#10

TOXIC SLUDGE IS GOOD FOR YOU:

1. I was shocked that a woman from an environment organization would be advocating for the use of toxic sludge. It was also intersting that her title is "Director of Public Information." We could see her using selling techniques just in this short phone call, as she advocated for another title.
2. It is shocking to learn about organizations that are considered "good" throughout the U.S. Such as the EPA stalling the request for information, and collaborating with "leaders of industries they are supposed to regulate."
3. Sixty thousand toxic substances and chemicals in sludge!!! When I read this I could not believe that anyone could even think to spread this on farms. I believe that almost anyone would be willing to pay a few extra dollars for the sake of their health.
4. It is interesting how the PR industry manipulates ideas through names. For example chaging toxic slude to "biosolids," or the Federation of Sewage Workers changing its name to the Water Environment Federation.
5. I think it is very sad that there is such environmental inequality. The poorest of the poor are always subjected to the worst environmental conditions because they cannot fight off large corporations and organizations. It is shocking and sad how the environment and animals in a wealthy area are protected while the humans of a low-income area are exposed to toxic chemicals.



Questions:
1. What type of person thinks to spread hazardous material where we grow food?!
2. Where, and how often is selective science used?
3. What should we do with the sludge?

#14

Over the course of this semester I have learned an incredible amount about media and how it relates to the functioning of our society. This class has changed the way i view our culture, everything I see on TV, and how I view myself as a member of this society. Although it has made me far more critical of almost everything I see on a daily basis I do not believe this is a bad thing.
I feel that I have become far more critical of everything I see and hear through mainstream media. For example when I see the news I wonder, who paid for that? What are they trying to sell me? What is the full story? and What stories were completely left out?
When I view images in magazines I now take a closer look at the information those images convey. For example, they show me "ideals" in our society, they encourage never-ending consumption, and tell us we are not good enough unleass we consume and meet those ideals.
I have also become more aware of what I am buying. When I purchase a product I consider why I chose that particular one. It is amazing to realize the power advertisements and image have over us. Even with the smallest purchases, for example why do I buy a specific brand of yogurt, is it the color on the outside of this? The feel good images from the TV commercial?
When I buy clothing now I wonder what image this item will give. In a culture that is so image conscious it seems that people are making grand assumptions about my personality simply by the flats I grabbed this morning. Although I believe this is the wrong way to approach people/relationships/life we cannot deny that it happens at every moment of every day.
I have become more aware of the terrible things so many corporations are doing. Yes, I can refrain from buying their products but in that sense I truly am only one person. In order to change we must do more than that, I am only one person but if we work together we can all make a huge differece.

1. Where do we begin?
2. How can we change the laws surrounding corporate practices?
3. How can I change my peers?