1. Radical Environmentalism The Rhetoric and Ethics of Resistance Derek G. Ross, PhD, Auburn University Department of Englishderek.ross@auburn.edu

2. http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/02/421405.html Radical environmentalism uses direct action to confront perceived environmental threats.

3. http://www.targetofopportunity.com/cavel_west.jpg

5. Radical environmentalism perpetuates ideology and technique through often subversive means—how-to guides, posters, flyers, music, gatherings, and websites, among other communication genres, that often are distributed or advertised outside of we might consider mainstream media outlets.

6. Some materials, easily identifiable as technical manuals, move beyond “subversive,” and into the realm of what some call “terrorist,” offering rich material for consideration of ethics and ideology.

7. Current research questions: What motivates radical action, and how is that motivation conveyed within, and outside of, the environmental movement? How does the labelling of radical action, both from within, and in the court of public opinion, shape perception of direct action? How do radical environmental activists, who often operate outside of the law, effectively communicate strategy and ideology, and what might we learn from their tactics and practices? What are the ethical underpinnings of radical actions, and what might an assessment of radical action and communication from within technical communication, rhetoric, and ethics (broadly) teach us about our own communication practices? derek.ross@auburn.edu