Summary Of Way Beyond The Life Duboat By Kyle Whyte

The effects of climate change are asymmetrically felt across the world. Those who contribute the most to climate change generally do not suffer its effects, while those who contribute least feel its effects tenfold. Kyle Whyte explains this asymmetry is exactly what indigenous people face. In "Way Beyond the LifeBoat", Whyte argues that if the issues of colonialism and capitalism are not addressed in climate change mitigation tactics, the suffering of indigenous peoples will continue, just as if there was no action. Whyte's argumentation, use of allegory, and evocative language creates a piece that successfully conveys his thesis to those who have not considered the environmental justice aspect of combating climate change.

Kyle Whyte constructs

It gives insight into what is happening to native communities through a story of relationships when those in power ignore the harm they cause. The canoes representing the natives, and can move freely about until they are tethered to the mechanical ships of imperialism (which hurt the canoes more in their attempt to rectify other problems). Drawing parallels between the natural material of the canoes and inorganic of the ships symbolize the conquest of the indigenous, natural, people. The hovercrafts of corporations flying above all further show how free, non-native beings, can move up and down the social ladder. The reader can easily and clearly picture the systemic suffering of indigenous

He's clearly not focusing on climate change deniers, as his work does not contain data and arguments on climate change which try to prove climate change's existence. Instead, he is addressing a problem in the community of believers. Again, this is evident when he states that Cloutier's message about injustice has been ignored, and cannot be any longer in the activist community.

As an indigenous person himself, Whyte comes from a place of oppression, having had his community exterminated and dislocated by the federal government and corporations in pursuit of natural resources. Whyte also has an extensive background in both environmental science and indigenous environmental justice, thus he is very knowledgeable and experienced in this field, from both an academic and personal background. This explains his strong belief that climate change mitigation must address colonization, and capitalism to improve, not hurt indigenous peoples lives. His personal experience also contributes to his ability to employ vivid emotional language throughout the piece because he can draw from his own emotional experiences and those of his people. Pathos is a powerful tool in persuasive writing, and Whyte's ability to appeal to the reader's emotions contributes to his overall ability to persuade readers to his