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3. Eco-activism in Contemporary African Literature: Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness and Tanure Ojaide’s The Activist
- African Heritage Press
- Chapter
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31 3 Eco-activism in Contemporary African Literature: Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness and Tanure Ojaide’s The Activist>ÌiÊ">ÀÕi}>]Ê iÌ>Ê-Ì>ÌiÊ1ÛiÀÃÌÞ]ÊLÀ>> Introduction A major topical issue occupying the attention of both developed and developing nations the world over is caring for the environment. There are warnings about the perils of global warming and the earth facing ecological crises. This condition is believed to have been triggered by the adverse effects of human actions that have become detrimental to the environment . One does not need to be a scientist to know that humans and their environments are connected. This idea is borne out of the obvious fact that the environment (and by this I mean the land, water, or air space) is primarily a means of sustenance for humans. It is a provider of means and as such is a hotbed of economic, social, and cultural activities in every society. Therefore, the condition of the environment at any point in time plays a very important role in the lives of the inhabitants. To a large extent, it enables them to remain self-reliant, hence the need to protect their fundamental human rights as well as environmental rights in instances where they perceive threats or negative encroachment. Environmental pollution comes in the forms of blowouts, gas flares, and oil spills arising from oil exploration and exploitation activities. In addition, the nonpreservation of forest trees and wildlife as well as the natural seashores in the wake of modern architectural developments are also key factors responsible for the ongoing environmental despoliation being experienced in some parts of the world. But the danger goes beyond these, because what happens in one place could contribute to the general global warming that could adversely affect populations very far away. Thus, 32 ECO-CRITICAL LITERATURE taking care of the earth involves local and global, individual and collective efforts because of the oneness of humanity as far as sharing one earth together is concerned. Modern African literature from its onset has been (and still is) a literature of engagement as writers deploy their artistic resources toward addressing important issues concerning the individual and corporate existence of their various societies. There are copious works of fiction, poetry , and drama addressing the sociopolitical problems facing Africa. This utilitarian function is often directed toward any pressing problem that the writers want to enlighten the society about and toward its possible solution . Therefore, it is not surprising that African writers have also taken up environmental, ecological, and related issues as they attempt to sensitize the public about the deteriorating environment in the forms of decreasing biodiversity, environmental pollution, and other forms of degradation or acts of ecocide. These writers tend to see a use for literature in assisting to make the public more aware and sensitive to the environment and its restoration to a more pristine and healthier state than it is. In the light of the foregoing observation, writers appear involved in a “bioregional” concern , which has to do with using literature as advocacy for their different environments. Literary scholars thus use eco-criticism to interpret literary works with environmental and ecological preoccupations. Eco-criticism deals with the study of works of literature with themes closely related to issues affecting the environment. According to Michael Branch, one of its purposes is to promote “ecological literacy” (xiii) or promote an awareness of the adverse effects of environmental degradation. Eco-criticism also aims to create in readers an awareness of the environmental crises while allowing for literature to suggest ways of conciliation between humans and their environments. Considering the works of ecocritics , Ojaide’s scholarship and creative writing explore environmental issues to make readers not only aware of the global environmental crisis but also for literature to “suggest means by which we might read literary texts with a new appreciation for what they reveal about the complex of relationships that mediate interactions between humans and their environments ” ( Ìi«À>ÀÞÊvÀV>ÊÌiÀ>ÌÀi xiii). Ojaide also shares a similar view with Branch who further explains that eco-criticism as a branch of study is a call for a change in culture toward a more “biocentric worldview, an extension of ethics, a broadening of human conception of global community to include nonhuman life forms and the physical environment” (Branch xiii). Hence, Branch concludes that with [3.81.30.41] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 12:57 GMT) "}>}>Ê"ÕÞ>`i 33 the awareness of eco-criticism, which is what Cheryll Burgess Glotfelty...