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Currently listening to the latest episode of the Vibe Check podcast and had to pause the episode so I could come here to vent because I am fuming! In the episode, they're discussing the crisis currently going on in Pakistan that was brought on by climate change (which, as we know, is exacerbated by overdevelopment and overconsumption in …
Currently listening to the latest episode of the Vibe Check podcast and had to pause the episode so I could come here to vent because I am fuming! In the episode, they're discussing the crisis currently going on in Pakistan that was brought on by climate change (which, as we know, is exacerbated by overdevelopment and overconsumption in the West). My mouth was agape as I heard them describe how 1/3 of Pakistan is currently underwater, 80% of their livestock is dead, and most people are living in plastic tents on the streets with no access to food. We know that those who are responsible for the overdevelopment and overconsumption that has brought on climate change will never have to face the consequences, but rather, it will be those least responsible who will be the most impacted by the climate catastrophes that will inevitably continue to happen in our future. The hosts astutely pointed out how wealthy Americans will NEVER be displaced from their homes and will never become climate refugees. They specifically cited Kim Kardashian as an example and went on to describe how, in June, Kim used 232,000 MORE gallons than she is permitted to for her estate. 232,000!!! For her ESTATE!!! This immediately made me think of the beauty industry--not only how disgustingly wasteful it is--but how it is inextricably linked to girlboss culture + choice feminism and who ~gets~ to become rich and rise to positions of power at the expense of so many others, including people in the Global South. Let's not forget that celebrities and influencers are literally agents of the State!
All that to say that, Jessica, the work you're doing with The Unpublishable is SO important!! There is still so much more work to be done by all of us, but just know that I wouldn't be making these connections if it weren't for you. So, on the days when you feel helpless or like what you write doesn't matter, please remember that your work IS making an impact and IS changing lives! <3