Post Card 4 - Raymond May
In Fairfield, the area in which I live in, we have a long history about the Oak Tree (pictured below) that was planted over 150 years ago and was once a whole tree but was split into two by what was supposedly a violent storm when in fact it was due to the sheerness of its own weight. It is interesting how the locals of the community responded by supporting and pulling it together through artificial means, preserving it as a historical symbol of Fairfield’s community. Ms Trauntner, a former resident of the town stated that they are “inspired by the tree” and that “my roots begin here but my branches spread far and wide.” This is but one example however there are other countless examples of protection and preservation of such forms of nature. Burchett (2014) states that “Egoism…[promotes] the interests of individuals but [is] the worst strategy for promoting the interests of the species” (p.120). Clearly though, some humans have gone through selfless lengths to continue the lifespan of endangered species and forms of nature. What I concluded from this was that despite what might look like the end of a plants life, its roots are still deep and given time it won’t end there but will begin anew. Also, these forms of life serve as homes for birds.
(Image Source: https://www.fairfieldchampion.com.au/story/5354072/nothing-bland-about-our-oak-tree/)
http://alicewritlarge.blogspot.com/2011/07/tree-grows-in-fairfield.html
Burchett, K. (2014). Anthropocentrism and nature an attempt at reconciliation. Rethinking “Nature”, 1, 119-120.
