Subvert the dominant paradigm! Environmentalism, Earth First!, and oppositional theory

This dissertation explicates the radical environmental movement as a component in the discourse of oppositional criticism, with radical ecology as a vital aspect of oppositional theory, and radical environmentalism, especially Earth First!, as oppositional praxis. A Geertzian "thick description" interpretive methodology is employed to expose the discursive elements of the Earth First! movement (metaphor, symbolism, et al.) as part of oppositional criticism of modern culture, as justified by the importance of giving voice to the "other" in oppositional academic study. The overall goal, then, is to expound a new position for radical environmentalism in theory and praxis.;The structural organization of the dissertation involves a justification of methodology and assumptions, followed by a new theoretical exposition regarding implications for the composition and study of oppositional social movements. First a theoretical model of the social construction of the boundaries of possible thought and expression is derived, then applied to explicate modern mainstream environmentalism. Oppositional criticism is then posited as the fundamental and essential model for breaking free from this social reality, and build the possibility of alternatives. Oppositional criticism functions to expose the assumed of culture from a position on the margin, to free the imagination through artistic expression and utopian vision, and to liberate experience by presenting alternative lifestyles. Earth First!'s cultural formulation provides all of these tools.;Once theories of radical social movements operating as oppositional social criticism are rendered, oppositional culture is discussed. This includes the use of symbolism for framing oppositional consciousness, to amplify and reiterate oppositional consciousness for movement members, and to obstruct mainstream attempts at co-optation and incorporation. The use of conflict and direct action in the construction of solidarity in the face of mainstream attack, and the use of alternative structure for energizing oppositional movements, is also described.;Ultimately, the interpretation of Earth First! as exemplifying radical environmental theory as oppositional and anti-disciplinary, and radical environmental praxis as oppositional and action-oriented, is posited. This has essential implications for the efficacy of the environmental movement in particular, and oppositional social change movements in general.