{Megan Mitton, February 23, 2011, Eracism Seminar, YWCA}
1. Interlocking Systems of Domination theory: different types of systemic oppression are interconnected and interdependent.Example: racism, capitalism, heterosexism and cultural imperialism all rely on each other. Differs from intersectionality: structural vs. individual
Sherene Razack: “in focusing on our subordination, and not on our privilege, and in failing to see the connections between them… we fail to realize that we cannot undo our own marginality without simultaneously undoing all the systems of oppression” (from Looking White People in the Eye, 1998).
2. Van Jones: Impacts of oil and plastic on the environment, race and social justice, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems and systems of oppression
3. Gulf Coast: Cancer Alley, Hurricane Katrina, BP Oil Spill
Cancer Alley in Louisiana formerly referred to as the Petrochemical corridor: primarily African-American and low-income population with little university level education; high unemployment despite industry. High rates of cancer found in Louisiana (#2 in USA), as well as many other rare cancers.
Hurricane Katrina (New Orleans, Louisiana 2005): Drilling and pipelines damaged wetlands, which are natural defences against soil erosion, flooding and harsh weather
BP Oil Spill (2010): immigrants/prison workers/impoverished fishing community cleaning up BP oil spill without protection.
4. Tar Sands or Oil Sands (Alberta [North of Montana], Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories, Canada): mixture of crude bitumen (a semi-solid form of crude oil), silica sand, clay minerals, and water. Aboriginal people not included in “development”; First Nations neither consulted nor compensated for destruction of land and water. Fort Chipewyan aboriginal people have reported large increases in cancer rates as tar sands production has increased upstream; fish are sick and inedible; many residents no longer drink the water.
Big CO2 emitter (almost #1 in Canada); average 2-4 barrels H2O = 1 barrel oil (draining Athabasca River); decrease in living standards for low income Albertan population. Connection to USA: 66% (2/3) of tar sands oil is exported to the USA; fuel for US military.
5. Ecuador (West Coast of South America, Pacific Ocean): Texaco (acquired by Chevron, 2001) polluted the Ecuadorian rainforest for decades. Ecuadorian Amazon polluted by Texaco: began drilling without permission of local population. Cut costs by dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic waste water; 17 million gallons of oil; abandoned more than 90 unlined/uncovered water pits filled with toxic sludge.
Impacted indigenous peoples, impoverished mestizo communities; polluted water sources have caused fish to disappear/become inedible, high cancer rates, birth defects, etc. Chevron claims there’s no solid evidence; lawsuits in courts in USA and Ecuador since 1993; recent ruling (Feb. 14, 2011) by Ecuador courts found Chevron guilty ($8.6 billion); Chevron is fighting and denying wrongdoing.
We cannot afford to treat any resources or people as if they're disposable.
