NRM

Wendigo Footprints Discussion

• Learning Context

  • Importance of understanding underlying issues behind consumption and media influence.

• Initial Thoughts and Overview

  • Discussion sparked to reflect on themes related to Wendigo footprints.

  • Recall of the impact of consumption on emotions and society.

  • Characters attributed to 'Wendigo': embodiment of greed, overconsumption, and environmental degradation.

Class Dynamics

• Engagement Activity

  • Class members encouraged to share their insights on Wendigo Footprints.

  • Different perspectives acknowledged on how overconsumption manifests in modern society.

• Three D’s Framework

  • Concepts outlined: Disconnect, Distraction, Disrespect.

  • Flow of ideas:

    • Disconnection → Unintentional Disrespect → Unintentional Destruction.

  • Introduction of a fourth idea (not yet articulated).

Emotional Reactions and Connectivity

• Discussion on Class Impact

  • Reference to students feeling overwhelmed by social issues.

  • Importance of recognizing emotional responses in addressing societal problems.

Generational Perspectives

• Generational Impact

  • Discussion about varying responses and awareness of issues across generations (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials).

  • Emphasis on the need for intergenerational connection and impact on future decisions, considering the seven generations viewpoint

  • Focus on decision-making for future generations.

Wendigo Footprints Examination

• Wendigo as a Monster and Economic Principle

  • Folklore used metaphorically to explore greed and consumption.

  • Economic principle of scarcity versus abundance.

  • Consumption becomes a norm leading to societal unhappiness.

Critique on Consumer Behavior

• Relationship with Social Media

  • Discussion on how social media amplifies greed and impacts self-worth.

  • Recognition that habitual consumption for satisfaction is unsustainable.

Insights on Cultural Narratives

• Value of Folklore

  • Emphasis on the importance of traditional stories and their moral lessons.

• Recognition of how cultural fears are represented in monster creation.

Greed and Consumption

• Cultural Attitudes on Wealth

  • Discussion on societal views of greed as a form of success.

  • Challenge to redefine societal norms around material wealth.

  • Need to view greed as detrimental to overall well-being, necessitating change in perception and behavior.

Emotional Implications of Consumption

• Impact of Advertisement and Media

  • Reflection on how advertisement fosters a desire for unnecessary material possessions.

  • Understanding that consumption doesn't equate to happiness.

Psychological Responses and Comfort Crisis

• Discussion on Comfort as an Enemy

  • Reference to Michael Easter’s 'The Comfort Crisis'; comfort as a block to progress.

  • How excess comfort leads to complacency and stagnation in personal growth.

Class Dynamics and Engagement

• Prompt to Share Personal Experiences

  • Encouragement of self-reflection regarding consumption behaviors in discussions.

  • Acknowledgement of the discomfort that's necessary for progress.

Electric Vehicles vs. Traditional Automobiles

• Discussion on Sustainability

  • Electric vehicles perceived as environmentally better but present long term challenges (battery disposal and resource extraction).

  • Traditional gas vehicles also have their negative impact on the environment.

  • Argument presented that neither option is superior as both have environmental trade-offs.

Broader Issues of Environmental Consumption

• Value of Public Transportation and Community

  • Seen as an effective alternative for reducing dependency on personal vehicles and consumption.

• Reflection on Societal Norms

  • Discussion about taking comfort in public services and changing expectations in society to refrain from excess consumption.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Acknowledgment of Complexity in Addressing Consumption

  • Emphasized the importance of collective societal change to address consumption effectively.

  • Suggested community collaboration to innovate solutions for consumption issues.