white

profileMoonpie
white.docx

Reply to both

1) A

Overall, I do agree. Although I live in rural Kentucky, where there is an expectation of wildlife in our backyard, nearby populated areas, the wildlife population is increasing, and at times dangerous. For instance, my sister, who lives in a nearby city, has had multiple cats and chicken killed by coyotes and foxes. There was recent development of a subdivision, and until that heavily wooded area was destroyed, these foxes and coyotes were scarce.  

To be completely honest, I am not sure why Mr. Von Drehle used Bambi as a reference in his article. It was used to explain part of the shift from the hunter mentality to a love and acceptance of wildlife, but other than that, the reference of Bambi did not click with me. It was neither positive nor negative but did seem unnecessary.  

The article does present a balanced way to think about our relationship with nature. Like every aspect of humans over the course of history, there have been moments when we think we are doing the right thing, or what is in the best interest of the greater number of people, but over time we learn that we were not correct, or that it could have been handled differently. The older you become, the more you learn. There will always be fluctuations in the populations of humans and animals, and that is something we all must learn to accept. The way we handle it is of utmost importance. I do favor the stipulations implemented in the cities listed, such as bow hunting, hunting tests requirements and the use of meat to provide meals.  

2)

1.  The Sisters of Providence view their work at White Violet Center as an extension of what God wants from us-taking care of what He has provided for us, whether that be fellow humans, land, water, or animals. By developing the White Violet Center, they have accomplished all the above.

      The end of the video explains their view of their work quite well, whereas the beginning of the video does explain what the White Violet Center is and what they have available to the community. Sister              Dawn speaks of a land ethic, caring for the land, the water, and the animals. She explains that their commitment to the environment includes everything from global climate change to advocacy. The ways            in which the Sisters of Providence accomplished this through the White Violet Center is ingenious, as they have provided a community agriculture-providing food to the local community-as well the day to         day caring for the land that God gave us- “sacred inheritance.” The Sisters of Providence have taken their responsibility to God, their responsibility to help care for others and their responsibility to the land         and have combined them to make a center that is beneficial to all people of all ages.  

 

In Laudato Si by Pope Francis, he states that “Integral ecology calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology and take us to the heart of what it is to be human.” Although I do not have this level of integral ecology, I do feel a peace when I am outside-even working in the yard-that otherwise does not exist. There is a peacefulness to hearing birds, or sitting in a breeze, that I cannot find elsewhere. My dad, who loved nature and spent a good portion of his 20’s as a park Ranger, was the person who taught me that. An appreciation for nature is invaluable.

     Pope Francis also stated that “On the other hand, no one can cultivate a sober and satisfying life without being at peace with him or herself.” This is key to a satisfying life, regardless of if nature is your forte       or not. This is also why it is also important to find what brings peace to your life, makes life “worth living” and brings a level of satisfaction that otherwise a person would not have. That “thing” could be a             significant other, children, a career, a hobby, or nature itself. But until a person finds that, they will not feel at peace with themselves.