Gasland And Fracknation Analysis

In Gasland and Fracknation the volatile issue of fracking is discussed in detail from two very different perspectives. However, the issue of how fracking affects inequality rarely arises due to the environmental bent of Gasland and investigative treatment of the issue in Fracknation. There are many social issues caused by the advent of fracking and speed at which the wells are being built across the nation, foremost among them is the way fracking is inextricably linked to causing and worsening economic conditions. This is due to the fact that fracking wells are almost always in rural areas, surrounded by small cities and towns that are sold a lie about economic prosperity when the reality is much more of a double edged sword. It is undeniable
I knew that fracking was a contentious issue to say the least, and I have always held some degree of disdain towards big oil companies so I cannot say I was unbiased at the outset. My initial perception while watching Gasland was that this industry might actually help the communities mentioned in the film, however, I changed my tack very quickly when I began to think about how fracking makes inequality even worse, a sad truth, but an evident one. In that way, my perception of communities affected by fracking was unjustified and wrong. Though my perception of fracking communities was wrong, my perception of oil companies was galvanized further. It is obvious that these massive corporations are only out for profit, which is an obvious truth, but one that is hugely important. They do not care about who they are driving out of their homes, what they are doing to vulnerable communities or what happens when they leave. The bottom line is the only thing that matters and if worsening inequality is the price, then they have no problem paying it. My perception of people paid off by these companies is harmful because my initial thought was that this was a good thing for less fortunate people, when it clearly is not. The mistake in my perception of big oil companies is that the damage caused cannot be reversed, and that they are unstoppable, when the power to stop them is very much in the hands of the average person. The environmental effects are no doubt horrible, but I feel as though the social effects must be discussed more in order to make the changes necessary to put an end to