NI 437 - November, 2010

Humans vs. Nature

A note from the editor

When Jamie James’ report of strife and murder over mummified caterpillars in a remote high-altitude region of Nepal reached our office, it exerted a curious, somewhat icky fascination. This was rhino horn and tiger penis territory, but here the irresistible lure of a natural aphrodisiac was ruining human lives rather than endangering animal ones.

It’s another variant of the youth- in-a-jar promise that we seem to be so good at falling for. Whereas the pharmaceutical industry has medicalized erections and turned the human penis into a blow-up device (while undoubtedly bringing relief to men with reluctant members), traditional medicine has always played up the symbolic values of potency – strength, virility, endurance. In short, it has gone for the jugular in terms of the values many men consider ‘masculine’, and inflated and distorted those notions to moneymaking advantage. It’s not just the male peacock that likes to strut.

It is to James’ credit that he sees beyond the way-out aspects of the story and enters the lives of those affected by the trade in yarsagumba with empathy and understanding. Which is what compelled us to publish it.

Another dangerous business is Lebanese writer Joumana Haddad’s publishing venture. She has received rape and death threats for the magazine she brings out which gives Arab contributors a unique forum for sexual expression. Prick hypocrisy and it goes on the warpath.

Last month’s newly introduced Argument section which debated the ethics of buying and selling human organs brought some thoughtful responses – we’ve printed a selection on page 37. This month we enter the thickets of public service cuts which our politicians are peddling as a necessary evil.

Our leading theme ‘Humans vs. Nature’ boils down to a simple question – can our self-obsessed species be stirred to safeguard the natural environment we live in? We’re sure you have a view.

Dinyar Godrej for the New Internationalist co-operative.
www.newint.org

NI 437 - November, 2010

Humans vs. Nature

A note from the editor

The big story

Dinyar Godrej on the need for reconnection.

Features

A brutal murder in the high Himalayas is covered up by a whole village. Jamie James sets out on a quest for the precious aphrodisiac at the heart of the crime – and to meet the men responsible. Photographs by Thomas Kelly.

Adam Ma’anit peers beyond the smoke and mirrors at BP’s ‘clean up’ of the Gulf of Mexico.

Paul Lauener’s stirring report from the Aral Sea, scene of both environmental miracle and disaster.

Put environmental villains in the dock, says campaigner Polly Higgins.

As Burma’s people go to the polls this month in an election which is unlikely to change decades of military rule, Becky Palmstrom looks at how the urban poor survive in a country without working banks.

Alternatives

In the shadow of the flight path, activists are transforming a wasteland into a vibrant eco-village.

... but better imperfect vegetables than using pesticides, reckons Anna Weston.

A new stove that cuts down on fuel eases pressure on the environment.

Blogs

Many Filipino doctors and nurses have left the country in search for better jobs abroad, but those who stayed are fighting twin battles.

What are the three magic words that really matter? Four activists share their views.

Opinion

Our new columnist Mark Engler considers the impact of the US midterm elections.

Banker Dan Mobley goes head to head with tax justice campaigner John Christensen.

Regulars

Only Planet by Marc Roberts

Open Window - In collaboration with the VJ Movement – an international network of video journalists and cartoonists – this slot will feature a different cartoonist from around the world each month.

Big Bad World cartoon by Polyp.

Victory for the hill tribes of India in a David and Goliath battle.

In the name of research, Maria Golia meets a man with an unusual mission.

If the Age of Enlightenment was about proving certainties, we’re entering the time of unravelment, when everything falls apart.

The legendary Canadian author talks to Rowenna Davis about activism, women and breaking the male stronghold over ‘serious’ literature.

Highlighting the work of artists and photographers from the Majority World

Film, Book & Music Reviews

By Various Artists

By Various Artists

Directed and co-written by Ramin Bahrani

written and directed by Anusha Rizvi

By Street Music of Haiti

By Cheikh Lô

Written and directed by Mike Leigh

Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh

By Tariq Ali

By Peter Eichstaedt

By Martin Kohan; translated from the Spanish by Nick Caistor

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Open Window - In collaboration with the
VJ Movement – an international network of video journalists and cartoonists – this slot will feature a different cartoonist from around the world each month.