Who knew that a single word could ignite debates hotter than summer asphalt in Texas? Meet "Earthian," a term meant to unify humanity, but like most things conceived in ivory towers, it ends up dividing us. Created to promote global citizenship, the term was introduced by eco-centric thinkers who believe that Earth should be everyone's collective focus, transcending national borders and identities. They imagine a world without countries, only Mother Earth and its Earthians. Sounds idyllic, right? What these starry-eyed philosophers forget is that people have homes, cultures, and yes, even countries they hold dear.
For people invested in practicality, being an Earthian seems less like a dream and more like a nightmare. Imagine abandoning national policies that protect citizens' interests just to fit into an abstract label. In a world where countries like the U.S. have built systems to safeguard freedom and promote prosperity, do we really want to merge that into some sort of global kibbutz? Let’s face it, being American means something, and last I checked, I wasn’t filling out my taxes as an Earthian.
Consider the environmental fervor linked to the notion of Earthians. There are college students with fair-trade coffee in hand, bought with credit from parents who drive SUVs, preaching civility and global engagement, blissfully unaware of the real-world demands like paying bills and securing homes. Advocates for Earthian ideology often veg out in their biodegradable lawn chairs talking about transitioning from fossil fuels as if it were possible with a snap of the fingers. However, they're scrolling on devices charged by power plants run on coal or natural gas. Irony much?
The term "Earthian" shares the vibe of a New Age religion, resonating only within circles that thrive on utopian aspirations. Its supporters yearn for a decentralized world—void of patriotism or sovereign governance. Yet, they overlook that if not for national sovereignty, regimes across the globe would ignore individual rights without accountability, and global bodies hardly have the mandate or resources to intervene effectively. Who would enforce the rule of law, these Earthian armies?
Then there's the wild assumption that deep beneath the surface of labels and flags, we all want the same things: peace, love, and harmony. It’s an endearing thought that, on further inspection, ignores cultural differences, national aims, and fundamental disparities in worldviews. Sweeping under the rug is the complexity of diverse geological, historical, and political contexts that shape nations. The word Earthian, in trying to unify, erases these identities, ignoring that cultures and nations guide us more than abstract Earthian ideals.
The rise of Earthianism is noticeable at global eco-summits where influential figures gather to discuss climate action. Like clockwork, activists argue for sweeping reforms and carbon neutrality goals disconnected from economic realities faced by average workers. Ah, nothing like a climate committee barbecue where decisions are made over filet mignon flown in from another hemisphere.
This lofty Earthian narrative has found ardent supporters on social media who carry out hashtag activism. Starry-eyed teenagers believe updates will revolutionize society. #EarthianGoals might trend, but the cumulative impact remains negligible outside their echo chambers. Changing profile pictures or posting a status update in the comfort of an air-conditioned home doesn't constitute helping the planet.
Another layer of irony is the overwhelming influence of economically privileged proponents of the Earthian term. Flying cross-continentally to host meetings, these folks amass frequent flyer miles much like future generations may amass carbon credits. They critique consumerism and yet, conveniently overlook their expenditure to promote change only they can afford to undertake.
Everything about the rise of the Earthian identity reeks of elitism. It’s an agenda driven by a privileged few while the majority of people are more focused on matters affecting their immediate environment like education, healthcare, and employment. Real humans battle real issues that "Earthian" pledges fail to solve.
In reality, does labeling ourselves Earthians make the world a better place? Or does it give an excuse to those who cannot see past their affluent lens and connect with those burdened by day-to-day struggles? Real change happens when we address needs practically through the structures already in place—reinforcing identities that have meaning, not dismissing them.
The romantic notion of ‘Earthian’ status shirks responsibility and accountability. It's time we stop dreaming about becoming mythic global citizens and start doubling down on policies that actually help stabilize where we live, defend the sovereignty that keeps us unique, and strengthen the patches of Earth we call our nations.