Oftentimes, our editorial board is hard at work corresponding with authors and editing pieces, so we have limited time to contribute even though we really want to! The following are direct responses and insights into Kristy Drutman’s interview from some of our Editors.
Elson Bankoff – Editor-in-Chief
Kristy discusses the obstacles she has faced with internet culture. She talks about how hosting an Instagram account as an independent platform can be challenging with the ever-changing trends and passions of the public, especially as a creator focused on intersectional climate action. There are a lot of strangers who expect a lot from her. It can be difficult for her to keep up and appease everyone. Social media is an incredibly overstimulating place, and Kristy finds it important to keep in mind that it’s not humanly possible to do everything at once. People who cast judgment don’t see the work she puts into her content behind the scenes.
Elson responds with the following: During the interview, I recommended a book to Kristy called The Quiet Before by Gal Beckerman. People who know me well have likely heard me speak very highly (and frequently) about this phenomenal non-fiction book that covers several slow and methodical processes that lead to loud and powerful movements. In the first chapter of the book, Beckerman critiques social media, comparing it to a cocktail party where chatter and commotion hinder connection and follow-through. We need to recognize the inherent chaos of social media and understand that while it can be used to fuel a flame, it isn’t there to spark one. The internet is not going away anytime soon, and I don’t necessarily think it is a bad thing, but it is certainly something that makes us a little less human if we use it incorrectly. Just like going out in nature or meeting with friends in coffee shops, we can create physical spaces to learn and grow and end up feeling more alive and motivated than ever.
Anais Joubert – Editor-in-Chief
Kristy discussed how the practice of intersectionality requires not only welcoming more diverse voices and perspectives to intersectional issues involving the planet, but addressing the history of violence against marginalized communities as well as their homelands. And with that knowledge, we can explore how these actions have distanced humanity from the planet.
Anais responds with the following: I think an incredibly important part of healing the planet is understanding the history of the conflicts we’re addressing. The first step in confronting any issue is to deeply understand it. The destruction of the environment is directly linked to the suffering of BIPOC communities. It has been for centuries and still is. Unfortunately, as Kristi discussed in the interview, environmentalism is a very white field with tons of barriers. Having a diverse network of people to combat the climate crisis is essential. The more ideas and people in the movement the more likely we can create lasting and beneficial change. To better heal the planet we must acknowledge how and who we harmed.
Leah Vincent – Activism and Social Change Editor
Kristi talks about how daunting it can be to be a POC activist in majority white space. Due to many barriers of entry there isn’t a lot of exposure to the movement in many BIPOC communities. She mentions how in many classrooms and activist circles there aren’t many POC and how she sometimes felt “like a fish out of water. “
Leah responds with the following: This is such a relatable feeling for a lot of BIPOC climate activists. It’s rare that our communities have access to educate and inform us about climate change. It feels good to know that we’re not alone in feeling so behind.
Lucas Flaherty – Eco-STEM Editor
Kristy emphasizes that creating your own niche in a movement can be fulfilling. “You want to be a part of a bigger movement, but you kind of want to guide your own path.”
Lucas ponders: How can these coexist? What steps can people take to achieve both?
Rosie Schrag – Art Editor
Kristy explains her conflict with wanting to discuss denser, more complex environmental topics on her platform but at the same time keep it accessible and understandable to everyone. “It’s like, let’s go a little bit deeper, but then also try to make it digestible.”
Rosie asks: How do we approach educating and motivating people about the climate crisis? How should this be targeted towards different groups? What is the balance that needs to be struck to engage people while educating them?
Tara Prakash – Policy and Economics Editor
Kristy speaks about how the lack of diversity she saw in environmentalism inspired her to take action as well as uplift BIPOC communities. She sees how important diversity is to the movement because one narrative and way of being an environmentalist is not accessible to all.
Tara responds with the following: I think this is really true. It’s important to have as many voices as possible in the climate movement, and I’ve seen in many of the movements against climate change, that the same voices are being represented.
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