I’m going to present you with some “this-or-that” questions. As I do this, truly and honestly think about what you value more. Physical items with a hefty price tag or fresh, clean air? Next-day delivery, or the preservation of animals’ natural habitats? Art museums or flourishing wildlife? Members from the climate activist group “Just Stop Oil” contemplated similar questions before pouring soup on Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting to bring attention to the flawed values many big corporations have when it comes to preserving the environment. By seemingly destroying something labeled as “valuable” in today’s society, these two young activists provoked an important and eye-opening question, “What should we really value?”.
These activists inspired many, including myself, to take further action against climate change, and I’m asking you to do the same. Falling under numerous of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action, just to name a few), the exigence presented by the climate change issue invited action from the “Just Stop Oil” activists. The use of lenses such as dramatism, social movement studies, and identity rhetoric and criticism all demonstrate the power and influence behind this action.
Through the analysis of this event under the multiple rhetorical lenses it fits, we will be able to see further into the climate change issue, how it impacts individuals, and how it should impact the entire world. Doing so not only helps gain awareness but also addresses aspects of civic engagement that are growing increasingly important.
Together we can make a change for the better and provide a world suitable for humans and animals to thrive. Now think again, What do you value more? Thank you.
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