Emily Anstett (11/06/2022) Gary Snyder: The Wilderness

 Gary Synder describes the problem of how humans view wilderness and nature.  Specifically, humans see the natural world as less authentic and intelligent than humans.  This thought process justifies humans' belief that nature is not entitled to consideration.  I think it is interesting how this reading relates to class discussions of The Ecology of Eden and the difference between nature and wilderness.  Humans have constructed an idea of nature that suits their values and aesthetics.  The construction of nature has changed over time but it has continuously placed humans above nature.  This is problematic because it is the cause of the current environmental problems.  Humans have exploited the natural world for their own gain without considering wilderness’ own intrinsic value that exists outside of the human construct of nature.  
 Snyder describes creating a new definition of democracy that would allow for the representation of natural spaces and beings.  This would invoke “an ecological conscience” that would better represent and protect nonhuman beings.  I think it is interesting to consider how to better protect nature but redefining democracy introduces questions of how nonhuman beings can represent themselves in the human construction of democracy? Humans constructed the political system of democracy so it seems as though it would have to be completely reconstructed to make space for nonhuman beings to have representation and space.  I appreciated how Synder included that the Sioux Native Americans described the “creeping people, and the standing people, and the flying people, and the swimming people” when they described nonhumans, (Snyder, pg. 108).  It is interesting to consider expanding the definition of people as a way to incorporate and better represent non-humans.  

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