This Black Soil, A Model of Resiliency in the Face of Adversity

The Bayview community existed in isolation from the rest of the developing world in a depressed state socially, environmentally and economically. Its transformation over the course of time was a radical change in all three of these interdependent spheres. The threat of something specific caused the uprising and empowerment of the community, which, in turn, changed the mentality of the community as a whole. The people became more socially empowered. The physical environment was much more amenable to comfortable living. The economy was bolstered by activity and the three spheres of sustainability were intact and progressing.

To begin, the community of Bayview is socially isolated. The community was established as a whole and it became a social expectation to live in poverty, without running water and many basic amenities. The social bubble effect was stifling to progress and impeded sustainable actions to enhance the community. When the community was threatened by the installment of a federal prison, they knew it would be a socially destructive force. Thus there was a move towards preserving the good in the community which created an awareness and a motion towards environmental improvement.

This leads to the next sphere of sustainability. Environmental events in the community of Bayview are especially impacting because, again, it is isolated. If a resource is over-harvested, then alternatives are scarce on an island. The nature of Bayview is its lack of accessibility and overall control. One natural tendency in a desperately isolated system is to exploit resources until they disappear. It appeared that this was the sad fate of Bayview’s natural resources until social action caused an influx of outside resources which boosted Bayview into a more steady state. With more infrastructure, and no prison to absorb all of the region’s resources, the community can now more effectively steward the land and its resources.

Finally, the economic sphere of Bayview was radically transformed as a result of (and along with) the enhancement of the social and the environmental spheres. Without the implementation of the federal prison, the community realized its own potential to create local revenue that would much more effectively support the community.

Environmental Justice is defined roughly as “fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies”. Many communities are marginalized and exploited socially because their natural resources are sought after and cheap. This is exemplified specifically in Bayview. The title of the documentary, “The Black Soil” implies fertility and potential for growth, as well as exploitation. The film clearly portrayed the intended abuse of the community. This Black Soil is a perfect example of environmental justice in action.