Commodity of Nature

In this week’s readings "Kennecott Journey: The Paths out of Town" by William Cronon and "Survival, Alaskan Style" by Susan Kollin, the writers are discussing nature’s landscape, how it is perceived and affected by those that inhabit it, and how it has become a commodity. I found very interesting in Kennecott Journey how Cronon described the Native people’s respect for Nature and the animals they relied upon for survival, they held the utmost respect for what they were able to obtain from nature in order to survive. Cronon further expresses the difference with the fur industry, when furs became means for trading, that respect was no longer honored as the animals were sought after as a commodity rather than means of survival.

Kollin’s writing is further discusses how nature and survival have become entertainment and a form of recreational activity. With popular reality TV shows that appeal to people who do not live a survivalist lifestyle, showcasing survival or living in nature as something to entertain us or to aspire to. This also connects to Lafebvre’s writing considering survival is a form of work, and in the current commodity of nature, is viewed as a form of leisure of being free from the rest of the world and living in nature.

Another point that stood out in both readings was Alaska’s nature being seen as a place for recreation. Taking nature and turning it into a commodity, a way to make money, and in many ways disrespecting that nature.