Social and economic aspects of fur trapping and its effects on native culture and the environment.
Fur Trapping
Responses:
I'd be delighted to discuss this topic, as it's something I've given a lot of thought to.
Wait! What if the Asker isn't really interested in real discussion, what if he's just some University of Alaska student looking to weasel out of a term paper thesis?
So what if he is? I want to talk about fur trapping.
Ahem.
Fur trapping has much in common with the other aspects of the exploration, colonization, and pioneering era. It provides some shot term gains (wealth for the trappers, and formation of roads and trading routes), but had many negative long term effects (the near extinction of the giant river otter, among many others). This is consistent with the logging, mining, and other efforts of the time.
There were two problems at work in all of these industries:
One, there was the heady feeling that the new world was infinite - it certainly seemed to be so for people coming from cramped, dull Europe. So there was no worry of running out of anything - there were always more mountains to cross and new lands to explore.
One, there was the heady feeling that the new world was infinite - it certainly seemed to be so for people coming from cramped, dull Europe. So there was no worry of running out of anything - there were always more mountains to cross and new lands to explore.
Two, there was the age old probem of "the tragedy of the commons". It is well known that any resource which is either owned by everyone, or owned by no one, such as pelt bearing animals, in this case, will be abused.
For a simple demonstration, I urge you to inspect your local communal kitchen.
With no ownership, there's no responsibility or planning. There is only the now. And the now involves getting as many pelts as possible, because if you don't, a competitor will.
When combined, these two factors created a climate where many resources were overtaxed and undermanaged.
The good news is that much of the damage has been undone, and more and more people are realizing that scarce resources must be managed intelligently.
I'm not entirely familiar with the "Calvin and Hobbes" comic, but isn't Hobbes an imaginary construct in 6 year old Calvin's mind?
Yes.
Curious.
Hey Tubby, this weed I been smoking is making me think that little stuffed Tiger is talking and shit! Can you believe that?
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