Documentary Film: “If A Tree Falls.
Documentary Film: “If A Tree Falls:A Story of the Earth Liberation Front” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmZkNNJqr1I Points to Consider and Discuss: (Remember, you are not evaluating the ethics of the issues being protested against, but rather the ethics of the conduct, tactics and actions of the activists in getting their message(s) across) What ethical/moral/philosophical theories are the ELF activists operating under with respect to their tactics in protesting? o How do these compare with the tactics and ethics used by groups advocating non-violent protests? Can arson be considered violent ethically? Where does the “line” get drawn with respect to actions that are condoned (possibly encouraged) by the activists? How did/does property destruction undermine or support the efforts of environmentalists working within the system or participating in peaceful protests? o Do the tactics employed by the ELF distract from the message or lend power to the message? On what ethical grounds? o What about the impact of unintended collateral damage? Do the ethics of the activists support/defend this? How? What are the ethics (ethical philosophies/moral constructs) behind the lumber company owners in defense of their professions and treatment of the environment? What about the ethics of law enforcement in dealing with the activists and ELF members? Look at several different forms of activism used in the film (remember the First Amendment) o Ex: What happened in Eugene Oregon with the removal of heritage trees for a parking lot expansion? o Do law enforcement and their reactions influence the ethics of the activists? How? For your conclusion, address the following using the additional resources/links: o McGowan says, “It’s hideous to be called a terrorist. There was no one in any of these facilities. No one got hurt, no one was injured and yet I’m facing life plus 335 years.” What ethical theories come into view when determining if it is appropriate to try ELF members as terrorists? What about the deal Jake Ferguson made with investigators to reveal the identities and actions of his fellow ELF members in exchange for no jail time? o Ethically speaking, is it right/fair/just to consider environmental activists and other types of activists (animal, political, civil rights, etc…) terrorists when they break the law? o Is there a way to solve this issue? Under what ethical theories can the argument for changes/laws/regulations be made? By whom? Outside additional research REQUIRED