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Thursday, March 28, 2013

2 of 9 - EcoSex @ U Conn - Book Reports - Acquiring Genomes: Adam's Take

Dear Earthlings:

The EcoSex course at U Conn is in process.  It's a great experience.  We are expanding horizons with clustered reading: Theory of Science, Cultural Theory, Ecological TheoryWe each read related books, then report to group.  More thinking out of the box and across disciplines.  Students are sending their book reports in.  In class, we connect the dots. From a holograph of what we've read together, the "required readings.What's the connection with our clustered themes?  Multiple perspectives and good synergy.  Here, we offer a glimpse.  Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan's Microcosmos is one of two "Theory of Science" books.  We got Michael to report on it.  


Adam Kocurek:  
A Book Report on Acquiring Genomes: A Theory of the Origins of the Species
by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan

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Acquiring Genomes”, by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, was a fascinating, if not at times a technically perplexing, polemical piece of scientific literature. I would expect nothing less from the authors of “Mystery Dance” and “Symbiotic Planet”; however, this book takes concepts discussed in each book, notably microbial significance, evolution, and Gaia Theory, and deeply expands upon their chief principles and misconceptions.
            Margulis and Sagan make many provocative arguments throughout the book. One of the main points articulated in “Acquiring Genomes” is that evolution is so much more about symbiosis between organisms than competition, and that new species form through symbiogenesis, the merging of two separate organisms into one new organism, rather than propagation of random mutation, an exaggerated and rare factor. The book clearly states that natural selection cannot create, only perpetuate, and that mutations tend to lead to “sickness, death, and deficiencies” rather than a desirable modification; “mutation accumulation does not lead to new species or even to new organs and tissues”. The authors note that all organisms, not just bacteria, evolve through symbiogenesis, and provide many examples, some of which including cows, termites, lichen, glow-in-the-dark squid, and humans. I had known that there are more bacteria cells than human cells in our body, but I did not fully grasp the extent to which we, individually, are an ecosystem, a world harboring millions of organism which are as crucial to our survival as we are to theirs.
To better understand symbiogenesis and symbiosis, “Acquiring Genomes” takes a close look at bacteria, the common ancestor of all life on earth, which evolve, adapt, and develop by literally borrowing genomes from each other in a promiscuous frenzy, as they have done since time immemorial. Association leads to partnership, which leads to symbiosis, which leads to new organisms through symbiogenesis. This “acquiring of genomes”, Margulis and Sagan argue, is how life moved from the primordial stew of early Earth and became what it is today, all the while altering the very Earth itself.
            With the appearance of ancient anoxic, photosynthesizing bacteria, the Earth transformed from a barren, nitrogen-rich wasteland into the Earth we recognize today. The oxygen-rich atmosphere, oceans, and a protective ozone layer are some of the most notable side effects of life. Even soil would not exist if it were not for intense biological activity; indeed, many sedimentary rocks even contain the fossilized remains of flora, fauna, and microbes that have been extinct for many million years. The Earth that we know now is teeming with life and, as Margulis and Sagan put it, is intrinsically very similar to an organism itself. The biosphere, Gaia, is a self-regulating system which, the authors argue, is the natural selector, keeping unchecked populations from over expanding and, through homeodynamics, keeps relative order and stability in the biota by not allowing large ‘gradients’ or ‘vacuums’ to occur using symbiosis, specialization, and ultimately evolution. Putting it plainly, there is an evident continuity between biology and physics in the biota; nature builds structures to reduce discrepancies. Gaia, as the natural selector, determines whether or not any beings live to reproduce, and the concept of ‘the individual’ is a myth. This way of thought is groundbreaking and remarkably fresh, unlike the dogma that has existed for centuries.
            Another point that was made which I believe is tremendously important is that evolution happens relatively quickly. This goes against what Darwin and other great names said, that evolution is painfully slow and impossible to perceive on our time scale. Margulis and Sagan make the point that such ‘transitional’ beings are not neatly found in the fossil record, and that symbiogenesis can occur quickly, especially under duress, as seen in commonly in bacteria. Both suggest that the old understanding of evolution is, if not wrong, fragmented.
            Margulis and Dorion also call to attention the turmoil within the scientific community that is not only hindering progression in all fields, but leads people to wrongly think that they understand evolution. Discrimination between scientific disciplines, as well as the isolation of different, yet intrinsically related fields of study like zoology, microbiology, and botany has led to a collective ignorance within the scientific world. For example, most evolutionary biologists tend to disregard microbes’ importance in evolution, focusing mainly on animals, particularly mammals, which constitute only one tenth of a million of all species living today, a minority among life. Most Evolutionary Biologists also use antiquated terms like “higher organism” and “mate competition” which are misleading and, the authors argue, should be abandoned. As an Evolutionary Biology/Ecology major, I found this conviction to be especially important and relevant. I plan to be aware of these points while reading scientific literature in the future.
            Reading this book in an ecosexual mindset was not a difficult task. The emphasis on Gaia theory and interconnectedness between the Earth and all of its life seemed as if it could come straight from an Ecosexuality bible. Evolution is ultimately a science of connections, of give and take in order to survive and prosper. Indeed, the ecosexual mindset is beautifully congruent, if not identical, to the ‘mindset’ of bacteria and Gaia evolution. Now, more than ever, I see the Ecosexuality movement not as a radical strain of liberal thought (not that there is anything wrong with radical strains of liberal thought) but as a reversion to our true, natural selves, in harmony with nature. As beasts, essentially hairless primates, we are, at the core, no different to Gaia than bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, or the other animals. We are no more highly evolved, nor are we more significant. Margulis and Sagan make it clear that, in order for us to continue to function in the world we live in, we must get off our arrogant pedestal and work symbiotically with the world, which is something that I and Ecosexuality agree with.


