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Title
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Groundhogs, Integral Ecology, and the Meaning of Life
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Description
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This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" explores the values that guide our morality through the framework of the 1993 film Groundhog Day. It discusses ideas of rebirth, hope, and living by virtues. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"Every year, my family hosts a celebration that emphasizes hope, freedom from depression, and a love of Creation. This celebration is so intense and widespread that there is not a soul who has known my family for a full year who doesn’t know of it. Most calendars name this holiday on February second Groundhog Day. We have erroneously called it 'Groundhog’s Day' since we began celebrating it over 15 years ago, which is likely a Freudian slip to show that the day belongs to the rodents, not to us. Many people are surprised when they step into my house in the month of January, as they find a groundhog flag, a dozen groundhog plushies, Bible verses about hope hung on the walls, live plants with twinkle lights, and hundreds of cupcakes and cookies decorated to look like groundhogs. Often, the movie Groundhog Day (Ramis, 1993) will be playing on the TV. This is not simply because the movie is about groundhogs, but because it represents many of the values my family celebrates: overcoming the depression of a selfish lifestyle, embracing our creative leanings, and finding worth and pleasure in doing good for others. February second reminds us that by abandoning ideals of egoistic hedonism and embracing a life of virtue, we will not only see our own lives grow richer and more joyful, but the social and ecological world around us will flourish as well."
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Date Created
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05/17/2021
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Creator(s)
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Madeline Fox
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Audience
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All audiences/General public
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Rights
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This photo and text were accessed on 06/07/2023 at https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/enr3470studentbook/chapter/groundhogs-integral-ecology-and-the-meaning-of-life-2/.
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Issues
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Mindfulness and Simplicity
