Today’s posting will explore the collective identity or “frame” of the Global Warming movement, those responsible for framing the movement, and how it compares to other movements. Also, I will discuss the “face” of the Global Warming movement and the characteristics of people who join the movement. Finally, I will examine whether or not intersectionalities exist within the movement.
In order to attract people to become a member and stay dedicated to a movement, its issues must be offered or “framed” so that they fit or reverberate with the values, viewpoint, and desires of potential recruits. The concept of collective identity is used to try and connect to each person’s individual world, because in order to devote time and energy to a movement, people generally need to feel that they are part of a larger group that needs their participation and help. Goodwin, J., & Jasper, J. (Eds.). (2003) Introduction, The Social Movements Reader, (p. 52)
Certainly, the Global Warming movement has frames. In 2006, the producers of “An Inconvenient Truth” framed the issue as follows:
“If you love your planet…
If you love your children…
You have to see this film.”
This is certainly a very powerful message that resonates with many people. They went on: “By far, the most terrifying film you will ever see.”
Now this seems to be a bit of
By framing the issue as moral and not political, it resonates with more people. Whereas political issues usually divide people along their party lines, moral issues tend to arouse a deep emotion of one’s being, and interconnectedness to all other human beings. By framing the crisis as one that is global in nature and that requires all of us acting together to solve, it helps dissipate possible feelings of hopelessness, and encourages a “we can do attitude” of being able to solve the problem if we all stick together.
More recently, a clever television commercial produced by Repower America entitled “Bellyaching”, has been airing frequently. It is set in a diner where a grandfatherly, blue collar citizen talks about clean energy. He says, “[w]ell if the Big Oil boys want to keep on polluting and keep raising gas prices maybe we’re due for a new direction.” He goes on, “[r]epowering
Although at first it might not seem that the Global Warming movement has much in common with the pro-life movement, there are at least a few similarities. As discussed above, and similar to the pro-life movement, Global Warming has been framed as a moral issue. Another similarity is the use of graphic images to make a point, with the Global Warming movement using images of dead trees and barren landscapes to shock us into acting before climate change drastically and irreversibly changes our world.
But there are probably more differences than similarities between the pro-life and Global Warming movements. Certainly, the Global Warming movement advocates for open discourse among all people and a peaceful solution to the crisis. On the contrary, the pro-life movement tends to discourage discourse or even engaging in dialogue with its opponents. Instead, it seems hell bent on yelling louder than its opponents during protests. Another difference is in the styles of protests the movements use. Whereas the Global Warming movement generally engages in peaceful protests and activities, some aspects of the pro-life movement engage in more militant methods of protest. An unfortunate consequence of these militant tactics is that it leads to even more violent actions by fringe groups within the movement, like the recent senseless murder of Dr. George R. Tiller. Saulny, S. & Davey, M., Seeking Clues on Suspect in Shooting of Doctor, New York Times, Published:
The Global Warming movement certainly has similarities to other environmental movements, since it can be seen as an environmental movement itself. For instance, although on a much larger scale, the Global Warming movement is similar to the land conservation movement that seeks to preserve our land for future generations to enjoy. The Global Warming movement is also similar to the World Wildlife Fund’s mission of stopping the degradation of our planet's natural environment, and building a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. World Wildlife Fund, retrieved
However, there are differences between Global Warming and other environmental movements as well. For instance, while the Global Warming movement seeks to include everyone, other environmental movements only seek support from outdoor enthusiasts or sportsmen. Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife, retrieved
The Global Warming movement certainly has an iconic “face” in Al Gore. As discussed above, his framing of the movement has had a great effect in bringing attention to the crisis and getting people involved. His involvement with the movement dates back to the early 1980s when he promoted Congressional hearings on the topic. Thereafter, in the ‘90s, he began presenting convincing, illustrated lectures about the subject. Weart, S. (2008) The Discovery of Global Warming,
Unlike other movements, the Global Warming movement is attractive to all types of people regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic class, religion, or political affiliation. The appeal of the movement is vast and wide, and includes liberal tree-huggers, evangelicals, Democrats, and Republicans. No one is excluded from the movement’s message of saving our land for future generations. Certainly those in a lower socioeconomic class will not have any monetary resources to give to the movement, but that does not prevent them from learning about the issue and making changes in their everyday habits. Faith-based interest in the movement has been spreading since the release of “An Inconvenient Truth”. Pepper, A., God's green Earth: Faith-based interest in environment spreads, The Orange County Register, Published:
Finally, unlike other movements that are aimed at changing or equalizing the status of an oppressed class of individuals, the Global Warming movement has been framed in such a way that it impacts every member of society equally, and thus the issue of intersectionality does not arise.
You do an excellent job of explaining how the environmental movement is framed in order to exclude politics. It seems all to often these days that every issue, even if not political in nature, becomes political. It is sad to see that an issue which involves everyone on this planet is seen as a "liberal" or "left" issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the movement "attempts" to frame the issues in an apolitical way, but I am not sure if it succeeds. Marty states that it is impartial to Democrats and Republicans but my personal experience has differed slightly. It seems like whenever there is a conversation with someone that "leans to the Right" the first thing that they fall back on is that "the Earth goes through natural cooling and heating cycles." I think maybe it is becoming a non-partisan issue but not quickly enough to effectuate REAL change.
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