"I'd like to hear from some foreign burners... So far, everyone I have actually heard complain is from the states."
CO, it's really easy to complain about things (even complaining about the complainers...), but I think it would be really great if you put down some ideas of how you would like to see Larry Harvey and the BMORG expand on the theme. Is there stuff in the theme that you would like to see expanded? New ideas you have that are inspired by this theme they haven't thought of? Why not give them ideas for finishing the theme since it's been left incomplete?
A lot of you have said you can't wait to see how this theme is interpreted. I'd love to see how you would like to expand upon the theme. You don't have to criticize the theme or try and address a shortcoming to do this. If you really like the theme, here's an opportunity to add ideas about how you would like to see the theme be completed (since right now it is incomplete).
How would you complete the theme? What kind of constructive, thoughtful contributions could you make so the theme is even more interesting to you? (or for some of you, to make it less problematic for you...).
"To Be Continued…"
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TheFunkHole
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2007 4:49 pm
- Location: Nevada City, California
I'm curious to know what people did for the theme this year (green man). Personally I did not see much of anything related to the theme. Does the theme affect you Burn that much whether it is good or bad, easy or difficult, fun or American?
This year was my first, and I didn't do anything that had to do with the theme of Green Man. I went there because I wanted to experience Burning Man first and foremost.
I have no clue what I would do for this coming year's theme of American Dream.
One thought was to do things that are not allowed in our country but should be, as if to say, "In MYYYYY America, I can get married to however many people I want to regardless of their sexuality or lack thereof." Then go out and find people to get married to at Burning Man, of course the marriage would only last a week, but it would fun regardless. You could have an official wedding every night and watch your husbands and wives pile up. At the end of the week there would be a divorce party and we'd all leave no trace of our marriage. Sounds dreamy.
This year was my first, and I didn't do anything that had to do with the theme of Green Man. I went there because I wanted to experience Burning Man first and foremost.
I have no clue what I would do for this coming year's theme of American Dream.
One thought was to do things that are not allowed in our country but should be, as if to say, "In MYYYYY America, I can get married to however many people I want to regardless of their sexuality or lack thereof." Then go out and find people to get married to at Burning Man, of course the marriage would only last a week, but it would fun regardless. You could have an official wedding every night and watch your husbands and wives pile up. At the end of the week there would be a divorce party and we'd all leave no trace of our marriage. Sounds dreamy.
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theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40312
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
I tend to ignore the theme, Funkhole. I've said it before, and probably be saying it all year, but the theme only has to affect what you do if you're applying for art funding. Even there it's not make or break. I guess to me, themes are a little embarrassing in a high school kind of way, like something the cheerleaders invent to raise school spirit and even in my 40s I'm the ostracised kid who's not even goth, because that would take too much organization.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
The theme for me is just like any other art on the playa. It can impact me and inspire me (as the Floating World did for me with all of the wacky sea art that I thought was really fun that year) or it doesn't interest you at all and you move on.
But this year's theme is a little different, I think. This year the theme is extra poignant (or annoying, depending on your take) compared to previous themes because of how specific it is. In the past, they've selected themes that are more open-ended and free to interpret as you like. But this year, not only is this theme specific, but it's political at a time when politics are extraordinarily polarized in America. So it's not like "Beyond Belief" or "The Stages of Man" or some ethereal theme that can be whatever you want it to be. People have feelings about America that will create a specific context for how we feel about the art. The fact that it actually means something and isn't totally ambiguous makes it have potential for lots of things - good and bad. We'll see what the community does with it.
But this year's theme is a little different, I think. This year the theme is extra poignant (or annoying, depending on your take) compared to previous themes because of how specific it is. In the past, they've selected themes that are more open-ended and free to interpret as you like. But this year, not only is this theme specific, but it's political at a time when politics are extraordinarily polarized in America. So it's not like "Beyond Belief" or "The Stages of Man" or some ethereal theme that can be whatever you want it to be. People have feelings about America that will create a specific context for how we feel about the art. The fact that it actually means something and isn't totally ambiguous makes it have potential for lots of things - good and bad. We'll see what the community does with it.
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TheFunkHole
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2007 4:49 pm
- Location: Nevada City, California
Maybe the theme is a way to get the community motivated to work together. The thought occurred to try organizing a series of community based art pieces to send messages to the gods.
I like the idea of re-enacting crop circle formations with handheld lights, glowies, torches, etc... People could gather and form elaborate shapes at night, to send messages to whomever might be watching from above.
* crop circle patterns
* peace sign
* smily face
* symbol of the man with arms raised
* space invader
maybe we could wrangle a plane to take pics of the playa-wide glowy patterns.
I get the sense some might take this idea as too cheesey, not sure why.
Has anyone heard of people doing this type of thing before?
The playa is your canvas.
I like the idea of re-enacting crop circle formations with handheld lights, glowies, torches, etc... People could gather and form elaborate shapes at night, to send messages to whomever might be watching from above.
* crop circle patterns
* peace sign
* smily face
* symbol of the man with arms raised
* space invader
maybe we could wrangle a plane to take pics of the playa-wide glowy patterns.
I get the sense some might take this idea as too cheesey, not sure why.
Has anyone heard of people doing this type of thing before?
The playa is your canvas.
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theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40312
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Do a search for "Project Megapixels" on this board.TheFunkHole wrote:Has anyone heard of people doing this type of thing before?
The playa is your canvas.
And the plane would be hard, unless it was a plane taking off from another airport that flew over BRC and returned or went on to land elsewhere.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
I've heard a number of other complaints. A lot of people are kind of afraid to address their complaints, especially publicly. After all, this is, as even I have pointed out, an "American" event. It sort of relegates them to a second class non-citizen status.
It's hard to have a normal conversation with someone with 6' acrylic rods strapped to your back.
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The CO
- Posts: 1670
- Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:56 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Camp Name: M*A*S*H 4207th/404://Village Not Found
- Location: I-CORPS, M*A*S*H HQ, Van Nuts, CA
I will theme up by doing what I always do, that most american of things, ignoring the theme!
I see a lot of the complainers to be in the same vein as those that have no kids, but insist that BM is no place to bring your children.
Valkyrie, by all means, encourage those non-US folk to voice their opinions! Sez right at the top, this is a discussion board. What are they afraid of?
I see a lot of the complainers to be in the same vein as those that have no kids, but insist that BM is no place to bring your children.
Valkyrie, by all means, encourage those non-US folk to voice their opinions! Sez right at the top, this is a discussion board. What are they afraid of?
M*A*S*H 4207th: An army of fun.
I don't care what the borg says: feather-wearers will NOT be served in Rosie's Bar.
When I ask how many burns, I mean at BRC.
I don't care what the borg says: feather-wearers will NOT be served in Rosie's Bar.
When I ask how many burns, I mean at BRC.
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skipperdoo
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:02 am
- Location: San Luis, MO
Reading threads all week on the eplaya... first time posting.
I love the responses from the entire community. You are all wonderful people, of the likes I have never met before.
This, so far, has been the most positively constructive thread I have read.
"To be continued... it will."
I hope to put some solid thought towards a response to the initial post and constructively build upon the positive kinetic energy brought forth by the concept of the theme being continued and altered in the future...
-Ketchupandliquor... or not.
I love the responses from the entire community. You are all wonderful people, of the likes I have never met before.
This, so far, has been the most positively constructive thread I have read.
"To be continued... it will."
I hope to put some solid thought towards a response to the initial post and constructively build upon the positive kinetic energy brought forth by the concept of the theme being continued and altered in the future...
-Ketchupandliquor... or not.
Thanks Skiperdoo. I created this thread because I think it's important to provide constructive solutions, and not just complain about things we don't like. I think my second suggestion was a really good one, but no one has given any feedback on it. I suggested removing this section of the theme: “Leave ideology at home; forget the blue states and the red; let parties, factions and the so-called issues that divide us fall away. Flag burning or flag worship play no part in this year's theme...â€
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White Rabbit
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:36 am
- Location: Foothills of California
American Dream
It is American in every sense of the word. It takes place in America and was started by Americans. So as far as it being global I would say it is not. The olympics are global thats why the event travels. BRC is in the State of Nevada. It is not global no matter how many non Americans(North or South)attend. No offense meant.
"It takes place in America and was started by Americans."
No offense, but it takes place on the globe and is put on by global citizens as well.
Every time someone says it's an "American Event" because it takes place in America is ignoring lots of other regional factors. It also takes place in Nevada and is produced in San Francisco, but it's not just a local Nevada event, or just a San Francisco cultural event. Nor is it just an American event. It's as much a global event as anything because some of the greatest art and community events at Burning Man have been put on by international Burners, and they deserve to be called Burners just as much as the rest of us who come home to the playa every year.
No offense, but it takes place on the globe and is put on by global citizens as well.
Every time someone says it's an "American Event" because it takes place in America is ignoring lots of other regional factors. It also takes place in Nevada and is produced in San Francisco, but it's not just a local Nevada event, or just a San Francisco cultural event. Nor is it just an American event. It's as much a global event as anything because some of the greatest art and community events at Burning Man have been put on by international Burners, and they deserve to be called Burners just as much as the rest of us who come home to the playa every year.
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GREENPENIS
- Posts: 185
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2004 12:59 pm
- Location: in between the B(.)(.)BY BAR
- Contact:
I don't know, personally, I didn't have a problem with "the Green Man".
as for "the American Dream", well , as with 'Green Man" there will
be a buttload of people dressed up with color simply taking the theme at
face value and dressing themselves/camps/artcars in red,white and blue.
At least the timing will be right for purchasing accessories and decorations
from the clearance racks after the 4th of july....
as for "the American Dream", well , as with 'Green Man" there will
be a buttload of people dressed up with color simply taking the theme at
face value and dressing themselves/camps/artcars in red,white and blue.
At least the timing will be right for purchasing accessories and decorations
from the clearance racks after the 4th of july....
I'm taking Viagra and drinking prune juice - I don't know if I'm coming or going.
-- Rodney Dangerfield
-- Rodney Dangerfield
[quote="SFNathan"]I have a camp of people who I go to Burning Man with from London who are all annoyed with the theme because they think it's exclusive. It's not just Americans who are 'tripping' on this.
It couldn't hurt to add something that explicitly deals with this issue to make the theme more globally inclusive.[/quote]
Well, one... the flags of 244 nations on the man pavillion seem to do that.
And I'd love to see art that depicts Londoners' perspective on America since the Colonies rebelled against mother England 230 years ago... maybe what would've happened if the British had won the war of colonial insurrection instead of the future US. Would we be more like Canada or Belize?
Or they can just call their camp the British Embassy and be done with it...
It couldn't hurt to add something that explicitly deals with this issue to make the theme more globally inclusive.[/quote]
Well, one... the flags of 244 nations on the man pavillion seem to do that.
And I'd love to see art that depicts Londoners' perspective on America since the Colonies rebelled against mother England 230 years ago... maybe what would've happened if the British had won the war of colonial insurrection instead of the future US. Would we be more like Canada or Belize?
Or they can just call their camp the British Embassy and be done with it...
Burning Man is about being part of a community. Unfortunately, it's a community of people who can't get up before 1 p.m. - The Onion
"Well, one... the flags of 244 nations on the man pavillion seem to do that. "
That's a start. But making the theme more explicitly inclusive of global Burners would be a good thing.
I started out opposing the theme because many burners feel its exclusive and not expressive of our community as a GLOBAL community (which we are, as much as we are a local, state and national community of Burners). I also find the theme to be kind of boring. I haven't heard many people come up with anything they want to do creatively this year inspired by the theme, or even say what they like about the theme except to say things like "I like the Constitution" and "I like the freedom to say what I want" - which is all fine and good, but not really exciting to me as an art theme. What I'm finding is that the theme is highly divisive among people and not generating a lot of creativity. This thread is an example of that. Not one other person on this thread has contributed an idea of some creative text to add to the theme.
That said, I don't really see them changing the theme and so this thread is meant to be constructive - it's about how we could improve upon the theme by expanding it to make it better. Even if you love the theme, you could help by adding ideas to the theme to finish the "to be continued" part. Anyone have any constructive ideas to add, or should they just remove the "to be continued" part and leave the theme exactly as is?
That's a start. But making the theme more explicitly inclusive of global Burners would be a good thing.
I started out opposing the theme because many burners feel its exclusive and not expressive of our community as a GLOBAL community (which we are, as much as we are a local, state and national community of Burners). I also find the theme to be kind of boring. I haven't heard many people come up with anything they want to do creatively this year inspired by the theme, or even say what they like about the theme except to say things like "I like the Constitution" and "I like the freedom to say what I want" - which is all fine and good, but not really exciting to me as an art theme. What I'm finding is that the theme is highly divisive among people and not generating a lot of creativity. This thread is an example of that. Not one other person on this thread has contributed an idea of some creative text to add to the theme.
That said, I don't really see them changing the theme and so this thread is meant to be constructive - it's about how we could improve upon the theme by expanding it to make it better. Even if you love the theme, you could help by adding ideas to the theme to finish the "to be continued" part. Anyone have any constructive ideas to add, or should they just remove the "to be continued" part and leave the theme exactly as is?
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Teo del Fuego
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2005 10:31 am
- Burning Since: 2005
No, I dont think Larry visits ePlaya until Actiongrl tells him the shit is hitting the fan so hard he needs to make a statement....and then it will be done on Tribe first.
"American Dream" does not have to be interpreted as jingoistic, though I fear most will interpet it that way. I did when I first heard it, but post like SFbrothermichael's post and others rounded out the concept a bit for me.
A lot of my friends over the years have been foreigners. To a person, they all despised our leaders and most of our policies (except for Clinton) but LOVED our country. I was biking in Moab last Spring with some young Krauts who were discussing Geo Bush. I said, 'you guys must really hate America back in Germany because of our foreign policy ineptness. ' They said the only Germans who despise America are the ones who havent been over here. They then began a two minute recitation of all the things they thought were really great about our Country and how they planned to stay here if possible.
I dont think it is exclusionary or offensive to foreigners to suggest we have something here in America pretty damn special. Also, American Dream implies a vision, a quest, for somehting perhaps we have not yet attained.
But, as far as themes goes, its a step in the wrong direction. The best themes were removed from the external worlld and invited a journey into the inner world of the psyche.
Again, the theme isn't nearly as important as what is done with the area surrounding the Man. Last year was a collossal flop. Had there been no vendors or exhibitors and it was just left to be a wide open, relaxing place for congregation it would have been much better. For me, the best Man bases are those that have a high degree of interaction. The zenith of this was, as I have posted ad nauseum, the 2005 Fun House. Great views from the top, wonderful art below, and just a wonderful place to congregate and explore.
I hope Rod Garrett has learned from l;ast year's fiasco and will incorporate those elements into the mulitnational world trade center planned for 2008's Man base.
"American Dream" does not have to be interpreted as jingoistic, though I fear most will interpet it that way. I did when I first heard it, but post like SFbrothermichael's post and others rounded out the concept a bit for me.
A lot of my friends over the years have been foreigners. To a person, they all despised our leaders and most of our policies (except for Clinton) but LOVED our country. I was biking in Moab last Spring with some young Krauts who were discussing Geo Bush. I said, 'you guys must really hate America back in Germany because of our foreign policy ineptness. ' They said the only Germans who despise America are the ones who havent been over here. They then began a two minute recitation of all the things they thought were really great about our Country and how they planned to stay here if possible.
