Emily Anstett 11/21: Tender Carnivore Reflection: The Myth of Progress

     Paul Shepherd argues that both civilization and history are part of the “myth of progress.”  Specifically they perpetuate “cosmic isolation” where humans separate themselves from other natural elements in the name of progress.  I think this relates to the alienation of humans from non-human living beings.  Through the process of civilization and the development of historical accounts, people have separated and distinguished themselves from nature.  The historical narrative of Manifest Destiny is based on man overcoming the unruly and uncivilized wild west.  This narrative paints a very dark picture of nature and portrays humanity as a savior.  However, the premise of progress is that there is one end goal that leads to the most beneficial outcome.  More specifically, progress is a linear path.  This has created a skewed view of what it means to “progress,” cultures that do not align with this notion of progress are viewed as less civilized.  But what does it mean to be civilized? In reality it is a made up construction of what humanity should look like. Shepherd’s concept of  a “myth of progress” illustrates the contradictory nature of progress and civilization.  In reality as civilization has moved a long, it has not progressed.  It has become increasingly alienated from the world around it.  This is having catastrophic consequences on non-living beings.  By separating ourselves from nature and non-living things, and viewing ourselves as above it, we have lost many interactions with nature.  In order to heal this rift we must remove the current conception of civilization and progress and their historical implications. By doing this we can both learn from nature and be more ecologically conscious.