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rynlingI had to block some grown adults on Tumblr this morning.
If you're into urban gardening, you'll know that "invasive species" isn't really a technical term. In fact, there's been a lot of conversation in botanical spaces regarding shifting USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in the face of climate change. Essentially, should twentieth-century borders be maintained, or should they be allowed to shift naturally? Most people approach this question on a case-by-case basis.
In my own professional realm of Cultural Studies, there have also been conversations about how discourses of "invasive species" are frequently tied to racism. Plants from England were usually not considered "invasive species," while plants from Asia often were. To give an example, peppermint wasn't considered "invasive," but wisteria was, despite being introduced to North America at around the same time (early 1800s) and generally being far less aggressive.
Yesterday I posted a drawing of a wisteria vine on Tumblr with a caption saying something like, "Once considered an eyesore and an invasive species, wisteria is now highly prized in gardens throughout the United States."
And of course the Tumblr chucklefucks had to reply to let me know "but if it is an invasive species it is destroying the environment tho."
Bitch this plant came to the United States in 1810. It has since been naturalized and hybridized. Wisteria isn't "invasive"; you're just reproducing 200yo racism.
I swear to god. It's just a drawing of a plant. People will get find anything to get upset about.
If you're into urban gardening, you'll know that "invasive species" isn't really a technical term. In fact, there's been a lot of conversation in botanical spaces regarding shifting USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in the face of climate change. Essentially, should twentieth-century borders be maintained, or should they be allowed to shift naturally? Most people approach this question on a case-by-case basis.
In my own professional realm of Cultural Studies, there have also been conversations about how discourses of "invasive species" are frequently tied to racism. Plants from England were usually not considered "invasive species," while plants from Asia often were. To give an example, peppermint wasn't considered "invasive," but wisteria was, despite being introduced to North America at around the same time (early 1800s) and generally being far less aggressive.
Yesterday I posted a drawing of a wisteria vine on Tumblr with a caption saying something like, "Once considered an eyesore and an invasive species, wisteria is now highly prized in gardens throughout the United States."
And of course the Tumblr chucklefucks had to reply to let me know "but if it is an invasive species it is destroying the environment tho."
Bitch this plant came to the United States in 1810. It has since been naturalized and hybridized. Wisteria isn't "invasive"; you're just reproducing 200yo racism.
I swear to god. It's just a drawing of a plant. People will get find anything to get upset about.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-04 02:24 pm (UTC)I remember as kid watching my mom gardening and pulling out weeds and trimming bigger shrubs. It really distressed me at the time bc I didn't understand why she was removing things that looked pretty. I asked if they were bad and I recall her saying something along the lines of "they're not bad, but they're hogging nutrients and water that others also need". And I think of that a lot when I see talks about invasive species or how people get reported to HOA for not having this picture perfect manicured suburban lawn.
I dunno where I was going with that, but it makes me sigh heavily seeing folks fight about stuff like this on your art, of all things, while also drastically missing the point.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-04 05:45 pm (UTC)Idk man. Tensions are high right now, and I don't blame people for having a lower threshold of annoyance. Still, I feel like 2026 is a good year to respectfully use the block button.