I chose San Francisco as my landscape, I moved to the city in 2017 and have lived here since. I’ve spent foundational years here, my early twenties, college, had multiple roommates, to solo living. I’ve spent most of my adult life here and will have been here a decade in two years, it’s seen my personal growth since I was seventeen. In regard’s to William’s bedrock democracy the city struggles, privatization and capitalism are evident in the city. Activism is a part of the city’s culture, for instance since my arrival I’ve protested in the BLM movement, Stop Asian Hate, Women’s March, and protesting the genocide in Gaza. There is a liberal, leftist, and radical population here that cannot be ignored. In some way I feel there is unity amongst those concerned with social justice, however in terms of environmental justice there is a disparity. When I think of environmental movements I think of climate change which is of great concern for many, and one where it would be fair to say citizens stand their ground in places they love (Williams 19). However, San Francisco is a major city with a multitude of issues ranging from addiction to the impacts of big tech, I feel that it environmental concerns are sometimes ushered to the background.
I do agree with Kingsolver’s belief that we need wilderness. I think that cities and wilderness can coexist and benefit us in different ways. The wilderness allows for a slower and more intentional way of life, for example the women who chose to homestead, they have brought back work our ancestors did long and successfully. While Chantel Johnson did describe her first ventures into the work as survival, it’s clear to see that the result of her work has enriching from a lifestyle perspective as well as a career one (Tiayon 2020). For myself I grew up in the Mojave Desert in California, for most of my childhood I dreamt about living in the city, the slow lifestyle didn’t suit me or my future ambitions . As I write this I am on my way back to San Francisco from my desert home, I have come to appreciate the quiet, seeing the stars, the space my parents have. I gardened with my mother who has small vegetable plants she uses for her cooking, I appreciate the time that I get there and find it necessary. Every three months I try to get out of the city and long term hope to find a decent amount of land where I can live and transition to more of a self sustainable lifestyle. Bell Hooks writes “For many years and even now, generations of black folks who migrated north to escape life in the South returned down home in search of spiritual nourishment,” I feel this applicable in a broader context for the return to wilderness and its appreciation (Hooks 367).
Hi Amaia,
I think it’s wonderful that activism is so important to you and the social landscape you live in. This blog can even be a way in which you advocate for important issues. As it pertains to environmental justice, I understand how it can feel like so many other issues end up distracting from the attention they all deserve. I read an article a while ago on empathy burnout, and it recommended something I try to remind myself; we don’t have to “single-handedly solv[e] all the grandiose problems of the world,” to respect/listen to others’ perspectives/experiences (Cerulean). I believe we can recognize there are many issues in the world to solve, and if good work is being done by certain communities in one area, that means we can dedicate ourselves to an issue receiving less attention: in this case, environmental concerns. Williams’ “Bedrock Democracy” refers to a system wherein we all care for nature/a landscape which defines us. Forming a local movement for environmental justice may fit Williams’ definition, but it is harder to achieve when there is less environmental advocacy. Regardless, your work is extremely important. I believe environmentalism is less noticed because nature is undervalued. Williams wrote, “it will only be by eliminating our desire to set land aside as ‘wilderness’ that we can begin to regard all landscapes with respect and dignity” (18). When nature is only seen as a tool for human use, we ignore the harm we cause. And when humanity is focused on itself, rather than nature, interpersonal issues (racism, sexism, etc.) might receive more activist attention. This means we need to raise the voices of people like ecofeminists as we fight for the environment.
It is also important to remember, as we are learning in class, that many social issues are complexly interconnected with environmental degradation. Consider the connection between class and water: “richer households are better able to [access relatively cleaner] groundwater for drinking and irrigation…but the poor are mainly dependent on surface sources” (Agarwal 129). Because social inequalities present themselves in environmental issues, we have to encourage sustainable/cleaner efforts while challenging the systems of oppression which relegate diverse people to struggling environments. If activism recognizes how these problems interact, actions can be taken to improve humanity and nature simultaneously—like decreasing waste/water contamination in poorer communities.
I also appreciate your connection to gardening. In reading bell hooks’ work this week, I recognized this connection as something I long for. hooks wrote, “living close to nature, black folks were able to cultivate a spirit of wonder and reverence for life’ and ‘working the land provides a location where folks can experience a sense of personal power and well-being” (365). I respect nature, but I wish I could interact more closely with nature/land than I currently do in the city.
Thank you for your incredible work.
Piper
Work Cited
Agarwal, Bina. “The Gender and Environment Debate.” Feminist Studies. Spring 1992. Web. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3178217. Accessed 19 February 2025.
Cerulean, Lucile. “Resisting Empathy Burnout.” Women’s Media Center (WMC). 15 February 2024. womensmediacenter.com/fbomb/resisting-empathy-burnout. Accessed 19 February 2025.
hooks, bell. “Touching the Earth.” Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril, Trinity University Press, San Antonio, 2011. pp. 363-368. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, myCourses, WGS 307-7101: Ecofeminism: Philosophy & Practice – On-Line (2025 Spring CE1). Accessed 19 February 2025.
Williams, Terry Tempest. “Home Work.” Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert, kindle edition, Vintage, 2008. pp. 3-19. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, myCourses, WGS 307-7101: Ecofeminism: Philosophy & Practice – On-Line (2025 Spring CE1). Accessed 19 February 2025.
That view of San Francisco is amazing !! Now that I’m almost finished with my first four years of college, I’m aiming to travel a lot and see different parts of the world. Even though I do plan to go for my master’s I love traveling so I do want to find a balance to be able to travel more. Living your dreams and being on your own is a huge milestone because it allows you to learn yourself more and create different bonds with people from all over. Experiencing different parts of the world is not just about seeing new sights; it is an opportunity for personal growth. Traveling gives us the opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and embrace change. I love how engaged you are in your community – protesting is a powerful way for us to express beliefs and demand change. The fact you participate in protests and marches shows how confident and determined you are. Many people feel hesitant or afraid to speak out against issues they care about so this makes people who take part in protests stand out. I do also believe the wilderness gives us a sense of clarity for example how you said you and your mom garden together, gardening is not only a productive activity but also a therapeutic one. Spending time in the garden can allow you to step away from any other things on your mind.