2. Ivy McDermott- Week 2; Reading and Reflection

 I am still working on reading the assigned Chapter 2: Aesthetic Tourism, but I am finding it so interesting so far! I am going to have a lot of papers myself to write this semester, so I wanted to gather some ideas together to help put my thoughts in one place. 

For our first paper, we will be giving the pros and cons of the aestheticism of nature. I am only about halfway through the assigned reading, but so far, I really like the comparison of the painting spectacles to the AT hiker and the difference between tourism and journeying. The good is beautiful indeed and to alter the state of nature or objectify this beauty is to not full heartedly appreciate and love the object for the object, only the joy that the object brings. I also loved the conversations with the does and babies. They remind me of the truth of nature, to accept it as it is and not yearn for change and beautiful things will show themselves to you as a proclamation. Everything and everyone becomes beautiful. 

I also have papers this semester where I need to choose any topic I want to research. I don't even know where to begin for those! I am interested in renewable energy, recycling habits, composting, educational agriculture, freshwater, coastal and marine health, and environmental safety in general. On the flip side, I'm also interested in ways that poor environments affect humans in ways such as mental and physical health, and how this may raise awareness for environmental safety. 

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