Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility

During the Spring semester, we learned a lot about our place in the world from Gardens of Democracy. Our agreed-upon mindset as students of sustainability seems to be that we as humans depend on each other to live happy and successful lives. Our individual success depends on the success of those close to us. And the happiest, most successful way of life comes from a communally-driven political system and way of sharing resources. Perhaps this is why Spring semester focused so much on community engagement and interpersonal communication.

​

In my evidence #1, below, I worked with Tyler Hayashi and Teresa Brink to create community boards out of mostly salvaged materials for my lower-income, infrastructure-lacking neighborhood. After presenting this video in class, all three of us commented on how we encountered people we would not have otherwise, and grew our confidence in accepting social responsibility and acting on it.

​

In evidence #2, my resiliency project, also with Tyler and Teresa, we constructed a water filter that can be used by several people at once for both drinking and cooking. This could come in handy in a natural disaster and can be constructed from all found/salvaged materials. Why this project did not necessarily explore social and ethical responsibility, the three of us decided to choose a subject that would help our own selves out in a natural disaster but also be available and teachable to others. 

​

Finally, in evidence #3, my bridging conversation, I spoke with a woman that is highly suspicious of both vaccines and the government in general. One thing that I did not mention in my podcast is that I have had issues with my own doctor regarding birth control and treatment of my gastrointestinal disorder. I have now not seen a regular doctor for over two years, aside from one urgent care visit, and only use a naturopath for my healthcare. While I choose to conduct my research a bit differently than Elena, this project helped me engage with her in a thoughtful and decent conversation.

​

Evidence 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK-6BuPuDMU&feature=youtu.be

​

Evidence 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zmN1Zs-a8U&t=108s

​

Evidence 3:

https://soundcloud.com/michael-d-williams-1/anna-williams-brunch-with-other

​