Did you know Pepperdine has a Freedom Wall? I didn’t — at least not until a document titled “A Realist Manifesto” caught my eye last week. The manifesto was a rather bold attack on the Green Team Pepperdine’s environmental initiative organization. It was only a matter of hours before heated rebuttals littered the wall responding to the low blow on environmentalism. Some vehemently scoffed at the document while others stood back occasionally checking the wall to see the passionate yet equally amusing argument unravel. I fall into the latter category. The more I investigated the intellectual debate the less I respected the content (or lack thereof) of the anti-eco grumblings. A manifesto by definition is a declaration of principles — not complaints.
As I began reading the article I respectfully looked for genuine concern and compassion but I drew the line at the caustic assault on environmentalists wearing skinny jeans. Listen Mr. “Realist we may not all see eye-to-eye on issues here and there, but skinny jeans? Really? I love skinny jeans. You know who else loves skinny jeans? Sweet, sweet Lady America. Find me a greater expression of diehard patriotism than excessively tight-fitting denim. Let me throw out a couple of names here of great Americans who proudly strut their skinnies: Kanye West, Hayden Panetierre, Zac Efron, Rep. Joe Wilson, Thomas Edison and all three of the Brothers Jonas. Now that’s what I call good company, my friend.
Also in the letter was a reference to those who care for our environment as effeminate men” and “angry liberal women.” Look I’ve seen plenty of effeminate guys toss a gum wrapper on the floor slaughter goats and run the faucet while they brush their teeth. Check and mate. One Green response deemed such accusations as “mudslinging at its finest.”
I’m no expert but tossing mud around sounds pretty darn un-environmental to me. A large part of the paper was striking down the elitism and self-righteous air of the team. And boy nothing says arrogant narcissism like donating your time and energy to discard the entire student body’s garbage in an effort to change the world. Green Team who do you think you are rifling through my assorted food waste? I saw the smug look of haughty pride as you threw away my half-eaten hamburger and tossed away my dripping cup of ranch dressing. How dare you?
But I’m not here to blast any opinions or cut anyone down; rather I’m here to extend a word of praise. Ever since these vocal Green events I’ve found myself unconsciously taking small steps toward eco-friendliness. Whether it be eating on a plate rather than those fun to-go boxes or recycling that Diet Dr Pepper bottle the Green Team is making an impact. Rather than boo and hiss let’s try two big green thumbs up to these folk. Remember the immortal words of the brilliant Kermit the Frog: “It’s not easy being green.” But I say Pepperdine shan’t we take the high road? Because it’s these efforts that will maintain this wonderful planet while also securing Pepperdine’s spot on top of the coveted “Most Beautiful Campus” list from the Princeton Review. It’s a win-win.
