Howdy Texas,
Growing up here stirred conflicting emotions within me throughout different points in my life. Despite this, I have come to realize that our state boasts a distinct culture and a rich history that sets it apart from the rest. Texas is home to warm-hearted communities, diverse landscapes, and a delicate but oddly resilient ecosystem. However, our state has also been home to the oil industry, which has undoubtedly provided financial stability for many, but it cannot negate the detrimental effects it has had on our ecosystem and health.
As a Texan and inhabitant of a common Earth, the exploitation of our communities and the disregard for the damage the oil industry is directly responsible for is appalling. Despite using greenwashing strategies to present themselves as environmentally conscious, their actions cannot be ignored. We must demand accountability from these companies, who prioritize profit over the well-being of our communities and of our planet.
In Crude Intentions, I used risograph-printed satirical propaganda posters and collected information to accompany photos of communities co-existing with refineries to showcase the hypocrisy and harmful, exploitative business practices of leading companies in Texas. It is important to highlight the disparity between the profits these companies make and what we as Texans receive. We must acknowledge the environmental injustices that are happening right in our backyard.
This is not just about ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell. This does not stop here. The climate crisis affects us all and goes beyond these three companies. We must take action to demand change. I hope this will act as a first step for some and a continuing step for others in the fight for climate justice. We must all work together to hold these companies accountable for their actions and strive for a cleaner, more sustainable future for our state and our planet.
Sincerely,
An Environmentalist Cowboy
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If you are interested in getting involved in environmental activism or supporting activist groups, I encourage further research. Here are some resources to get started: