Grizzly Man the Nurturing Man

It is somewhat difficult to consider how identity (socioeconomic status, gender, etc) shapes an individual’s relationship with the environment (that is, natural, earthly environments). There are so many factors that influence different aspects of identity as well as one's view of the environment. Socioeconomic status can definitely influence ones relationship with the environment. Some do not have the financial means, I feel, to have the environment as their top priority. Also, those individuals may not have access to resources or education that provides information on the environment.

Moreover, I find it challenging to generalize how gender can influence an individual’s relationship with the environment. Timothy Treadwell’s gender did not conform to society’s standards of what a “manly man” should be. For example, he demonstrated an immeasurable about of respect for all the animals he encountered. He empathized with the animals more than he did with most of the humans whom he encountered in his thirteen summers of living amongst grizzly bears. His personality did not fit the “typical” gender lines. Treadwell had romantic relationships with women and even mentioned in Grizzly Man that he cannot help but be attracted to women. However, his relationship with the bears and the Alaskan environment seemed to take precedent over his relationship with women, particularly Amy, his girlfriend. That is, Amy feared the grizzly bears, but Treadwell still brought her with him a few times to Alaska.

At times, Treadwell saw himself as a warrior, but overall, he did not fit the mold of a “manly man.” This aspect of Treadwell reflects his relationship with nature. He saw himself as a protector of bears and treated all the animals with kindness; not once did he consider hunting them nor does he even carry a gun. In this case, Treadwell takes on a nurturing, motherly role towards the environment. He repeatedly tells the animals that he loves them and shows an immense amount of tenderness towards them. Furthermore, Treadwell does not conform to the idea that “manly” men do not cry or openly express sadness. Treadwell, in contrast, became quite emotional when he encountered any sort of animal death (including a bumblebee on a flower that might have actually been alive).

Overall, it is difficult to evaluate how Treadwell’s gender shaped his relationship with the environment. His gender is male (and he is well aware of this), but he demonstrates qualities that are typically deemed as female.