Does Radical Inclusion equal Racial Inclusion?

[Token]

“I can do very little to influence how people treat you. I wish I could.”

This is complacency. Why don’t you (1) ask how you can help influence how people treat others or (2) research how you can help influence people? Instead of assuming you can’t?

Members of any majority population are often the best situated to influence how the majority treats others.

Oh Fuck!

I’ve been complacent!!

Actually, majorities have historically done squat to promote change.

Minorities have fought long and hard via education, community engagement, activism, to advance their agenda. They helped themself engage a broader population towards a better outcome.

Blaming others of complacency is like expecting someone to do your homework.

Be the change you want to see. educate. inspire.

[goodleaf]

“Be the change you want to see. educate. inspire.“

We are (as we always have been) - just wishing more would be allies (as we always have wished).

[lucky420]

“Be the change you want to see. educate. inspire.“

We are (as we always have been) - just wishing more would be allies (as we always have wished).

I’m an ally. If I ever do or say something that isn’t right (in this regard) please school me. I hope that I can learn and do better and won’t take offense at being taught

[FlyingMonkey]

I’d recommend self-identifying as a Burner first & see if that helps foster an open conversation.

[snip]

Identifying as a POC first frames your perspective and (believe it or not) limits your objectivity.

I had to walk away for a few days before I could adequately respond to this, and honestly I still don't have a response to it.

Instead, I've taken a screenshot of your post and I intend on printing it and sharing it with people when they want to have serious and frank discussions about the racial experience at Burning Man. This is an absolutely beautiful and fantastic example as to how incredibly ignorant people can be. It's so damn good that it should go into a book.

The only response I can muster without getting unreasonably sad:

I can't, dude. I literally cannot do that. And I'm not the one who gets to make that choice.

Can you honestly say that there is a systemic problem with racism at burning man? I'd be curious to hear more. Would you say it's just in the Org or with the participants in general?

...

So aside from the people you had mentioned previously, have you felt you have ever been excluded or not welcome at a camp or art car because of the color of your skin? That would be a larger problem.

...

Let’s have this frank discussion.

I don't come here often anymore so I'm a little surprised that no one is discussing what they have specifically experienced at Burning Man.

Considering the passion of the initial replies (too include quoting me as an example of someone who just doesn’t get it) I'd think there would be all kinds of examples of racial exclusion at the event.

I am genuinely interested to hear about this and possibly be convinced that my initial feelings on this topic were inaccurate due to ignorance on my part because I have not personally encountered it.

So far I have only seen that some people were treated poorly but only on an individual basis. So unless someone chimes in I have to assume that Burning Man (as an Org & an Event) doesn’t have an actual problem with racial inclusion.

Here is your opportunity to have that discussion. If you don't take this opportunity to explain what you have experienced how can you possibly hope to elicit change?

This is about correcting something that’s wrong, isn't it?

[lucky420]

I had to walk away for a few days before I could adequately respond to this, and honestly I still don't have a response to it.

Instead, I've taken a screenshot of your post and I intend on printing it and sharing it with people when they want to have serious and frank discussions about the racial experience at Burning Man. This is an absolutely beautiful and fantastic example as to how incredibly ignorant people can be. It's so damn good that it should go into a book.

The only response I can muster without getting unreasonably sad:

I can't, dude. I literally cannot do that. And I'm not the one who gets to make that choice.

Can you honestly say that there is a systemic problem with racism at burning man? I'd be curious to hear more. Would you say it's just in the Org or with the participants in general?

...

So aside from the people you had mentioned previously, have you felt you have ever been excluded or not welcome at a camp or art car because of the color of your skin? That would be a larger problem.

...

Let’s have this frank discussion.

I don't come here often anymore so I'm a little surprised that no one is discussing what they have specifically experienced at Burning Man.

Considering the passion of the initial replies (too include quoting me as an example of someone who just doesn’t get it) I'd think there would be all kinds of examples of racial exclusion at the event.

I am genuinely interested to hear about this and possibly be convinced that my initial feelings on this topic were inaccurate due to ignorance on my part because I have not personally encountered it.

So far I have only seen that some people were treated poorly but only on an individual basis. So unless someone chimes in I have to assume that Burning Man (as an Org & an Event) doesn’t have an actual problem with racial inclusion.

Here is your opportunity to have that discussion. If you don't take this opportunity to explain what you have experienced how can you possibly hope to elicit change?

This is about correcting something that’s wrong, isn't it?

You might be reaching out to mostly the wrong crowd here. Not all burners eplaya and just because You don’t see it or experience it or have only heard 1 or 2 stories doesn’t mean it’s not a thing. why would somebody come here and tell non truths about it? How much proof do you need before you can accept that it’s a thing and it does affect people?

[claybcook]

To answer the initial question: Yes.

Sometimes "No" is a complete sentence. Anything said after that only dilutes what has been said before.

