I was drawn to Maniates’ “Individualization: Plant a Tree, Buy a Bike, Save the World?” on the recommended reading list because it started with a discussion of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. I disagree with much of Maniates’ treatment of the book, but I will cover that later. For now, I should say that I do appreciate that Maniates points out that there has been an ‘individualization of responsibility’, to use his phrase. He also points out that this is causing a narrowing of our alternatives, by constraining what we think of as viable alternatives. The idea that if we all plant a tree, we can save the world is one of his examples of this narrowed focus. Can we use this, though, as a stepping stone toward altering behaviour? If we get everyone to plant a tree (actually plant a tree, not pay to have it done) in a location that needs trees, can this be the first step in a lifetime of eco-consciousness that includes better consumption patterns? A question that I have, though, is what to do next? What do we need to do to make sure planting a tree is a first step and not the only step?
Maybe The Lorax is not as “dismal and depressing” (44) as Maniates believes, but is a useful tool to empower the young to re-think the actions of the previous generation, and not make the same mistakes. I feel the young children of today need that message just as much as we need it.
I feel Maniates is coming at the book from the wrong direction – he wants to read it as a book aimed at adults, when it is clearly a book aimed at younger readers. Of course, adults can enjoy it, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that it was written to engage young readers. The ending is full of encouragement for young readers – a kind of encouragement that will hopefully make them excited to take the reins of environmental responsibility and work towards solving problems; encouragement that will help them make the next step, so planting a tree becomes the first step, not the only step.
But then again, maybe I’m sentimental about The Lorax.
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