Mutiny and sabotage in defense of mother earth: risk cultures, radical environmentalism and ecotage
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2007
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Abstract
In this dissertation, I argue that the characterization of radical environmental activists (sometimes referred to as "ecoterrorists") as crazed lunatics committed to a violent agenda is both inaccurate and an oversimplification. Employing Lash's (2000) notion of risk cultures, I explore the ideological underpinnings of radical environmental activism, the discourses observers and activists employ in describing "ecotage," and issues of force and violence. I maintain that Lash's risk culture formulation allows us to conceptualize the actions of these political actors as, in certain respects, rational responses to the anxieties of late modernity, particularly those centered around risk and risk discourses (Beck 1992). Drawing on analyses of mainstream and alternative media accounts, as well as interview data with ecoteurs and other actors engaged in various forms of civil disobedience actions, I suggest that there is a considered environmental philosophy that informs this kind of political action. I also point out that media and political agents, as well as industry (e.g., logging) representatives, demonize radical environmental activism, often characterizing it as criminal, even "terrorist," without serious critical discussion of the environmental objectives of the groups and individuals engaged in this kind of activism. Lastly, I point out that ecoteurs construct their tactics as non-violent, in contrast to the assessments of many observers. I do, however, contend that there are some points of slippage in these constructions, and highlight some evidence that violent tactics may be on the horizon. I conclude with a consideration of the notion of liminality (Bauman 1991), suggesting that it may help to shed light on some of the questions and contradictions highlighted in this dissertation.
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Bibliography: p. 195-214
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Citation
Laurendeau, J. (2007). Mutiny and sabotage in defense of mother earth: risk cultures, radical environmentalism and ecotage (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/1405