A discussion of environmental attitudes and values; with particular reference to the presentation of the natural environment in New Zealand children's fiction

Abstract

The first part of this project examines some of the influences (cultural, political, historical, physiological etc) which affect the ways in which people view their environment. It contrasts the differing views of the indigenous peoples of an area, for whom it is home with all the accompanying associations of past memories and future hopes and visitors whose impressions are fleeting and superficial. I compare the lifestyles and environmental values of American Indians, Eskimos and Maoris whose relationships with nature are characterised by harmony and a recognition of sanctity, with those of the European settlers whose cultures had evolved under very different circumstances and whose religious beliefs had taught them that it is man's duty to take dominion over nature. I also discuss the opposing Western and Eastern environmental philosophies, the effect of technology in changing attitudes to nature and the place of the Women's Movement.

In general, much of what we rely on for our knowledge of the way people felt about their environment in the past comes from what they wrote about it in their literature. However, it is a known fact not only that there is a vast discrepancy between attitudes and action but also that, by and large, those people who write about nature are not the ones who live closest to it. They are middle-class people with uncallused hands and fertile imaginations. This is reflected in the literature which they write for children.

Since people form their basic attitudes to life when they are young and children are very impressionable, it is extremely important that the books which we provide for them espouse environmentally commendable values. The second part of the project discusses the ways in which authors present certain aspects of the natural environment - mountains, the sea coast, islands, valleys and bush. It shows the confusing ambiguity which permeates much of what is written for children. I also discuss the presentation of role models and the development of attitudes of empathy towards nature in children.