Fuck This Theme

[TheGreenMan]

Hi Burning Man Central,

I have a love of America, and also a loathing of it. I celebrate and hold
dear to certain ideals, but I also know that it is a horrible, horrible
social institution that has done horrible, horrible things. A favorite poem
of mine is Langston Hughes's Let America Be America Again. But the refrain
to that poem is: "America was never America to me."

I celebrate moments when I am able to meet with conservatives and
bush-supporters on a human level. Sometimes you have to avoid overtly
political discussions to bond in this way. It is even worthy to try to
build upon shared values which bridge the philosophies of Americans living
in Red and Blue states (the Red and Blue State divide is a fiction, anyway).

So I think I understand what you guys were aspiring to with this year's
theme. But I think it is wholly misguided.

In fact, this bit from your theme page is deeply patronizing:

"Leave ideology at home; forget the blue states and the red; let
parties, factions and the issues that divide us fall away."

I will forget nothing.

In fact, I think it is criminal to forget dark path that our government has
lead us down. It is criminal to forget that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis
have been violently killed in our illegal and aggressive war, and millions
more have had their lives wrecked. It is criminal to forget that our
government, and we as a people, are avoiding the climate change issue.

The factions and issues that divide us will not fall away. They have to be
dealt with. They have to be addressed head on.

One of the best pieces of art I've seen at burning man was in, I think,
2002. When I was biking out on the playa, I saw in the distance a circle of
ten American flags.

I was horrified and afraid, but I biked towards the installation with my
heart in my throat. As an activist who had been sacrificing my livelihood
and sanity to try to stop an unjust war, I was horrified. Was this what my
beloved city had come to? Had the plague of flag-waving nationalism
infected Burning Man, the refuge of my soul?

I flew into the midst of flew flags on my wheels and the vision changed.
These were not ordinary American flags, they were the Corporate Flags that
are sold by Adbusters. In place of white stars, in the blue field they
carried corporate logos: the Playboy Bunny, the Nike Swoosh, ABCNBCCBS,
Microsoft Windows, Pepsi, Coke, et cetera. Standing in the center of the
flags was George W. Bush holding the earth in his hands, and on it were
spray-painted the words "For Sale."

I cried. This art opened up bottled feelings which I felt afraid to share
or express, and thus even to feel. It gave me great relief to be able to
see the truth there in front of me, without censorship. I felt love for
whoever made that art. And I felt the beauty and power of the Burning
Man... the rawness of human nature and the desert conspiring in creativity,
welling up like grass in the sidewalk.

When I look at the graphic of the Burning Man's head together with the swish
of the American flag, I cannot help but feel ill.

I love America. I am an American.

But the theme of this year's event needs to change.

If you want, have a camp dedicated to the theme. I think it could be
constructive.

But you have no right to put this unwelcome umbrella over the whole event.
It is oppressive. It is counter to the spirit of Burning Man. It is not
constructive, it is divisive. It is ugly.

If Burning Man's organizers want to hold true to the ideals of America, it
will be democratic about this. If (as seems to be the case from reading
eplaya) a majority of concerned burners don't want this theme, then it
should be changed. If the organizers are dismissive of the popular will,
then they are being autocratic, and the American Dream theme they are
forcing on us will become most ironic.

I used to read how Mr. Larry would evade questions about who the Man is or
what, specifically the event was about. Yes, there was a lot of talk about
community, but there also seemed to be a general open-mindedness that didn't
want to force Burning Man to be one thing. Why are you going back on this
now?

Please change the theme.

Thanks you for all of your hard work in putting on this event.

Sincerely,

The Green Man

[Ugly Dougly]

Looks like you have a lot to say about a theme that you hate.

[mdmf007]

I respect your view, but have to say i was dissapointed by your story. It sounded like you would have been dissapointed had the display that you were headed out to turned out to be actual US flags?

sounded odd to me. As far as themes go I also think its lame, but what the hell, Im willing to see how it turns out.

[BitterDan]

FUCK YO COUCH!

I'M RICK JAMES BITCH@!

[MikeVDS]

...but I also know that it is a horrible, horrible social institution that has done horrible, horrible things.

So make a house of horror in honor of the theme. You want to chose the theme, then throw your own event.

[Stagger]

Yes, American Institutions have done horrible things....

... so turn that into art...

Day 1: Dress up as Native Americans... walk out onto the playa.. have white men slaughter you... then wrap a rope around the dead and call it a reservation. Open a casino.

Day 2: Dress up as slaves. walk out on the playa.. have white men whip you. Try to convince people that this is not a BDSM camp. Play jazz music.

Day 3: Dress up as Japanes American citizens. .. walk out on the playa. Have white men round you up and put you in a concentration camp. Explain to Thunderdoom that you confiscated their doom to house enemies of the state.

Day 4: Dress up as Hippies. walk out on the playa.. have white men shoot at you. Let 4 of you lay there and put a sign that says Kent State. See if anyone knows what the hell Kent State is...

Day 5: Dress up as soldiers.. walk out on the playa.. Attack and take the man... then retreat... then attack and take the man again... then retreat... attack and take the man again... then retreat... each time leave more bodies behind. Call it Vietnam. Don't bother with the defoliant.. you won't need it there.

Day 6: Dress up as Congress man... walk out on the Playa.. Tell everyone you meet that you are covered for life for medical expenses. Tell them they are fucked.

Day 7: Dress up as Burners... walk out on the Playa... Enjoy the freaking burn... Pick up some moop. Smile at a stranger. Go home.

Sounds like fun to me..

[Simon of the Playa]

burning man is as american as elvis pie...

now wrap your green ass in the red white and blue and come join us at camp scoundrel, you dirty fucking hippy.


BURNING MAN 2008, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, commie.


get a haircut while your at it, and for GOD'S SAKE, shave your legs.

[motskyroonmatick]

TheGreenMan,
I believe many of the reasons for L.H. choosing this theme are contained in between the lines in your post. I was very uncomfortable with the theme when it was announced. Now I am looking forward to what it produces. My hope is that those of us who communicate through art will be able to transform this theme in to some great impactfull experiences and messages.
I'm looking forward to how it will all play out.

[erri2000]

Words are nothing if we do not put meaning to them. The words “The American Dreamâ€

[Captain Goddammit]

ATTENTION CLUELESS ACTIVISTS: IT'S A FUCKING CAMPING TRIP.

"Greenman", you take this WAY too seriously.
The theme is fine, it does not "need to be changed".
Nothing in Iraq, or Washington, or ANYWHERE is going to be affected in ANY way because of the theme selected for some god damn party out in the desert next summer. Burning Man does not determine foreign policy.
Hell, most Burners pretty much ignore the theme!

The best thing for everyone, if you hate it so much, would be if you simply don't come.

In my interpretation, the American Dream is a peaceful, prosperous place, with cool cars and gadgets of all sorts, sunny summer days, good health, and awesome events like Burning Man. (Pay attention, this next sentence sums up what you don't get.) Maybe it isn't the American reality, but it's the American Dream.

The theme is "American Dream", not "American Foreign Policy", or "Conservative Politics".

[veleda]

my whole camp is so disgusted we are all taking the year off.

[Kinetik V]

my whole camp is so disgusted we are all taking the year off.

Great! That's less "I have to have my artistic vision spoonfed to me through Larry's theme" mindsets that we don't have to deal with. And that means the overall quality of the event should improve. Also that's less traffic on 447 for Exodus!. No wait...for every jaded closed minded old timer that leaves there are 2 newbies to take their place. Damn, I almost forgot about that. Anyway the event will go on just fine without ya this year...see ya in 2009!

[theCryptofishist]

But don't plan on seeing me. I really hope I don't find a reason to come back after 08. And it has nothing to do wiht whatever dreary little excuse for a theme Larry comes up with either.

[robotland]

But don't plan on seeing me. I really hope I don't find a reason to come back after 08. .

How about....good company? (I'm just pleased to gather, from context, that you're planning to come next year!)


I can't WAIT to see what comes outta the theme this time around..America-bashing is relatively easy these days, but there's SO much room to move within the Dream Theme....or say fuggit and build a bratty French robot diva, or something else.

[Simon of the Playa]

crypto, you HAVE to come back....i JUST BOUGHT my SNOOP DOGG SANDALS, and i will be PIMPNG OUT MY TOES next year....

2009......Crips vs. Bloods......to hell with this santa / clown bullshit.

[Ugly Dougly]

I am on strike today.

Who of my brave brethren and cistern will join me this day?!

Viva la Huelga!

[theCryptofishist]

But don't plan on seeing me. I really hope I don't find a reason to come back after 08. .

How about....good company? (I'm just pleased to gather, from context, that you're planning to come next year!)

good company is what's bringing me back in 08.

But I wanna go to Africa, and down the Colorado and back to Prague....

[thisisthatwhichis]

But don't plan on seeing me. I really hope I don't find a reason to come back after 08. .

How about....good company? (I'm just pleased to gather, from context, that you're planning to come next year!)

good company is what's bringing me back in 08.

But I wanna go to Africa, and down the Colorado and back to Prague....

Hell, I wish I could go with ya on some of those trips...... Ehhh, one day.... hopefully sooner than later.....

[Rolan Headon]

Christopher Columbus was an illegal immigrant. George Washington beat his slaves. The Great American War on the Wild is waged every day...
...but even dorkiness can be cool. Things have never been perfect, but can't we still dream? Malcontents can join Little Miss Fitter's Band! Jimi Hendrix made distortion inspiring...
Personally ah won't miss the disgusted people on the playa next year or if they show up maybe their twisted takes will be amusing...the new 'Merican Dream - to prove we are brighter than a jar full of yeast consuming all resources and nodding out for eternity? Maybe burners from other countries will have insights on the "Greatest Nation on Earth" and our narcissistic dreams. Maybe the American Dream shoved in the landfill can sprout something less materialistic, maybe hope is not soggy dead...

[Toolmaker]

And don't ever forget that.

The American Dream is 50,000 people gathering in the Desert once a year to celebrate Peace and Love.

The American Dream is trading in your urban uniform for a pair of goggles and a dust mask, and, while the rest of the world mindlessly treks on in their airconditioned palaces, you step out of your tent for a bike ride in the Dust Storm.

The American Dream is not just reciting the 1st Amendment, but invoking it for every purpose from writing silly things in the dirt on your car to respectfully expressing to the RV Burners with endless consumer goods (wasteful packaging pre-"disposed" of) hauled in from LA that maybe they missed the point...

The American Dream is waking up one day to realize that the vast majority of this country have been sold an American Dream as hollow and empty as the housing developments they are living in, and that it will be buried alive with the sub-prime mortgage market.

The American Dream is being outraged that Burning Man would ever choose a theme so (insert adjective) and holding protests on the playa to demostrate the mass dissatisfaction.

The American Dream is bringing two art installations to the playa this year: One that encapsulates what you love most about this country, and one that encapsulates what enrages the deepest revolutionary bone in your body.

Or better yet, bringing one art installation that encapsulates both.

The American Dream is incinerating the flag of the nation that gives one such a right to express such grievances.

The American Dream is returning to the default world every September with a renewed hope for humanity.

The American Dream is that exactly: The beautiful dream endowed upon us by our creator that we are sovereign citizens in this universe, that we are masters of our own destiny, and that human beings are good decent people who can beautifully coexist when just given the chance.

Whether or not that dream has been realized for us, or we are just another group in line to help move us closer to one day establishing the government for the people, by the people, and of the people that was once imagined, the arbitrary lines in the sand we call the United States of America contain an incredibly powerful tool. A tool that could be used to bring peace and justice the world at large, or a tool that can resigned to the people who have exploited its powers this whole time.

Be the Change. Make it happen. Take this year's theme and run with it.

Does the current version of Revolutionaries' painting look a little dingy these days? Having trouble making out those inaliable rights? Then grab some soap and start cleaning for godesses' sake! Who do you think is going to start mopping up this mess?

What is your American Dream?
Tell the playa all about your beautiful vision, and show them how they can take is back to the default word.

Does all the flag waving and blind nationalism make your stomach turn?
Build a Stars & Stripes confessional where we can express our remorse and ask for forgiveness, and create penances where for the people to bring just to the world.

War'd out by the War on Drugs, War on Terror, War on Poverty, War on Tooth Decay?
Hold a Communications workshop showing how to unite a people around a positive cause.

Think it's time to go back to the drawing board?
Then hold the 3rd Consitutional Convention, and submit your plan.

Think we're barking up a dead tree and there's no hope for Jesusland?
Then let BRC be the founding place of the next American Revolution.

Remember, there is no US Consitution because the colonists sat around talking about how frustrated they were with King George. If you read Howard Zinn, you might find that infact, very similar to today, the vast majority of the population was rather indifferent to Colonial Independence, and it was only due to the exeptional efforts of a concentrated few that there is even an American Dream to be debated.

Let this theme inspire you to spark the Revolution and start carving out your dream, be it American, Earthly, Galactical, or Universal.

[Toolmaker]

And don't ever forget that.

The American Dream is 50,000 people gathering in the Desert once a year to celebrate Peace and Love.

The American Dream is trading in your urban uniform for a pair of goggles and a dust mask, and, while the rest of the world mindlessly treks on in their airconditioned palaces, you step out of your tent for a bike ride in the Dust Storm.

The American Dream is not just reciting the 1st Amendment, but invoking it for every purpose from writing silly things in the dirt on your car to respectfully expressing to the RV Burners with endless consumer goods (wasteful packaging pre-"disposed" of) hauled in from LA that maybe they missed the point...

The American Dream is waking up one day to realize that the vast majority of this country have been sold an American Dream as hollow and empty as the housing developments they are living in, and that it will be buried alive with the sub-prime mortgage market.

The American Dream is being outraged that Burning Man would ever choose a theme so (insert adjective) and holding protests on the playa to demostrate the mass dissatisfaction.

The American Dream is bringing two art installations to the playa this year: One that encapsulates what you love most about this country, and one that encapsulates what enrages the deepest revolutionary bone in your body.

Or better yet, bringing one art installation that encapsulates both.

The American Dream is incinerating the flag of the nation that gives one such a right to express such grievances.

The American Dream is returning to the default world every September with a renewed hope for humanity.

The American Dream is that exactly: The beautiful dream endowed upon us by our creator that we are sovereign citizens in this universe, that we are masters of our own destiny, and that human beings are good decent people who can beautifully coexist when just given the chance.

Whether or not that dream has been realized for us, or we are just another group in line to help move us closer to one day establishing the government for the people, by the people, and of the people that was once imagined, the arbitrary lines in the sand we call the United States of America contain an incredibly powerful tool. A tool that could be used to bring peace and justice the world at large, or a tool that can resigned to the people who have exploited its powers this whole time.

Be the Change. Make it happen. Take this year's theme and run with it.

Does the current version of Revolutionaries' painting look a little dingy these days? Having trouble making out those inaliable rights? Then grab some soap and start cleaning for godesses' sake! Who do you think is going to start mopping up this mess?

What is your American Dream?
Tell the playa all about your beautiful vision, and show them how they can take is back to the default word.

Does all the flag waving and blind nationalism make your stomach turn?
Build a Stars & Stripes confessional where we can express our remorse and ask for forgiveness, and create penances where for the people to bring just to the world.

War'd out by the War on Drugs, War on Terror, War on Poverty, War on Tooth Decay?
Hold a Communications workshop showing how to unite a people around a positive cause.

Think it's time to go back to the drawing board?
Then hold the 3rd Consitutional Convention, and submit your plan.

Think we're barking up a dead tree and there's no hope for Jesusland?
Then let BRC be the founding place of the next American Revolution.

Remember, there is no US Consitution because the colonists sat around talking about how frustrated they were with King George. If you read Howard Zinn, you might find that infact, very similar to today, the vast majority of the population was rather indifferent to Colonial Independence, and it was only due to the exeptional efforts of a concentrated few that there is even an American Dream to be debated.

Let this theme inspire you to spark the Revolution and start carving out your dream, be it American, Earthly, Galactical, or Universal.

[playafucker]

the more I read about this theme on the boards the more I love it.

I thought it lame at first too, but on closer inspection it really is drawing to people so something more meaningful than just the average general theme.

It is making people think about their lives, their country(which should be important, a reminder to all us space cadets) the cultural stories and meaning
we all deal with.

It is making people have reactions like they wouldn't of had if the theme was say Passion. It gets people to think. Which may be something that needs to happen in such a experiential community like this. I can say my favorite moments on the playa is when I find someone that is smart and can talk about things. Its great to be all greased up and naked and having a body experience but that is not everything. especially if this is really about art. Which is really a DIALOG about emotion and dream and vision.

Burning offers to show what is great about the ironic contradiction that is America. Were we say one thing and do other. Where we present a certain face and then go behind doors and have another.

I think the resistance to this is that the hippies don't want to be reminded of America because they associate it with the Government and that is going to bum there trip out.

First

most of all the art I have seen on the playa usually has nothing to do with the theme and if it does it is in a very abstract way.

Second

I think this is the most needed dialog right now.

Who are we as people?

AS A COLLECTIVE?
and

WHAT DO WE ALL MEAN TO EACH OTHER?

isnt that what burning man is focused on?

Everyone hates the lack of integrity of this country but they also
love the liberty and freedom afforded to them...

They want all the good stuff with out having to say there are really with America

its like a girlfriend you don't really let your friends meet. You love to fuck her and hang out, and you might even really love her, but for some reason your ashamed to be associated with her. (for whatever reason)...

Well maybe its time we came to the light and fully loved where we come from and we are.

People are disgusted in this theme because at heart
they hate something in them selves.

the best analogy is a hippy that whines all day about oil and gas and then gets in there car and drives home.

YOU are just as bad if not worse than the perpetrator's of misfortune and ignorance. At least they own up to wanting what they want. You are a fucking hypocrite. If your really think this place is as bad as you do then leave.

In a way BM at this point is mirroring the perceived illusion of America. (that at some point this nation was of pure intention. It kind of was but not really if you read your PEOPLES HISTORY OF UNITED STATES)

In the same way people talk about the how good burning man was and how its falling off. Hopefully this theme will make us look at that. Look at all the complainers. Well its the same thing. If you don't like it then don't go.

WHY DO YOU DO SOMETHING YOU OPPOSED TOO?

because you like one aspect of it? Well you got to have it all. I'm sorry to take you out of the clouds, but that is they way it is. And anyone with a true artistic sensibility would know that art is the all in composing.

THAT IS WHY ART IS SO POWERFUL
IT LETS EVERYTHING EXIST IN IT AS BEAUTY

I would LOVE more than anything to have all the trance and crappy techno stop at BM, but it is a free experience in this free country, so I must embrace it and use my creativity to deal with it (any one up for a no techno protest to the man?) that is what makes it great.

That is what the American Dream is: An abundant co-existence of aligned and contrasting opinions that choose liberty over violence and domination. A place to be what you want to be with out someone telling you other wise. Very Burning man way to be.


p.s.

to all the airy upset hippy's

it's easy to hate things
How about to change things?

[moshe!]

Luckily , next years theme is "taking yourself too seriously." so you should feel right at home there.

[Ugly Dougly]

Don't be getting creative, I won't have it.

[DaddyMassive]

Coming from Great Britain, I find this theme extremely narrow in scope.
I know BM is 90% Americans, but it gives the 10% even less of a chance than the Americans who find it shite.

Sure it talks about our own patriotism, but it later talks about demonstrating what we find proud or annoying about America.

I really think it's too rude to come along and be critical of the host nation (I can save USA bashing for when I'm back at home) but what the fuck else is there to do? (short of ignore it all completely)

If me and my friends came along waving the Union Jacks and banging on about all things British, ....it'd be so cliched it looked like it could of come out of Austin Powers or you guys aren't going to get it. Plus some arse hat will ask where's the American Dream in that.

Honestly, what can we say we're happy America has done that's been able to permiate to us in a posative way?
Democracy? We had that already
Capitalism? Sadly we started that
True equality & civil rights? Another European first I'm afraid.
America created enduring peace? HA! Larry's out of his fucking mind!
Manned space flight? We have to give the Nazis credit for that.
Glutinous choice? Can you see I'm starting to become a bit jaded.
Commercialism & advertising go against the core principles of Burning Man.
The Manhattan Project? Crude Awakening got that covered

Movies, music & entertainment? Lame, but it's sadly the 'best' you've accomplished.

I suppose saying Burning Man is my favourite thing about America & celebrating that would be easy but a cop out, so..
to celebrate the American Drearym, I'll be hosting a Hip Hop and nacho cheese extraveganza. Cheese and crackers.. yeah that'll do. :D

[Teo del Fuego]

Dude, Its just a theme, admittedly lame, but who the fuck cares? There aren't theme compliance checkers at the gate. Go, and don't hang out with yer buds from Old Blighty, instead, get to know some Americans of all ages from all around this huge country full of diverse people with diverse thoughts and opinions. It may be a good education. Only tourists think America is some huge monolithic nation upon which the sins of a stupid-ass president can be visited.

Whew, I feel better already

[Captain Goddammit]

Manned space flight? We have to give the Nazis credit for that.


Movies, music & entertainment? Lame, but it's sadly the 'best' you've accomplished.

I suppose saying Burning Man is my favourite thing about America & celebrating that would be easy but a cop out, so..
to celebrate the American Drearym, I'll be hosting a Hip Hop and nacho cheese extraveganza. Cheese and crackers.. yeah that'll do.

Give credit to the Nazis for manned space flight?? Did they ever accomplish it? Uh... NO. Hell, you'd BE a Nazi if that awful America hadn't saved you from them.

Movies/music/entertainment is the best we've accomplished? We could spend all day listing additional reasons why you're both wrong and an idiot.

Why don't you stay home? Oh, I forgot, you need to come here and see a dentist.

Seriously chap, it's a free country (free from YOUR country's attempt at control over it!) and you can write what you want, regardless of how much bullshit it is. You can thank US for that kind of opportunity.

Wanker.

[Mr.MaskedDude]

DaddyMassive is a funny bloke.

Yeah yeah, go England woo woo yay England. You're right America sucks. America sure is a shit hole. Hasn't done anything that permiates England in a positive way. Blah blah.

You seem to greatly dislike America, meh.

Make that your theme. You can be another guy with his head up his ass. Walk around with a white wig on, or with yellow nasty teeth, or dressed up in a hooligan regalia making a fool of yourself, or whatever other stereotype you can come up with...then bash America for...ummmm hip hop and cheese....yes....thats a good representation of American culture.

Whats with you guys? No love for your little brother America? I swear, ive met some pretty intelligent people from across the pond, but a lot of them have their heads wedged squarely up in their rectums. I knew a visiting British doctor right, who couldnt stop commenting on how American's dont read books only tabloids and how were all porkers....yeah, you got us there bud...good one.

Feel free to bash America, just do it from a friendly "creative" angle instead of just listing out idiotic stereotypes about how much we suck balls.

[Kinetik V]

Nogganoodle is the first Brit I've ever had a chance to speak to for any length of time, and I'm glad to have met her. Because by doing so I know that not all Brits are as closed minded as DaddyMassive.

If you don't like the fucking theme, use some damn imagination and do your own thing, or stamp your passport in Orlando and go to Disneyworld where you'll have a nice, comfortable, homogenized and sanitized for your protection experience where you can view the fruits of someone else's imagination and not your own.

[theCryptofishist]

People, people. Calm down. TAke a deep breath. and remember the theme is: Pizza.

Pizza.


Unless, of course it's get drunk and burn shit. But that does produce a nasty smell.