Exercise #4 – Documentary Reflection

June 1, 2026 By: Emma Lang

Mainstream Source

Kelly, Alanna. “Video Captures Grey Whale Being Struck by Sea-Doo in Vancouver,” CBC News.” CBC News, May 6, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/jet-ski-grey-whale-vancouver-9.7187806

This article discusses how a grey whale was hit by a jet ski near Vancouver. This story coincides with a larger environmental issue as boat traffic is contributing to an increase in collisions with whales in British Columbia waters. It is frustrating that this incident occurred, as it was well known that a grey whale was hanging around Vancouver prior to the collision. I understand that we rely on the Pacific Ocean for leisure and transportation, but we need to be considerate of marine species that inhabit the ocean. I think that further restrictions need to be implemented to protect marine species from boat traffic and human activity.

Reflection on the Civil Disobedience and it’s Role in the History of Environmentalism

The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) attacks illustrate how environmentalism and civil disobedience can create extremist behaviours. To an extent civil disobedience is necessary when protecting the environment but extremist actions have a tendency to overshadow the rational reasons why people are working to protect the environment.^[1] In the documentary “How to Change the World: The Revolution Will Not Be Organized,” it illustrates how civil disobedience can occur in a respectful and peaceful way.^[2] I think that there needs to be a balance when it comes to civil disobedience and environmentalism. People need to be allowed to protest and use their voices without having to face police brutality which is evident in “If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.” With that being said, damaging people’s properties to create change is excessive and creates more hostility towards environmental activism which is counterproductive, so there needs to be a balance when working to create meaningful change.

^[1]Marshall, Cullman. “If A Tree Falls : A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.” 55:20.

^[2]Rothwell, Jerry. “How to Change the World: The Revolution Will Not Be Organized.” British Film Institute, 2015. YouTube Video, 1:26:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-7saEKyThc.

Does Civil Disobedience work to create positive change

Shepert, Elana. “Grey Whale Vancouver: Petition to restrict Jet Skis launched.” May 8 2026. https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/animal-stories/-grey-whale-vancouver-hit-sea-doo-petition-2026-12258889

Civil disobedience and environmental activism can create positive change. A recent example that I found, connects to the grey whale incident that is mentioned above. A petition was created to try and increase regulations on jet ski speeds near Vancouver. A petition is a mild form of civil disobedience but the fact that this incident led to collective action is positive. The petition is a good starting off point, but to create greater change, more public action needs to occur so that further guidelines will be created that will protect marine species from boat traffic and human activity.

Bibliography

Marshall Curry. Sam Cullman. “If A Tree Falls : A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.” Marshall Curry Productions. 1:25:40. https://vimeo.com/58984675

Rothwell, Jerry. “How to Change the World: The Revolution Will Not Be Organized.” British Film Institute, 2015. YouTube Video, 1:26:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-7saEKyThc.

Exercise #4 – Documentary Reflection

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT