Post
by jmoralesgibson » Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:43 pm
This year will be my son Dexter's 5th burn and he's six. Our calendar year revolves around the burn, and Dex looks forward to it more than Christmas. He's a burner year round, wears his outfits and does something creative almost every day. His teacher brags that she has a burner in her class.
It think it's probably easier to expose younger kids to the Black Rock scene, because they still make innocent assumptions. If Dex sees a couple in a passionate embrace, he says "Hey they're kissing" and giggle, no big deal. If he sees a giant penis art car, he's thrilled because he has a penis, no big deal. He's so used to seeng nudity, that it seems natural and he loves to be naked too! The casual nudity helps balance the hypocritically-prudish standard that American culture promotes, and teaches him that there is no shame in the human form. It's not like a "Girls Gone Wild" video.
Sure, there are some wild things kids will see, but probably no more sex or adult behavior than they see on TV and movies, and no violence. It also helps to camp away from 'adult content' neighborhoods. And if anything, it sparks questions and begins useful conversations about sex, drugs, creativity, acceptance and the individualism. The overall experience allows him to expand his idea of creativity and acceptance. And where else would a kid get to wear a costume every day, and get the best gifts from generous burners. Kids really do get the best stuff. We've met some of the nicest people, adults and kids, because of Dexter.
As far as being safe, it's totally managable. Just because you go to Burning Man, doesn't mean you stop being a sensable parent for a week. Use common sense, read everthing on prep and do it, especially sunscreen, water and putting ID tags on your kids. Dex was 16 months at his first burn, and sure it took more prep but not much more. We kept him hydrated, cool, fed and out of the sun, all without an RV. And we were able to see just as much of Black Rock with a bike trailor.
In todays harsh world of gotta-have-it-consumerism and excessive-wealth-celebrititus, getting exposed to the generousity and creativity of the Black Rock community will give you and your kids a sense of what's real and new kind of hope for human-kind. You will all come back with a new appreciation for the ease of daily life, indoor plumbing and your local garbage-man. It will likely alter how you manage your footprint on the world, a great lesson for kids. Thats a good thing because our survival as a species depends on future generations changing how we live.
About a month ago, Dexter asked that dreaded question, '"Can we go to Disneyland? All my friends have been." My answer was, "We get to go to Burning Man for vacation instead. How many of your friends get to go to Burning Man?". I also compared how Burning Man is a gift society, and Disneyland is pure consumerism, where all we'd do is spend money. He thought about it for a while, then asked "How long until we go to Burning Man?" He has asks that question every day since.
We'll continue to take Dex to Black Rock as long as he wants to go. When get gets older, he won't have the culture shock that other 13-year old burners may experience as newbies. It's best seven-day life-education you'll find anywhere. Come by and ask Dexter, he'll tell you himself.
Judi (Dexter's Mom)
Camp Hot Monkey Sox, Sock Monkey Worksho
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