Super Blog 2 Gabriella Sheffler

Superblog 2


1. Letter to the Environmental Protection Agency from Art Torres, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Toxics and Public Safety Management, regarding the Chemclear Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility, June 19, 1991. Juana Beatriz Gutierrez Mothers of East Los Angeles Collection


My primary source is a letter to the EPA regarding a hazardous waste facility from, among other signers, the Mothers of East Los Angeles. This letter is significant because it showcases the direct action the Mother of East Los Angeles was involved in. Not only was the group protesting in person, but they were also pushing for legislation behind the scenes. This letter shows how MELA worked with other organizations to achieve their goals. The Mothers of East Los Angeles used their position in the community to address environmental problems that were directly impacting their community. They did this by working with other interest groups, as shown by the other co-signers of the letter.


2. Juana Beatríz Gutiérrez and Other Members of the Mothers of East L.A. at a Water Conservation Press Conference. Photograph. East Los Angeles (Calif.), August 1992. Latino Cultural Heritage Digital Archives.


My visual source is a photograph from 1992 of the Mother of East Los Angeles at a press conference. The leader of the group is Juana Beatriz Gutteriez, one of the founding members of MELA. This photo is significant because it is a visual representation of the leaders of MELA in action. While the previous source showed the direct action taken by the group behind the scenes, this photograph showcases the efforts of the group on the scene. Not only was MELA impactful for using their position to push for legislation, but they attended press conferences and had a strong presence to fight for their cause.

 

3. Koenenn, Connie. “To Protect the Children of East L.A.” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, December 23, 1991. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-23-vw-829-story.html.

My secondary source is an LA times article reflecting on the impact of MELA. This article was written in 1992 when the group was very active in pushing for environmental reform. The article discusses how the leader, Juana Beatriz Guttierez, is using her position as a mother to help others in the community. The article also discusses the impact of the group on Los Angeles and how the Mother of East Los Angeles are a new form of an activism group. The time in which this article was published is significant because it was in the midst of the call for environmental reform. This article is helpful in setting the scene for how MELA was successful.


4. Mattiello, A., Chiodini, P., Bianco, E. et al. Health effects associated with the disposal of solid waste in landfills and incinerators in populations living in surrounding areas: a systematic review. Int J Public Health 58, 725–735 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0496-8

This source is more focused on the environmental aspect of my project. This journal assess the impact that incinerators have on human health. This is significant to my projects because the Mothers of East Los Angeles were fighting the construction of an incinerator in Vernon. This journal showcases why the incinerator would be detrimental to the health of people in Vernon. The Mothers of East Los Angeles were fighting against the construction because they understood how the environmental effects of the incinerator would negatively impact their community. This article explores how incinerators have a negative effect on human health, not only in the short term, but in the long term as well. 


5. Carlassare, Elizabeth. “Socialist and Cultural Ecofeminism: Allies in Resistance.” Ethics and the Environment, vol. 5, no. 1, 2000, pp. 89–106. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/27766057. Accessed 23 Feb. 2021.

My last source is a journal article about the theories behind ecofeminism. This article will be helpful in evaluating how the Mothers of East Los Angeles were successful in their efforts. The Mothers of East Los Angeles used their position as women, specifically mothers in a minority community, to give them leverage against an act of environmental racism. This article explores the topic of ecofeminism and the strategies behind activism. Additionally, this article argues that even though ecofeminists may disagree amongst themselves, they are able to come together for a uniting cause. This is shown by the Mothers of East Los Angeles working with other interest groups to achieve their goals.


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