Poverty and the Environment
In my class on Native American culture, a random non-Math/Science elective I decided to take this term, my professor was showing some photos she took of a Native American Reservation (Pine Ridge, I believe). I commented on the beauty of the land after class, and she offered this pearl of wisdom:
The thing about real poverty is that it leaves things pristine. [Reservation Indians] can’t afford to build, change the environment, or destroy things. We’re the real polluters.
I couldn’t help but reflect on my own beautiful home in Arkansas, the Natural State, and the common, and mostly correct, association with poverty (“the poor South”) [1]. Although my professor was commented on Native American civilization, her words apply equally to much of the rural South.
More humorously, a friend and colleague of mine travelled to Arkansas on business; upon his return, he told me
Cody- Now that I have been to Arkansas, I am not sure if I should hug you (for getting out) or slap you (for leaving that beautiful state)
One of these days I’ll upload some pictures from my home state for you to see for yourself.. absolutely beautiful.
References
[1] - From http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/factors.cfm?state=AR:
At a National level, the poverty rate is 13.2 percent. Arkansas has a poverty rate of 17.3%.
