Can bad news be good news?
Jupiter Images
Going green can be an incredibly positive experience: creating community, inspiring change, feeling empowered. It also means being aware of how our way of life has negatively impacted the planet, e.g. 90% of the large fish in the ocean and 80% of the world's forests are already gone. Uh-oh, there I go with the "gloom and doom" again.
Some people imply that unless a critic expounds a specific strategy for change, his/her assessment is possibly worthless or, at the very least, too negative. This somewhat understandable reaction misses the essential role critical analysis plays in a society where problems—and their causes—are so cleverly disguised. When discussing the future, the first step is often an identification and demystification of the past and present.
WATCH VIDEO: Staying positive?
The renowned Marxist thinker, Antonio Gramsci sez:
"I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will."
I can think of no better mantra for the green movement. Don't shy away from learning the ugly realities of industrial capitalism but never let these realities prevent you from taking urgent action and believing you can create change. It's a delicate balance but our ability to walk this fine line could make all the difference in the world
Two Easy Examples of Walking That Line
Pessimism: Cars suck
Optimism: Get on your bikes and ride
Pessimism: Factory farming blows
Optimism: Vegan twinkies rock