Adam Kocurek
Published with permission
WGSS 3998 - Ecosexuality and the Ecology of Love
Prof. Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio
U Conn, Storrs, Spring 2013

Dear Earthlings:
Let "nature" be your teacher in the arts of love.  Education is the heart of democracy, education to love.  Come back for more wonders: Book Reports to appear every other Thursday.  Book Reports to be scheduled soon.  Check out our summer offerings:  Ecosexuality in Portland, OR, July 17-21.  Registration here! 

Namaste,
 
Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio, PhD
Gilf Gaia Extraordinaire
Author of Gaia, Eros, and many other books about love
Professor of Humanities
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Join Our Mailing List
   
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

3 of 6 - EcoSex @ U Conn - Weiss's EcoSex - Student Responses: Alex's Take

Dear Earthlings:

The EcoSex course at U Conn is in process.  It's a great experience.  We are reading amazing books.  Thinking out of the box and across disciplines.  Students are sending their responses in, with discussion questions.  In class, we connect the dots: a holograph of what we've read together, the "required readings."  Multiple perspectives and good synergy.  Here, we offer a glimpse.  Stefanie Iris Weiss's EcoSex: Go Green Between the Sheets, was one of two introductory books.  We got five responses: from John, Alex, Adam, Rhiann, Alissa, and Michael.  

Here's Alex's take:

Response to Stefanie Iris Weiss's EcoSex: Go Green Between the Sheets

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Eco-Sex does not mess around. The author, Stefanie Iris Weiss, utilizes many emotional and logical tactics in order to incite a revolution. Her first words, printed on page nine, showcase an emotional ploy. She breaks down the average eco-enthusiasts’ actions and renders them, more or less, useless.  The words, “at least that’s what you tell yourself as you carry home your ‘I Am Not a Plastic Bag’ tote filled with nontoxic goodies,” following the description of the self righteous attitude of many environment lovers, serve to stab the ego of said activists. By yanking away one’s image, Stefanie Iris Weiss succeeds in producing somewhat of an identity crisis. Left feeling insignificant and kind of dumb, the reader yearns to re-establish herself as a valid member of the green community.

            Stefanie Iris Weiss furthers the reader’s guilt by sharing the most extreme actions a person could take to ensure the environment’s well being. “A die-hard eco-sexual might have his or her tubes ‘tied’ and commit to not having kids,” the author states on page six. Gazing at these words, the reader is forced to comprehend how much more the could contribute or sacrifice to protect Mother Earth. Now, of course, most readers will not proceed to act out the intense scenarios Stefanie Iris Weiss offers, but many will be prompted to do something, rather than to blindly follow the trends of the “green movement.”

Knowing that humans are inherently selfish-beings, Stefanie Iris Weiss continues to appeal to self interest. “Face it,” she says on page nine, “you are not exploring exo-sexuality just because you want to save whales or trees-- you’re doing it to save yourself. And why wouldn’t you.” Through these words, the author makes a case that protecting the earth is analogous with protecting yourself. This, of course, prompts readers to take Stefanie Iris Weiss’ statements seriously. Furthermore, through the words “And why wouldn’t you,” Stefanie acknowledges that it’s okay to long for self-health, and in turn strips any offence from the above sentence.

She continues to appeal to self interest by utilizing fear. She talks of a study that found “456 industrial pollutants, pesticides, and other chemicals in the blood, urine, and breast milk of 115 people, from newborns to teens and adults”(9). This statistic, effectively creates fear in the readers mind. Weary of chemicals not noticed in his/her own body, one will eagerly grasp for more information on how to avoid such offenses to nature, and more importantly to the self.

Still, I assume Stefanie does not crave widespread panic or chaos, but simply wants to spark interest. Said interest will in turn produce consciousness. A major theme, and the core, of Eco-Sex. Many people long to make a difference, to help in some way or another, but are unable to produce a significant change due to the confines of ignorance. How is it possible to act if you are unaware of the ways in which to act? This book makes it possible for the bright-eyed newbies, like me, to get in on saving our planet. Underneath the persuasion, the book is, at its heart, an informative text.

After reading only the intro, I realize how painfully unaware I am. This new comprehension goads me into not only reading this book but also into reading various other informative pieces on environmental help.

Questions: The tone of this book is a tad snarky, does this help the author in inciting a sexual revolution?

 How does knowing about “greenwashing” affect your decision to buy certain products? Will it make you more vigilant? How do you even know what ingredients are bad?
            Is there a way to educate the masses? I only the information in this book because of this clas
s!



Alexandra Mayer
Published with permission

WGSS 3998 - Ecosexuality and the Ecology of Love
Prof. Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio
U Conn, Storrs, Spring 2013

Dear Earthlings:
Let "nature" be your teacher in the arts of love.  Education is the heart of democracy, education to love.  Come back for more wonders: Students Responses to appear every Tuesday.  Book Reports to be scheduled soon.  Check out our summer offerings:  Ecosexuality in Portland, OR, July 17-21.  Registration here! 

Namaste,
 
Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio, PhD
Gilf Gaia Extraordinaire
Author of Gaia, Eros, and many other books about love
Professor of Humanities
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Join Our Mailing List
   
Follow us in the social media
Poly Planet GAIA Blog: 
http://polyplanet.blogspot.com/ 

Be Appraised of Ecosex Community Project PostaHouse 
Become a Fan: www.facebook.com/GaiaBlessings 
Author's Page/Lists all books: 
YouTube Uploaded Videos: http://www.youtube.com/SerenaAnderlini
 
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

2 of 6: EcoSex @ U Conn - Weiss's EcoSex - Student Responses: Alissa's Take -

Dear Earthlings:

The EcoSex course at U Conn is in process.  It's a great experience.  We are reading amazing books.  Thinking out of the box and across disciplines.  Students are sending their responses in, with discussion questions.  In class, we connect the dots: a holograph of what we've read together, the "required readings."  Multiple perspectives and good synergy.  Here, we offer a glimpse.  Stefanie Iris Weiss's EcoSex: Go Green Between the Sheets, was one of two introductory books.  We got five responses: from John, Alex, Adam, Rhiann, Alissa, and Michael.  

