Just Language - Reflection Questions - Jan 11 by Danielle Bunch https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj en-us 2023-01-10 14:33:59 UTC 2025-12-01 21:56:32 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606215 I feel uncomfortable when language around invasive species makes it sound like the plants/species are taking over out of some malicious intent, rather than it being an adaptive behavior ]]> 2023-01-12 01:00:23 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606215 Yes. I'm from Argentina and I bought insecticide for my small kitchen ants and it specifically said "Kills Argentine Ants". It was uncomfortable. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606579 2023-01-12 01:00:40 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606579 I work in the invasive/noxious weed world. Oftentimes there is language such as "battle," "invasion", "foreign," etc. used to describe plants deemed invasive and noxious. I feel that these words are loaded and have history not related to plants at all. I worry that using this language may ostracize the folks we are trying to reach, as invasive and noxious weeds impact marginalized communities the most. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606755 2023-01-12 01:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606755 Yes, although invasive species cause problems for other species and there are many benefits to removing them, they aren't inherently "bad". Humans often are the ones to disperse these species and they simply do the best they can in the environment they end up in. Invasive species didn't ask to be invasive, so even if we remove them we should speak about them with respect. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606974 2023-01-12 01:01:08 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441606974 It frustrates me when people animate invasive species to give them bad intentions, when they're really just doing their best to survive! HUMANS introduced them. Especially plants. They don't have legs!!! they didn't come here on purpose! be nice! https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607218 2023-01-12 01:01:26 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607218 We see what we want to see and this is determined by the general culture. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607508 2023-01-12 01:01:47 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607508 Science is a reflection of society because scientific pursuits follow the needs/desires/interests of people. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607705 2023-01-12 01:02:03 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607705 artists are often inspired by their surroundings, and their surroundings are often society https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607875 2023-01-12 01:02:17 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607875 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607883 I think we tend to project, like another response said, intention onto the actions of an organism. While anthropomorphism can be a good tool to connect with audiences, it can also perpetuate harmful ideas. I study parasites and when you view an organism through the lens of the harm it causes rather than its needs as a whole, you lose sight of the whole system.]]> 2023-01-12 01:02:17 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607883 Homo sapiens is the original invasive species. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607892 2023-01-12 01:02:18 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607892 Science and art are constantly in flux, shaped by current conversations. But, there is often a lag when it comes to PSA's and programming related to the practical side of invasive spp management. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607946 2023-01-12 01:02:21 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441607946 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608068 yes, I feel discomfort because the plants are just trying to survive. I also believe that every being has a right to take up space, and that we view their 'invasiveness' very much on a human scale. 

Also, I think that it's important to differentiate between 'non-native' and invasive, because they are definitely not the same thing. ]]> 2023-01-12 01:02:31 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608068 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608172 Science is created by society as a means to understand the (natural) world and therefore reflects the views and understandings of other concepts (e.g. religion, politics, relationships, etc.).

Art is much like science in that it is an output of our perceptions. Art is and can be a powerful communication tool to connect with others.]]> 2023-01-12 01:02:39 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608172 To be honest, I hadn't thought to be uncomfortable. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608407 2023-01-12 01:03:00 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608407 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608410 They are both always changing and mirror what's happening in the moment.]]> 2023-01-12 01:03:00 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608410 In order for science to have substantial studies and peer review, they need funding that is approved and often granted because it aligns with the values of those giving the funds, all whom are part of society https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608551 2023-01-12 01:03:12 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608551 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608649 Using the language of invasive/non-native organisms as something to be conquered always rubbed me the wrong way ]]> 2023-01-12 01:03:22 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608649 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608666 Yes, I believe the way we have commonly talked about invasive species makes said species seem like it is where they are from or how they do their best to survive that is a serious issue. It can get really intense talking about the need to remove them rather than offering an understanding of their desire to simply survive. 

