way toward advancing the solution to present problems through a green economy. Development of renewable energy sources is a way of simultaneously revitalizing the economy, solving the environmental pollution, and creating an array of opportunities to all communities.
What is Culture?
Values, knowledge, and manners that a nation or society shares and hold dear defines its culture. During transmission of the societal benefits, some cultural aspects g eroded while new values are adopted. As depicted in Jones’ book, the cultural to conserve the environment is getting eroded through human economic activities that damage the surroundings (Jones 38). Nevertheless, some cultures appreciate the need for a culture that values all creation in a livable environment. Also, pertinent issues such as social justice, environmental justice, and criminal justice are evident in an array of cultures.
Who is the Author or Rhetor?
The author of the book "Green Collar Economy" assumes the position of a gallant environmental conservationist and activist. Using the current state of the environment, he goes on to explain the looming hazard posed by a lack of conserving the environment – by adopting a
green collar economy. He uses comparative examples to elucidate the losses incurred by the nation and the citizens, and the opportunities enjoyed by other nations that are adopting green energy. The abolishment of the slave trade by the British epitomizes the fear nations have to try new ways to develop the economy – only to realize tremendous results through innovations.
What is the Rhetorical Situation for this Situation or Narrative?
Economic inequality and environmental are the chief reasons demanding urgent solution – a discourse that Jones spearheads in his book. The disparity in terms of sex, health, and education is real, where, Black-Americans receive unjust treatment from other races (Jones 27). Wealth distribution is unequal among the Americans both in the urban and rural areas. Citizens continually suffer due to inequality, while the rest of the population continues to exploit the disadvantaged in the community. Despite the disparity, integral discussions concerning solutions to the current issues are predominant, but a formidable solution is yet to be found. Besides, the people who suffer most are disengaged and shrug off the talks. Failure to preserve the environment continues to cause catastrophic calamities stimulating more suffering to ordinary citizens than the wealthy. Human inaction to conserve the environment and economic activities are responsible for environmental degradation.
What is Exigence (Motivating Issues for This Research/Narrative)?
The exigence of the rhetoric aims at solving appreciating America's ability to leverage its wealthy renewable energy, thus conserving the environment and realizing more inclusive economic opportunities. Social injustices meted on the disadvantaged population include setting up factories that pollute their neighborhood and stagflation. Comparisons are made with the
American ability to produce green energy against other nations such as Sweden and Iceland – whose ability does not match that of the U.S. However, they are leading producers of green energy. Oil subsidies are depicted as promoting business for the minority but causing suffering to the majority. Developing appropriate infrastructure that needs modest maintenance is a formidable solution to high energy bills.
Who is the Intended Audience (Implied, Targeted, Unintended, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)?
The message intended to the political audience – that has the power and mechanism to formulate laws and fund projects that enhance the green economy. Impediment to an eco-friendly environment has political and economic gains which, benefit the few while causing untold suffering to majority citizens. Vital steps towards the attainment of a green collar economy will include abandoning the use of coal and fossil fuel, revamping the power grid, encouraging green buildings, and developing efficient regulations (Jones 169).
What is Rhetorical Agency (Intellectual Power; Economic Power; Cultural Power)?
Upon economic and cultural evaluations, the political office holders and the society at large have the intrinsic capacity to act on environmental, cultural, and economic aspects that affect the community. Economic power and cultural power are inherent rhetoric agencies that should align their plans to achieve the anticipated green economy for benefits of all.
How Do the Book Address Issues of Social Justice Facing Vulnerable Communities and How Does Rhetoric Shape Environmental Citizenship?
Eco-equity focuses on the creation of equal economic opportunities for all citizens, and the responsibility for everyone to preserve the environment. A green economy, as idealized in the rhetoric, requires solid moral principles, reinvention of existing infrastructures, and streamlining federal regulations. Without the inclusivity of diversity, its attainment will be impossible. Incorporation of all citizens as part of the realization of a green economy for a livable future stimulates environmental citizenship and protection for all humans – and the environment. Being the beneficiaries of the eco-friendly environment, citizens are not only salvaged from the adverse repercussions of environmental pollution but also mandated to conserve it.
How Does This Book Help You Understand the Thematic Units of This Course?
Distribution of Food
Jones underscores the necessity to include food as part of the motivations that justify the urgency of a livable environment for all. Food production and distribution are part of the eco-system – they are also affected when the environment is not preserved. Consequently, humans bear the burden of food insecurity. The importation and exportation of food in the U.S. does not promote environmental conservation nor economic growth. For example, the airline used to transport food consumes fossil fuel which pollutes the environment and increases production cost. However, the business is profitable to a few people who strive to retain the status quo at the expense of a friendly environment and food-secure nation. Factory release farm waste that contributes significantly to water pollution.
Cultivation of Food
The use of pesticide and petroleum-based fertilizers also degrade the environment and pose a health risk to consumers. The nation suffers extra cost mitigating the damages –hidden from the public. The solution rests to food cultivation and growth of organic food – free from toxic materials and pesticides. The creation of food in ways that do not harm the environment will also create career opportunities.