6 Section 1 – Discussion Questions
Elizabeth Kryder-Reid and Audrey Ricke
- How do you define toxic heritage? How does your definition compare with the editors of Toxic Heritage? (see for example the Introduction to the edited volume).
- In Chapter 11, the authors challenge the idea that toxicity in a community is necessarily toxic heritage. Do you agree? Why or why not?
- How does Chapter 1 (Hoskins) on toxic heritage as it relates to California hydraulic gold mining landscapes compare to Chapter 9 (Cusack-McVeigh) on toxic heritage as it relates to material/living culture? What are some similarities and differences? Hint – think about the different components, such as the “who” (whose heritage, different parties impacted and the degree, who is engaging with the toxic heritage, who created the toxicity and for what reasons).
- Why is the concept of toxic heritage important? What difference might it make if people began to think about the history of environmental harm as part of their shared heritage? (see Elizabeth Kryder-Reid, “The importance of shining a light on hidden toxic histories.” The Conversation. September 14, 2023. https://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-shining-a-light-on-hidden-toxic-histories-211657 )
