Summary / Strong Response

3 Pages 776 Words

Preserving What We’re Losing
If you don’t like something the way it is, or if you think you can make it better, then you can change it. That is the mindset of most Americans. Not only do we apply this to our working and family life, but we also apply it to things that I believe should not be changed; nature and the wildlife around us. Why must we “fix” what is already set in harmony to our benefit?
Edward Abbey explores this idea in his essay, “The Damnation of a Canyon,” published in Beyond the Wall: Essays from the Outside in 1971. In this piece he attempts to communicate with others who have either a small or great interest in the environment and to spark their concern to a greater level. Abbey talks about his disapproval towards technological changes on a place that was once a natural habitat, the Glen Canyon. He believes that the canyon he has grown to love over the years has been robbed of its wild beauty. He points out that even though the scenery is still pleasing to the eye, it is not the same if you look closely. He implies not only has the aesthetics been changed but access to Lake Powell only allows people in who can afford it. Also, because of the changes in the way the water moves, only motor boats are allowed and these are extremely expensive to rent. Before the dam was built all you needed was a raft to float down the river in and a friend to join you. A guide was not needed because there was no danger, just calm sailing. Abbey ends with an idea that he believes would make for a better environment. He would like there to be alternative ways for producing energy rather than dams. He believes that if the dam were to be taken out of Glen Canyon it would only be a matter of time before it would begin to restore itself back to its natural beauty. Even though Edward Abbey’s solution is far fetched and his points are a bit repetitive, I believe that this is an issue that cannot be ignored and people need to un...