Question

Respond to each of the following questions. You will need to write at least 2 paragraphs, one for each question. When you are done posting your response, reply to at least one classmate in no fewer than 75 words.

1. What is the basic argument that Heglar makes in the short article “I Work in the Environmental Movement I Don’t Care If You Recycle”? Write a one-paragraph summary of at least 100 words that explains her argument.
2. Do you agree, disagree, or both agree and disagree with Heglar’s point? Write a one-paragraph argument of at least 100 words that explains your answer to this question.

Answer 1

The basic argument that Heglar makes in the article " I work in the Environmental movement and I don't care if you recycle" is that saving the planet is a vast and complicated topic requiring complicated solution. It has become easy for the Government and Industries to blame the common man for the environmental mistakes he does. They shift the blame upon him. Then the common man feels shameful for the systemic existence, in which he was born, on which he had no control. When there is guilt, people take actions. When they feel shameful, it prevents them from action. It is not only a individual responsibility but a collective action. One should go beyond his personal little actions and magnify them to save the planet.

I totally agree with Heglar, Government and corporations shift the focus on common people, while they themselves commit larger environmental sins. We are made guilty for the life conditions, they have set up. It is extremely difficult to come out of it. However, we should understand the larger picture and do appropriate actions which makes our actions powerful and meaningful.