Oil dominates the daily life of billions around the world. Oakland University’s Literature and the Environment (ENG 3681) course shines a light on this natural resource and the impact it has on the environment. 

Petroculture encompasses the political, cultural and economic influences that make oil the predominant fuel used around the globe. Everyone, willingly or not, plays a part in the world’s reliance on petroleum. 

Krystal Davis, a senior English and Spanish major in the class, gave a personal anecdote of her participation in petroculture at the English department’s 2024 Empathy Conference. 

Davis discussed petroculture in the context of Black hair care, and the ensuing environmental consciousness and personal identity crises. 

“I shared my struggles with conforming to societal beauty standards, inviting listeners to step into another person’s shoes and delve into the emotional weight of feeling inadequate or pressured to change one’s appearance to fit an ideal,” Davis said.  

The roundtable garnered favorable attendance. Davis’ reflection of self kept everyone present and engaged. 

“I’d say this self-reflection on my personal struggle allowed listeners to understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities in navigating societal expectations within this perspective,” Davis said. 

Davis intended for her speech and topic of choice to keep the audience engaged. It was especially helpful that Davis was passionate about the topic of petroculture.

“The discussion of environmental injustices in the beauty industry resonates with me deeply,” Davis said. “It prompted me to reflect on the broader implications of consumer choices and encouraged empathy toward the interconnected issues of personal actions and systemic inequalities.”

Davis says that speaking in front of an audience once felt like an insurmountable challenge. Preparing to give a speech on such a heavy topic required memorization and practice. 

“I found myself becoming less anxious as my turn to present approached,” Davis said. “Additionally, drawing on my past experience in theater during high school has been immensely helpful. Visualizing myself on stage, exuding confidence and energy, allows me to effectively convey my points in a concise manner.”

Davis’ passion for hair, particularly hers, also contributed to her feeling more confident. 

“I’m deeply passionate about topics related to my hair, and I find great enjoyment in discussing subjects I’m well-versed in,” Davis said. “This passion fueled my presentation, enabling me to engage with the audience more effectively and share my insights with enthusiasm.”

This passion has spread to public speaking. Davis says she will publicly speak again after her experience as a presenter at the Empathy Conference. 

“Participating in the conference has reignited my interest in public speaking,” Davis said. “While it initially felt daunting, the positive experience and support I receive has encouraged me to consider speaking publicly again.” 

Davis felt surrounded by support and love while participating in the conference.

“Engaging with the audience, sharing my insights, and receiving feedback has all been incredibly rewarding,” Davis said. “It reminds me of the value and impact of effective communication.”

Student members of the American Studies Club also participated and spoke at the conference.

If other OU students wish to learn more about the Empathy Conference or would like to participate in similar conferences in the future, they may contact the American Studies Club.