Here's Alissa's take:

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Eco-sexuality has a viable argument for why people should change their habits not only to help the environment we live in, but to protect themselves as well. I think the fatal flaw to eco-sexuality is that considering it is a newer topic, not enough people are well versed in the subject matter. After reading Eco-Sex I feel as if I am more aware of the subject, but prior to reading the book I had no idea about all the waste and hazards to things that seemed as simple as perfume. The book is not only useful in the respect that it can educate others, but it elaborates and gives sources and alternatives. The problem I always saw with buying organic products, before enough knowing about all the false advertising that surrounds green products, is that they are much more expensive. Organic products always seemed to be more expensive, but the author points out that there are cheaper “do it yourself” methods that not only work, but are fairly easy to make.

Eco-sexuality has a huge shock factor, while reading I wanted to get up and check all the products I own for certain chemicals and even contemplated the vegan lifestyle. Admittedly I was scared while reading the book, thinking about how all the products I have used could be causing me harm on the inside or could lead to things as extreme as cancer. Eco-sexuality is not just about saving the environment it is about making a change to satisfy yourself and your future. The concept of eco-sexuality is particularly appealing because it includes more than just buying products that are eco-friendly but the term “eco” applies to how the product came to be. What type of materials a product was wrapped in, or how are the conditions for the workers who made the product? Eco-sexuality encompasses a wide range of factors that affect how the product came to be.

Eco-sexuality is a striking concept because in the book it speaks about improving your sex life by eating correctly or doing natural things to relax, but in the end the book is speaking about activities and products that will create a healthier and happier person. The tips given that follow the guidelines of eco-sexuality are the keys to a happier, more secure you. The book takes the focus off buying things because it is the easy choice or not exercising because you do not feel like it. Eco-sexuality focuses on the positive effects that living an eco-sexual life will give you. The author makes the reader more aware of ways to boost their morale while doing something that is healthy and environment friendly.

The author presents a new perspective of that opposing the media and the greenwashing or brainwashing they lead members of society to believe absurd ideas. I like how the author still allows the reader to hold their own opinion, but allow them to view the situation from an alternate perspective. The author shows how the media and pharmaceutical companies make people insecure about problems that may be easily fixable.  Stephanie Iris Weiss allows her readers the freedom to be themselves while reading. She does not force any ideas upon her readers, but gives them sources to back up her opinions and the ideals of eco-sexuality.

Why do you think that more people have not adapted to an eco-sexual lifestyle?

What are the disadvantages you see or that could potentially create a problem in living an eco-sexual lifestyle?

Does society’s view or conformity make an eco-sexual lifestyle more difficult to lead?
Alissa Maus
Published with permission
WGSS 3998 - Ecosexuality and the Ecology of Love
Prof. Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio
U Conn, Storrs, Spring 2013

Dear Earthlings:
Let "nature" be your teacher in the arts of love.  Education is the heart of democracy, education to love.  Come back for more wonders: Students Responses to appear every Tuesday.  Book Reports scheduled every other ThursdayCheck out our summer offerings:  Ecosexuality in Portland, OR, July 17-21.  Info and Registration here! 

Namaste,
 
Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio, PhD
Gilf Gaia Extraordinaire
Author of Gaia, Eros, and many other books about love
Professor of Humanities
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Join Our Mailing List
   
Follow us in the social media
Poly Planet GAIA Blog: 
http://polyplanet.blogspot.com/ 

Be Appraised of Ecosex Community Project PostaHouse 
Become a Fan: www.facebook.com/GaiaBlessings 
Author's Page/Lists all books: 
YouTube Uploaded Videos: http://www.youtube.com/SerenaAnderlini
 
Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInView our videos on YouTubeVisit our blog