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By Nicole Cardoza (she/her)
Earlier this week, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, embarked on a ten-minute ride through space (CNN). I’m sure you already heard about it – it seems like everyone can’t stop talking about it (ourselves included, guilty)! One reporter noted that the time that the media spent covering Bezos’ space flight over the past few weeks is almost as much time as they spent covering the climate crisis throughout all of 2020 (Truthout). Read more on why the media has difficulty covering the climate crisis.
Naturally, this publicity stunt drew swift criticism, admonishing a billionaire for a frivolous ride through space while ignoring the threats we face on Earth. From the fast-spreading Delta variant to rising temperatures, rent increases and ending unemployment benefits, and fires on land and sea, it’s clear why some people are asking, at minimum, for billionaires to “read the room.” Here’s our take on TikTok >
The enthusiasm of conversations about the event has misconstrued some of the facts. Bezos has invested a significant amount into addressing issues today, including $10B to the environment and $100M to poverty (Quartz). Bezos also announced two $100 million grants to two individuals he believes are changing the world upon his return from the flight. However, this pales compared to the $10B invested into Blue Origin to date (Quartz). It also ignores the ongoing impact that a major corporation like Amazon has on our long-term wellbeing (Wired). And some of these contributions, particularly those announced upon his return from space, feel performative at best (CNN).
But if we reflect on our history, this isn’t the first time that wealthy white men have used their power to colonize new frontiers. And each time, there’s always someone that pays the cost. Throughout history, the colonization of “new” frontiers disregarded the safety and wellbeing of both those that inhabited it and those bearing the brunt of the labor. Remember that these lands were “new” to some and “Indigenous” to many others). Even the infrastructure it’s taken to colonize this nation, from the Transcontinental Railroad to modern-day highways, has only happened at the hands of low-wage and enslaved laboring working in unsafe conditions – and only after the displacement of Indigenous and lower-income communities. This is still happening today, and these same communities are still reeling from its generational impact. Read more about the generational trauma of colonization.
Ironically, Bezos was sure to “thank” Amazon employees for making it financially possible for him to travel to space and invest in Blue Origin (CNN). But many of these same employees – blue color workers that are often people of color – have waged a battle for fair wages, workplace safety, and the right to unionize (PBS). Their struggles mirror some of the same challenges that those impacted faced decades before. And their stories have received disproportionately less coverage than this space flight.
And what is this rush to space for? Bezos believes we should send all our pollution-generated industries into space to minimize its impact on Earth (Fast Company). But how does that address the environmental impact of our time here? How does that protect this planet from harm? And in its wake, what communities will be further disenfranchised as a result?
Nevertheless, some are excited about what privatized space travel means for us. This is partially because our society has had an overall positive view of space exploration. 72% of Americans consider it “essential” for the U.S. to continue to be a world leader in exploring space (Pew Research). Much of this was fostered by the space race after World War II, where the strength of our democracy was defined by its technological innovations against the communist Soviet Union (History). Also, in this time of heightened uncertainty, it might feel inspiring and escapist to watch someone leave it all behind, if only for a few minutes.
But this space race, led by private organizations, is different. This time around, it feels like a flex of individual wealth and privilege than a collective pursuit for greatness—more on this in The Conversation. The same study indicated that, in contrast, only 33% believe that “private companies will ensure that enough progress is made in space exploration, even without NASA’s involvement” (Pew Research). Historically, funding, research, and development from privatized corporations have contributed to the NASA program. However, the work of Bezos and Branson hasn’t made lasting contributions to their work – yet.
How can we as consumers respond? The answer isn’t straightforward (unless you, too, are planning to fire up your rocket engines in the weeks ahead. I advise against). We can first cultivate more awareness of who’s harmed when we push for technological innovation. We can align our purchasing habits with brands that foster what we envision for our collective futures. And we can continue to demand representation and equity for those most marginalized in our own communities. Some call space the final frontier. But if it’s the last space we have for our survival, we should be more critical of how we make this journey.
Key Takeaways
Earlier this week, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, embarked on a ten-minute ride through space (CNN).
Throughout history, the colonization of “new” frontiers disregarded the safety and wellbeing of both those that inhabited it and those bearing the brunt of the labor.
As consumers, we can advocate and support the individuals and organizations that use their wealth for the future we envision.