If you begin with the statement and Principle of "Radical Inclusion", but then proceed to say, "And we're ESPECIALLY Interested in including you, if you're X, Y or Z," you've just reduced your commitment. Because, now, clearly you're more interested in certain sorts of inclusion (X, Y or Z) and less interested in others, like A, B, & C.

Radical Inclusion is as good as it gets. It doesn't mean everyone will like you. Several of you are not liking me right now. I'm sad about that, but I will have to carry that and survive. As you may have to.

[Elorrum]

Is wealth exclusionary by race in the world? Would that be reflected at burning man? A recreational event in high worldwide demand. I think, yes.

Is the attendance at the Super Bowl inclusive? The price point makes it tough. Would they worry and try to make ticketing more fair? I don’t think so. They can charge whatever they want and get it.

Burning Man is in too high a demand to be inclusive. It’s nice that the principles nudge folks to consider things, really they do little more.

[gaminwench]

I know many people of color that attend Burning Man. Some of them are not wealthy, others are.

In every Camp that I have lived with out there, there have been POC.

Never have I heard of any being excluded or othered.

[Lonesomebri]

White folks results are in, racism ends at exit mile 8. What a relief.

[Popeye]

I know many people of color that attend Burning Man. Some of them are not wealthy, others are.

In every Camp that I have lived with out there, there have been POC.

Never have I heard of any being excluded or othered.

You are "othered" if the reason you are included or made allowance for (tolerated) is the color of your skin, race, gender expression or sexual expression.
Misogyny, both systematic and individual is so ingrained that many do not know how insulting their actions are. Yes, on Playa too and by long time Burners.
Unfortunately, the only way to correct this that I have found is to make yourself visible and let this become normal over time. For example the "Black Lives Matters" protests and parades and Pride and Transgender Day/Week of Visibility.

Gaminwench, this isn't directed at you, you just gave me the opportunity to voice it.

[gaminwench]

Yeah, in 'my camps' color of skin/ethnic origin, was never a 'thing'.

I am not saying it doesn't happen, but that in *my experience*, it was not a 'consideration'.

[ygmir]

also consider:
"If you look hard enough, and want enough for it to exist, you'll find it".

[FlyingMonkey]

also consider:
"If you look hard enough, and want enough for it to exist, you'll find it".

+1000

Anyone else notice that the OP has one and only one post?

I don't like political/social justice posts. Can we get this thread censored? (see how it works)

While I think it's a question worth asking I think it implies more than it asks.

Bottom line, if you think you are surrounded by racist assholes then find better assholes to hang around with. Better yet lead by example and start a camp that champions your cause. Empower yourself.

[Elorrum]

Empower yourself.

And just like that, elitism and oppressive class structure which supports racism, ended.

[FlyingMonkey]

Empower yourself.

And just like that, elitism and oppressive class structure which supports racism, ended.

WTF are you talking about?

I wasn't talking about society as a whole.

I was saying that someone has complete control over who they associate with at Burning Man and can improve their surroundings by not being around racist people. Do you think the OP (who is a one post Troll) is not capable of helping themselves (talk about elitism)? What part of that you disagree with & what would you have them do differently? No really.

Thank you for turning ePlaya in to Twitter.

* Plonk *

[Token]

Empower yourself.

And just like that, elitism and oppressive class structure which supports racism, ended.

WTF are you talking about?

I wasn't talking about society as a whole.

I was saying that someone has complete control over who they associate with at Burning Man and can improve their surroundings by not being around racist people. Do you think the OP (who is a one post Troll) is not capable of helping themselves (talk about elitism)? What part of that you disagree with & what would you have them do differently? No really.

Thank you for turning ePlaya in to Twitter.

* Plonk *

Dude! It was a joke. Playa Snark.

The crying-laughing emoji was a dead giveaway.

Breathe my man.

[FlyingMonkey]

And just like that, elitism and oppressive class structure which supports racism, ended.

WTF are you talking about?

I wasn't talking about society as a whole.

I was saying that someone has complete control over who they associate with at Burning Man and can improve their surroundings by not being around racist people. Do you think the OP (who is a one post Troll) is not capable of helping themselves (talk about elitism)? What part of that you disagree with & what would you have them do differently? No really.

Thank you for turning ePlaya in to Twitter.

* Plonk *

Dude! It was a joke. Playa Snark.

The crying-laughing emoji was a dead giveaway.

Breathe my man.

Sorry man. Sometimes I'm just numb to that. Sometimes it's actually hard to tell. Maybe I just need to get some playa dust on me & thicken my skin.

Either way I need to get some Playa dust on me.

Sorry if I misunderstood & overreacted. This thread just sets me off.

But I'm cool with saying sorry I'm an ass. Probably won't be the last time so keep an eye on me.

[Elorrum]

I was blunt and took a cheap shot. I’m sorry.

[Token]

I love a good hug-out!

My peeps is special!


Love you all like a bandit.

[ygmir]

I love a good hug-out!

My peeps is special!


Love you all like a bandit.

*Clutch Cargo joke *