“The Earth Wants You” by Reverend Billy Talen is about mankind’s ignoring attitude towards clear messages from earth about its perils. The book tries to inspire earth activism or an eco-revolution that Talen feels is the need of the hour. Natural disasters (earth’s cries) kindle humanity, and when climate change impacts are personally experienced by many people they don’t remain just news (15). Personal confrontation with climate chaos initiates a desire to revolt against its cause, resource overexploitation (16). Just like other social revolutionist movements, earth saving movements also cannot be quiet and there is a need to trespass. In the chapter “To have a voice, you must trespass” Talen clearly emphasizes how earth is being used as a dump yard by big corporates, and crossing the limits the polluters have set is the only way earth activists are left with (69-72).
Environmental injustice is comparable to social injustice and racism since giant corporates such as Monsanto also take human lives for granted (75). Talen recollects how in the spring of 2014, his troupe had to boldly demonstrate in front of Monsanto’s head quarters in Missouri. Anti-GMO as well as pro-earth activists shared Talen’s “Stop stopping” choir’s mutual feelings about several farmer suicides, and cancer causing Monsanto’s products. Talen’s team had to render the song “Monsanto is the devil” amidst oppressing police protection (78). In the chapter “To save your life in Ferguson” Talen recalls the events that occurred in Missouri, especially the emotional gathering and choir singing in St Luke’s church in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Ferguson, police racial outrage (75-89). Environmentalists need to muster vigor similar to the victims of Ferguson to be heard. The “don’t shop” movement at Walmart immediately followed the St Luke’s rendezvous.
Talen got the idea that fighting consumerism is a way of emphasizing on environmental and social justice from people of Ferguson, who also eagerly joined and rendered emotion packed performances on Black Friday, in Wal-Mart’s parking lot. The power of open revolt through song and dance could not be subdued by police arrest threats. In the chapter “Speak, Earth” Talen firmly states that there is a need to stop our consuming attitude and listen to earth’s calls. Pollution is everywhere, and the earth wants to revolt against abuse just as oppressed members of the human society want to (115-117). Ultimately, Talen wants everybody to express the calls of earth they hear, loud and clear.
Works Cited
Talen, Reverend Billy. The Earth Wants You. San Francisco: City Lights Book.