]]> 2023-01-12 01:03:23 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608666 Implicit bias impact science, it's not actually neutral. So both science and art reflect ourselves, society, and culture in how we produce results/artworks and view other's results/artworks https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608730 2023-01-12 01:03:29 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608730 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608752 It's interesting, I've never thought of science as a reflection of society, I think because I conceptualize it as being fully objective, but reading others' responses, I'm starting to change my view! ]]> 2023-01-12 01:03:31 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608752 I find it frustrating when people don't understand why invasive species are a problem. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608756 2023-01-12 01:03:32 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608756 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608903 Unsure how to share info on "invasive" species etc without using that kind of militaristic/imperialist language]]> 2023-01-12 01:03:44 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608903 It wasn't until others brought it to my attention that I started to consider the connotations associated with regarding invasive species as bad and how it ties to their common names which are often location based. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608928 2023-01-12 01:03:46 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608928 The idea that because they're invasive they need to be ripped from the ground makes me uncomfortable. You're killing life because humans have identified as invasive. wlindsey13 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608991 2023-01-12 01:03:53 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441608991 Yes -- I teach 4th-12th graders, including running ecological restoration events. Words like "invasive species" can, among other things, lead to students anthropomorphizing plants e.g. "plants are good or bad." Any many of our students are immigrants or children of immigrants. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609190 2023-01-12 01:04:09 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609190 I really don't. I don't think there is any harm in wanting to protect and restore environments to how they were before certain species were spread to places they should have never been to the first place. However I am open to discussion around this topic and am receptive to feedback if my perspective is harmful to others. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609352 2023-01-12 01:04:24 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609352 Cow Parsnip is native and toxic and spreads like crazy if mowed. The uncomfortable thing is that the city folks want us to leave it alone telling us it is native. But, it is next to a trail where many people stroll by. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609383 2023-01-12 01:04:27 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609383 Yes, especially when working with students where English is not first language. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609491 2023-01-12 01:04:37 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609491 I think alot of the focus of invasive species is centered around it being bad and negative. But some communties have embraced them as part of their experiences. Such as baking black berry pies or enjoying squirells playing in the park https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609509 2023-01-12 01:04:39 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609509 Yes https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609522 I feel like invasive species language is black and white, good and bad, often even war-like. And often feels like it bleeds towards much of the harmful anti-immigrant rhetoric common in the US.]]> 2023-01-12 01:04:40 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609522 Science tells what is possible. Art gives context. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609589 2023-01-12 01:04:47 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609589 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609597 I think the focus on the species as problematic distracts from the systems that brought these species to where they now live. For example, focusing on  colonialism and capitalism and their impact on the environment is far more productive than villainizing individual species. ]]> 2023-01-12 01:04:48 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609597 What we see and experience often inspires what we create. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609681 2023-01-12 01:04:54 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609681 I did not originally feel discomfort, but these conversations have helped me understand how others do--especially when it comes to aggressive language attributed to plants named for regions/nations. I want to hear new perspectives on how to engage with invasive species more thoughtfully, intentionally, productively. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609784 2023-01-12 01:05:04 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609784 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609937 Science is informed by the worldviews of individuals and communities esp western/patriarchal worldviews, and that presents bias

]]> 2023-01-12 01:05:15 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609937 A lot of science research depends on animal experimentation. This just shows how little we consider organisms that are not human. wlindsey13 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609965 2023-01-12 01:05:18 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441609965 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610016 Deep... I think science can come from a reflection of society though I also see it as humanly need to describe why or how everything happens in life. I think art can most certainly be a reflection of society or certain sides. ]]> 2023-01-12 01:05:22 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610016 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610044 I've felt guilty thinking about PNW plants that are invading other parts of the world, but I realize that it's irrational to identify with that situation since i haven't been a cause, consciously at least.]]> 2023-01-12 01:05:23 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610044 I think that science has done a good job of explaining the meaning behind a lot of things in our society where Art has given us a medium to process those explanations https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610193 2023-01-12 01:05:33 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610193 https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610232 Science is a lens to understand the natural world, art is another lens. While one is touted as being more "objective" than the other, they are both means of communication]]> 2023-01-12 01:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610232 science is art, and art is science. Interconnectness of all. https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610311 2023-01-12 01:05:41 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441610311 How an invasive speices gets established is introduced is hard to kknow. I've seen some immigrant communtites being unfairly blamed for those species without talking about the other ways speices get established (for example, through mainstream shipping) https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441611974 2023-01-12 01:07:23 UTC https://padlet.com/edaniellebunch/3wbdqs7jpsrnukxj/wish/2441611974