This remarkable documentary recounts the story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai. She took a stand to protect the environment, human rights, and democracy in her native, patriarchal country of Kenya. All of this was accomplished by the simple task of planting trees and encouraging women all around Kenya to do the same.
Wangari’s story is unique and inspiring because she rose above a society that did not respect women, their system of government, and environment. She was able to change a major percentage of the countries view by the simple act of planting trees. Wangari had a special appreciation for the Earth and the many gifts that it gives us. In our society, that point of view is severely lacking. We seem to belong to a throw away society, that focuses on technology as its main resource instead of nature. Wangari wants us to know how important the environment is to us and learn the proper appreciation for it. What Wangari does so well is hold the women of Kenya accountable for their actions and for the fate of the environment.This story is the perfect example of how one person can make a difference. Wangari stood up in society where women were disregarded and ignored, she was able to speak her mind and advocate for those who were not able to advocate for themselves. She was able to defy social norms and be elected to Parliament. Wangari proves that solution does not always have to complicated and conveulted. Some times the answer is simple. Give back to the Earth.
For more on the documentary Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai please visit
http://takingrootfilm.com/about.htm. Also for more on Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement please visit
http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/
It is the people who must save the environment. It is the people who must make their leaders change. And we cannot be intimidated. So we must stand up for what we believe in."
-Wangari Maathai
-SS
No comments:
Post a Comment