Whilst Greenpeace can certainly be criticised on a number of levels
for both the activities they pursue and the way they go about this
(often in a rather hierachical, elitist manner), we should probably
put the suggestion of a medal nomination into perspective.
What is it hoped that it could achieve? Realistically it can at best
send a symbolic message about the direction in which the RGS could
go,ie towards organisations which, although flawed, at least do still
have more worthy aims at their core than the cold pursuit of profits.
Essentially Paul T's coments seem to come from the approach that we
should be boycotting capitalism, rather than trying to pick between
its various parts. It does not take a great deal of time looking at
the root causes of current environmental, economic and social problems
to see the salience of this approach. The difficulty for me is in
balancing whether any particular action puts us nearer to this goal
or provides the capitalist hegemony with further tools/potential for
appropriation.
In this case I support the attempt to use the medal nominations in a
positive way, but feel that is is vital that we engage with
organsations such as Greenpeace so that they address their inherent
contradictions and hopefully reduce their more avoidable
problems. (I am interested to know why Greenpeace were chosen rather
than any other perhaps more consistent candidiates.)
On a different note I fully support David Gilbert's points re
resigning
from the RGS. It is vital that some people take clear stances when
issues are this strong and close to home. We should not forget the
power such voices and remember that the RGS will not only lose those
existing members that resign, but also those potential members, such
as myself, who have been made aware by the debate and will
now find it morally wrong to join such an organisation at the present
time. These voices should combine to send a significant message to
the RGS which may yet help it adopt a more thoughtful approach in this
period of transition. If we had some indication of the numbers
involved this may be helpful.
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