Bethany Brookshire: Rethinking “pests” and the ways they challenge power
Sep 17, 2024
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Bethany Brookshire, an award-winning freelance science journalist and author, delves into the complexities of how we label animals as 'pests.' She discusses the cultural evolution of this term and its ties to power dynamics and social justice. The conversation highlights how urban pests like rats symbolize broader societal issues, while proposing a shift in mindset towards coexistence with wildlife. Brookshire also shares insights on the ecological importance of overlooked species and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that respect both humans and animals.
Different cultural perceptions of 'pests' reveal societal values, challenging the notion of separation between humans and animals in ecosystems.
Pest management often exacerbates social inequities and ecological consequences, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates environmental and social justice.
Deep dives
Cultural Perspectives on Pests
Different cultures have varying perceptions of what constitutes a pest, reflecting deeper societal values and beliefs. The concept of a 'pest' is often tied to the idea of an animal being out of place, which varies across languages and cultures. Some Indigenous cultures lack a word for 'pest' altogether, as they view themselves as part of the ecosystem, rejecting the notion of separation between humans and animals. This interconnected perspective challenges the subjective labeling of animals and shows how cultural narratives shape environmental relationships.
Human Intervention and Its Consequences
Attempts to manage animals labeled as pests often lead to unintended ecological consequences that highlight our ignorance of interconnectedness. For example, the use of anticoagulant rat poisons in urban areas can adversely affect raptors that consume poisoned rats, thus harming species that are generally valued. This ongoing cycle of pest management raises awareness about the complexity of ecosystems and the need to reconsider how we define and address pest problems. Solutions often involve a deeper understanding of ecological relationships rather than simply resorting to lethal approaches.
Social Justice and Pest Populations
The presence of pest species, such as rats, is closely associated with social inequities, particularly in urban environments where poverty and failing infrastructure are prevalent. Negative perceptions of these animals can lead to stigmatization of impoverished communities, disconnecting the issue from its social roots. Addressing pest problems requires a holistic approach that considers social justice alongside ecological management, promoting better sanitation and housing solutions instead of solely focusing on extermination. Recognizing pests as a symptom of broader societal issues invites a more collaborative and inclusive perspective.
Challenging Power Dynamics in Nature
The notion of pests often reflects societal power dynamics and perceptions about control over the environment. Coyotes, for example, challenge human assumptions of territorial dominance, leading to conflict when they inhabit urban areas. This reveals an underlying entitlement regarding nature, where humans desire a level of control that may be unrealistic. Recognizing and questioning our perceptions of who has power in the natural world can shift the narrative towards coexistence and a more nuanced understanding of wildlife management.
What does it mean that the labeling of “pests” often relate to how they challenge power and order? How do the ways that “pests” are often targeted and managed further exacerbate socio-environmental injustices? And how might we learn to relate with animals deemed “out of place” beyond the subjective framing of “pests” altogether?
In this episode, we are honored to discuss all things related to “pests” with Bethany Brookshire, an award-winning freelance science journalist and author of the 2022 book Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains.
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