American Studies C: Sustainability
Applied English for American Studies C: Sustainability

Fall 2007- J. E. Seibert
Tokyo International University of America

Mini-lecture on Culture and Sustainability

Example of one person's beliefs, values and behaviors:

Climate change
(global warming)
Beliefs (true/not true) Values (good/bad) Behaviors
 
  • Status is determined in part by what we own how we look.
  • God will protect us, so we don't need to worry about the future. So far life is good, so why worry.
  • Humans are supposed to be comfortable and happy.
  • It's the government's job to take care of the future.
  • Nature is nice. It's relaxing to have grass and trees nearby.
  • Owning nice thing and lots of things is good
  • It's good to be busy, go somewhere quickly, and save time.
  • Cleanliness is good, and busses and trains are sometimes dirty.
  • It's good to be not too warm or not to cold. Our houses and offices should be comfortable.
  • Being too frugal and careful is not good.
  • It's not good to live in densely-populated neighborhoods. It's good to live away from the city.

 

 

 

  • We drive to much.
  • We fly too much.
  • We use too much energy.