Before viewing “An Inconvenient Truth,” I was very unaware about the issue of global warming and its effects. The movie showed me how all people, especially Americans, are contributing to global warming. It was especially emotional when it showed how the North and South Poles were being affected the most.
Innocent polar bears and other animals are dying because of human negligence. It was heart-breaking to learn how icecaps formed during the ice ages are now melting.The movie was motivational to me.
As I watched it, I began to think about how I could do my part in the fight against global warming. I decided I would have to start with making daily, conscious efforts to save energy. Doing small things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and buying energy-efficient light bulbs are just a few minute things everyone can do to help decrease global warming. Then, I thought of my generation, the “Hip Hop Generation,” and how we are helping to perpetuate the demise of the environment.
Everything in our culture is “BIG.” Our cars, clothes, jewelry and everything we do has to be bigger than the next guy.
That made me wonder how I can encourage my generation to be more environmentally friendly. I began to think about pop and hip hop icons in our culture and how powerful their words can be.
Never have I heard Jay-z discussing his view of global warming. All I hear about is Trick Daddy loving to ride “donks,” Diddy’s V-12 vehicles and wasting $1,000 champagne.
Why is it there are no rappers including global warming issues in their songs?
I wish someone with hip hop power would step up and help with this fight.
I wonder what it is going to take for young blacks to be more proactive in our eco-future. We only have one earth, and because of the abuse that we have caused directly and indirectly, we need to take responsibility and fix the problem.
Did anyone forget that many blacks were displaced when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans? One of the consequences of global warming is violent, rare weather.
I believe the biggest misconception other people have about global warming is that we have a lot of time to correct this problem. We don’t.
I want to have kids someday, and I want them to see the same world I did, if not a more beautiful one. I don’t want them to see smoggy skylines and breathe pollutants.
I will continue to do my part and be dedicated to my cause. God blessed us with a beautiful Earth, and as a Christian, I believe it is my duty to preserve this Earth for everyone.
I encourage all students to watch “An Inconvenient Truth.” It will make students able to be more accountable for their actions. Ignorance is no longer an excuse.
Brittany Richardson is a senior public relations student from Tallahassee. She can be reached at brittanyrichardson@gmail.com.