Dumpster diving, or the act of scavenging through garbage bins for discarded but usable items, is a practice that has been stigmatized and criminalized in many societies. However, in his essay "On Dumpster Diving," Lars Eighner offers a unique perspective on the practice, presenting it as a legitimate means of survival for those who are homeless or otherwise impoverished.
Eighner, who was homeless at the time he wrote the essay, describes dumpster diving as a practical and efficient way to obtain necessary items that might otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable. He writes about finding discarded food that is still edible, as well as clothing, books, and other everyday objects that can be salvaged and used. Eighner argues that these discarded items are not truly "trash," but rather resources that have been wasted by a society that values consumerism over sustainability.
Eighner also touches on the social and psychological aspects of dumpster diving, describing the stigma and shame that often accompanies the practice. He writes about the judgment and ridicule that he and other dumpster divers face from society at large, and the ways in which this judgment can affect their self-esteem and sense of dignity. However, Eighner ultimately argues that dumpster diving is a necessity for those who are unable to afford basic necessities, and that it is a legitimate and honorable way to survive.
In conclusion, Eighner's essay "On Dumpster Diving" offers a thought-provoking and humanizing perspective on a practice that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through his personal experiences and observations, Eighner presents dumpster diving as a survival tactic for those who are marginalized and impoverished, and calls for a society that values sustainability and resourcefulness over consumerism and waste.
On Dumpster Diving By Lars Eighner Analysis
Therefore, this makes his readers take in the words that he says more deeply. They posses the most, strive to consistently attain more and more, and are never fully satisfied with what they have. Eighner prefers being referred to as a scavenger rather than a dumpster driver. Written in an almost how to guide format, Eigner shows the reader that the average diver not only can find interesting items in the garbage, but also make a living off of it by finding food that is safe to eat. As Eighner begins to dig through garbage cans he is constantly forced to decide what is valuable and what is not. If the diver is still influenced by consumerism they will attach themselves to each item.
Lars Eighner “on Dumpster Diving”
Both Eighner and Ehrenreich have a similar theme of human struggles for survival and utilize style elements, language and characters. Eighner refuses to make harsh assumptions about someone based on their trash. . He explains his process of dumpster diving and the best places to go to dumpster dive. Harrison Bergeron Literary Analysis Essay 923 Words 4 Pages Kurt Vonnegut, the author, uses irony to help the reader understand the way the United States could take a horrifying turn by 2081 if worldwide equality was implemented. We see them on most if not every train ride either asking for money, food or in a corner using the rain as a form of shelter. Self-renewal and reformation has only reinforced hostile behavior through systemic hostility and judgment Gowan 222.
Dumpster Diving by Lars Eighner Analysis Essay Example
Lastly, greed can be seen in the deadly sin of pride, believing one is essentially better than others and the excessive admiration of oneself. The mixed-matched furniture I see everywhere in my house is a reminder that things do get Analysis Of Eighner's Essay 'On Dumpster Diving' 184 Words 1 Pages The intended audience appears to be the educated general public. Today, there is also a record-breaking wage gap that exists between the wealthy and the poor and it slowly widening as the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Someone who …show more content… Food should be examined with the senses before consumption. What to eat, where to go, he explained it all.
On dumpster diving by lars eighner analysis Free Essays
The citizens of America must face a world of global conflict, decline in jobs, rising costs for education and an increasing amount of poverty, making it almost impossible for them to earn a living. By Jeremy Seifert: Food Waste In America In the film Dive! But he feels sorry for the wealthy who try, with all their might, to acquire all the wealth of the world; because he knows that is impossible. The bankrupt neighbor that lives in the brick mansion down the street may be in as much poverty as the homeless man asking for money on the street corner. Sadly, he reported that the pizza company started disposing their extra pizzas elsewhere because they realized someone was eating it. He found all kinds of items from prescription bottles, diaries, mail, fresh pizza, bedding and clothes. Did he want them to feel bad for wasting stuff that could have still been used or was it a survival guide type of thing? He was fascinated by dumpsters. The students there, discard items for no good reason.
