What We Learned from this Project
REFLECTING ON THE CONNECTION BETWEEN A MIDWEST GIRL AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS IN NIGER : Maddie Little
Prior to beginning this project, the amount of knowledge I had in regards to the crisis of the Niger Delta River was essentially non existent. This lack of awareness stems from I believe a mindset of "if it's not happening in my backyard, how is it my problem?" It is this ignorance that sweeps throughout the undisturbed consciences of those not living in the affected area. When being presented the issues within the Niger Delta River however, I knew immediately this was going to be something big. Stemming from the effects of post-colonialism, a micro minority has been formed in the Ogoni people. The reaping of land and oppressment of cultural freedoms represents a larger issue of a European based mindset demolishing smaller minority groups. Because of this project, I have stepped into a realm of eye opening self evaluation on how my role comes into play with this crisis. I cannot stress enough how much I have realized that even in the distant Midwest I have a part in the Niger River Delta destruction. Understanding where oil comes from and by what means it took to get it is how I am able to put a stake on the crisis. It is through awareness and removal of ignorance how a stance truly can be made in putting an end to unethical attainment of natural resources. Every small act every day when using some sort of natural resource product takes a huge toll on the origin of such resources. Being a leaser of planet earth calls for some responsibility- awareness being the must crucial and prevalent. I am very happy for the uneasiness this project brought me because it is how I know this is something big.
