Dear editor,

As more people make their way up the financial ladder, the “American way” is no longer a standard of living accessible only to those in the United States. However, as John Valdespino pointed out in “Neo-colonialism fuels the American way,” the resources that fuel these consumerist lifestyles are finite.

With an increase in demand, either some must give up the battle for a “richer” life and selflessly step aside for the sake of others, or everyone must accept the changes entailed by a society less dependent on fossil fuels.

For those who already live comfortably, the first option seems best. Valdespino, however, presented the issue as a matter of who deserves the resources the most ­— which in his opinion is, predictably, America

The United States did not become the “land of opportunity” out of nowhere; it was at the expense of other, less developed nations. Between the early- and mid-1900s, American intervention — or, arguably, exploitation — in the business sectors of Central American countries affected their political stability and still continues to affect their economies to this day. American companies certainly do not ignore the cheap labor found in Asia, either.

In light of these and many other unethical business practices, it is incorrect to believe the United States has the right to a bigger chunk of the resource pie.

If sharing resources still seems too inconvenient, then perhaps the environmental consequences of lavish and wasteful lifestyles may help put things into perspective. According to the United States Geological Survey, there is a direct correlation between the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the recent increases in global temperatures.

Some may argue that natural forces determine the amount of solar radiation that is absorbed by the earth, eliminating the possibility of human activity affecting global temperatures. However, the global climate was relatively stable for the last 10,000 years until the Industrial Revolution. What, other than the obvious, explains the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing since this time?

Even if it is just the United States that allows for the “American way of life,” everyone on this planet will be affected by the environmental repercussions.

Americans can take the glory for having set the example of the ideal lifestyle, but now it is time to lead the way in setting a different one. The number of people leading American-like lifestyles is increasing at a rate the earth cannot sustain. Something has to be done before we all go under.

Sincerely,

Natalia Verdina

Mass communication junior