Environmental Justice in West Virginia Coalfields

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern discussed in the passage?

The lack of awareness about the dangers of coal slurry contamination.
The ineffectiveness of grassroots movements in combatting environmental injustice.
The reasons behind the public's reluctance to participate in environmental justice movements. (correct)
The prevalence of health problems in communities affected by coal slurry contamination.

What is the author's main argument regarding the residents of Prenter and similar communities?

They are indifferent to the health and safety of their communities.
They lack the resources and knowledge to effectively fight for environmental justice. (correct)
They prioritize economic development over environmental protection.
They are unaware of the health risks associated with coal slurry contamination.

What is the primary effect of coal slurry contamination on residents of Prenter and similar communities?

Increased rates of respiratory illnesses.
Widespread psychological distress and social unrest.
High rates of various health issues including cancer and organ failure. (correct)
Elevated levels of arsenic and other heavy metals.

What is the author's approach to explaining the public's lack of participation in environmental justice movements?

Exploring the psychological and social factors contributing to public apathy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why people in communities like Prenter do not rise up to fight for environmental justice?

They believe that their actions will not make a difference. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's purpose in raising the question of why people do not participate in environmental justice movements?

To investigate the factors that contribute to public apathy in the face of environmental injustice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's tone in describing the situation in communities like Prenter?

Sympathetic and understanding. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the author's viewpoint on the potential for change in communities affected by environmental injustice?

Change is unlikely without significant efforts from both individuals and institutions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of the text?

The author's personal journey to understand social injustice (D) Signup and view all the answers

What surprised the author during their first week of community service?

The presence of black mucous after blowing their nose (A) Signup and view all the answers

What health condition was common among children in the community?

Asthma (D) Signup and view all the answers

What caused the cracked foundations and warped walls in many homes?

Underground coal mining (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why were some homeowners ineligible for compensation for their damaged property?

Their homes were not within the required angle of the mining operations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase “black lung” refer to?

A chronic respiratory disease caused by inhaling coal dust (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the author's experience shape their life?

They dedicated the next 15 years to helping others (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the author's background before their trip to Wise County?

The author was unfamiliar with poverty and social injustices (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research methods was NOT used in the book "Fighting King Coal"?

Ethnographic fieldwork (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Part I of the book?

Examining the barriers to citizen engagement in the environmental justice movement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary geographical focus of the research presented in the book?

Southern West Virginia (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a significant challenge to mobilizing the affected population in the struggle for coalfield environmental justice?

A relatively small number of participants from the affected population (C) Signup and view all the answers

The book's research involved a Photovoice project with 54 women. What was the primary focus of this project?

Collecting photographs and narratives about their experiences in coal-mining communities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the follow-up interviews conducted with Photovoice participants in 2013?

To understand how their perspectives and experiences might have changed over time (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential barrier to the process of solidarity building in the content?

Lack of financial resources (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of study is primarily presented in the 'Fighting King Coal' book?

A case study (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a reason why the influx of non-local environmental groups, college students, and celebrities into the environmental justice movement is changing the collective identity of the movement?

They have brought new resources and perspectives to the movement, leading to a greater understanding of the issues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge for the environmental justice movement in Central Appalachia, as highlighted by the influx of non-locals?

The risk of the movement losing its focus on local issues and becoming dominated by national concerns. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a positive outcome of non-local involvement in the environmental justice movement?

The increased visibility of the movement and its concerns to a broader audience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why local citizens are now viewing the environmental justice movement as an “outsiders’ movement”?

Local people feel that the movement has become too focused on national issues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the influx of non-local people affect the collective identity of the environmental justice movement?

It shifts the focus of the movement away from local issues and toward national concerns. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How has the media attention to mountaintop-removal mining affected the environmental justice movement?

It has increased awareness of the issue and brought new participants to the movement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilemma faced by the environmental justice movement in Central Appalachia?

Reconciling the interests of local residents with those of national environmental groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Despite the challenges posed by the influx of non-locals, what is the positive aspect that it has brought to the environmental justice movement?

Increased resources and expertise available to the movement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the limited participation of men in the environmental justice movement in Central Appalachia?

A lack of awareness about environmental issues (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the primary goal of the coal industry's public relations campaigns?

To enhance the image of the coal industry and its impact on the region (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "hegemonic masculinity" refer to as it is used in the passage?

The traditional and idealized concept of masculinity in a particular region (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used by the Friends of Coal to construct a positive image of the coal industry?

Creating a perception of grassroots support for the coal industry (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main argument regarding the coal industry's influence in Central Appalachia?

The coal industry has successfully manipulated the public perception of its environmental impact (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author consider the coal industry's ideology-construction efforts as hindering the process of consciousness transformation?

These efforts undermine the social and political movements aimed at environmental justice (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method used by the coal industry to promote its agenda?

Influence over educational institutions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of the author's assertion that the coal industry aims to "greenwash" its destructive practices?

The industry is attempting to deceive the public about its environmental record (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern expressed by Maria Lambert regarding illnesses in her community?

The potential connection between coal waste contamination and the high rates of cancer and other illnesses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific type of coal waste mentioned in the passage?

Coal slurry, a mixture of water and coal particles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase "it’s not just us—it’s the whole community" as used by Maria Lambert?

It highlights the shared experience of health issues within the community. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cleaning coal, as mentioned in the passage?

To eliminate harmful impurities and substances from the coal before it is burned. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of stating that Prenter is "deep in the heart of the coal-mining region of Central Appalachia"?

To highlight the potential impact of coal mining on the environment and health. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the residents of Prenter regarding their health concerns?

They had previously attributed their health issues to factors other than coal waste. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely implication of the residents of Prenter learning about the coal waste contamination in their well water?

It sparked public outcry and calls for stricter environmental regulations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most likely purpose of the excerpt from the passage?

To illustrate the impact of coal waste contamination on a specific community. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Coal waste

Byproduct of coal cleaning, including sulfur and rock.

Health issues in Prenter

High rates of cancer and other illnesses linked to water contamination.