Tanning, Tensions, and Transformation

The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, co-hosts Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William, dive into two compelling listener questions, that challenge societal norms and perceptions. Today’s questions both come from the UK, with Senna in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, and Ashton in Whitfield in Kent contributing.

First, they tackle Senna's inquiry, about the paradox of racism, and that question is as follows:

“The world is still full of racism, often directed at the colour of someone's skin. Yet as it got warmer this summer, I was seeing more and more white people sunbathing, trying to get a tan, and darkening their skins, maybe even trying to look more like those that have racism thrown at them.

Doesn't this show the shallowness of our collective society and that racism doesn't have solid foundations?”

Stuart and William explore the motivations behind this trend, discussing the societal pressures that lead people to desire what they do not naturally possess. They reflect on the implications of tanning salons, and the contrasting practices of skin bleaching across cultures, ultimately advocating for self-acceptance, and the importance of open dialogue with those who hold prejudiced views.

Stuart and William then go onto to discuss the following question from Ashton:

“Can we adapt to climate change instead of fighting it?”

This question prompts a discussion between the co-hosts on climate change adaptation versus resistance. Stuart suggests that we are already adapting to climate realities, while William critiques our short-term mindset, and lack of intergenerational thinking. Together, they question why collective action remains elusive in the face of such pressing challenges.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠[e-mail]

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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.

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