Selfishness & Racism in American environmentalism

[DeCoredge]

Both articles are amazing readings. It is great to point out that conservation and environmentalism in America only arise due to Theodore Roosevelt not able to hunt due to the overhunting of animals within the plains of the US. This exemplifies the selfishness behind the concept of conservation within America. As well as the racial undertones Audobon displayed by not recognizing the fact he utilized enslaved African Americans and Native Americans to collect bird species for himself. Prince William also, displayed blatant racial undertones stating that the growing human population in Africa is the sole issue that threatens the wildlife and conservation efforts made.

• the foundation of conservationism and environmentalism is deeply rooted in racism; would it be efficient and probable that this foundation could be broken down and revamped to move away from the previously implemented racial practices and overtones?
• Do the racial practices that're embedded in environmentalism and conservation dictate the priority of which environments and species receive attention to maintain the environment and species populations?
• Does the racial background within this field, a factor into why the field is rarely pursued by as a career within minority communities?