I dont think it is exclusionary or offensive to foreigners to suggest we have something here in America pretty damn special. Also, American Dream implies a vision, a quest, for somehting perhaps we have not yet attained.
But, as far as themes goes, its a step in the wrong direction. The best themes were removed from the external worlld and invited a journey into the inner world of the psyche.
Again, the theme isn't nearly as important as what is done with the area surrounding the Man. Last year was a collossal flop. Had there been no vendors or exhibitors and it was just left to be a wide open, relaxing place for congregation it would have been much better. For me, the best Man bases are those that have a high degree of interaction. The zenith of this was, as I have posted ad nauseum, the 2005 Fun House. Great views from the top, wonderful art below, and just a wonderful place to congregate and explore.
I hope Rod Garrett has learned from l;ast year's fiasco and will incorporate those elements into the mulitnational world trade center planned for 2008's Man base.
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Rolan Headon
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:30 pm
- Location: Sonoma, CA
American self-centeredness
I too would like to hear from burners from elsewhere, broadside us a little or explain why there is relevance in what "America" thinks of herself. Does the American Dream include North and South America? Not traditionally, of course it would be something to broaden it that much anyway. Is there relevance in Coca Cola, tennis shoes, and jeans in the farthest corners of the world? Are we charging off a cliff insisting "Follow us, it's great!" Are we shoving the planet into a meatgrinder turning it into products? Well, yeah.
The freedom ideals seem worthwile, but I'd rather dive headfirst into a porta potty than think the rest of world takes us very seriously and from my travels I don't think they do. Wait and see on the mean streets of BRC!
The freedom ideals seem worthwile, but I'd rather dive headfirst into a porta potty than think the rest of world takes us very seriously and from my travels I don't think they do. Wait and see on the mean streets of BRC!
Was born late and falling ever further behind, will soon be in the lead.
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Rolan Headon
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:30 pm
- Location: Sonoma, CA
'Global' citizens? Where's globe? This is just silly.No offense, but it takes place on the globe and is put on by global citizens as well.
As is this--
Every time someone says it's an "American Event" because it takes place in America is ignoring lots of other regional factors. It also takes place in Nevada which is in The United States of America and is produced in San Francisco which is in The United States of America, but it's not just a local Nevada which is in The United States of America event, or just a San Francisco which is in The United States of America cultural event. Nor is it just an American event. It's as much a global event as anything because some of the greatest art and community events at Burning Man have been put on by international Burners, and they deserve to be called Burners just as much as the rest of us who come home to the playa every year.
It is an event in which people from everywhere can and do participate that was created in America, is held in America, and is very precious to a whole lot of Americans.
It is also precious to people who are from other countries. And we(meaning burners) do not demand that they forego their national identity to attend, do we? We don't have a problem with Canadian Burners or Euro-burners or anyone else sticking their little tag, their little bit of identity on it, we don't try to force them to refer to anything they do at Bing Man as 'globalist', 'global' or whatever--but when Americans dare to take pride in an event that was created by Americans...well that's just wrong.
Well that's crap.
America has done a lot of great things--and maybe, if we focused on those great things, and tried to build on them and expand them--instead of assigning the 'good' to the "globe" maybe something great could come of it.
But if we re-assign all the good away from us them we make ourselves out to be universally bad and worthy of nothing but contempt.
"Life is like a box of razor blades. Sharp, shiny, and good for removing unwanted body hair"
"America has done a lot of great things--and maybe, if we focused on those great things, and tried to build on them and expand them--instead of assigning the 'good' to the "globe" maybe something great could come of it....But if we re-assign all the good away from us them we make ourselves out to be universally bad and worthy of nothing but contempt."
Lurker, Burning Man is a global event. People come from all over the globe to create it. Yes it is an American event TOO. No one can deny that or is trying to deny you that. But it is also a global event because it is not just 'done by America' as you say, but it's done by people from all over the world. Your attempt to 'assign the good' that Burning Man offers to Americans only is a disservice to all the wonderful Burners who come from all over the world to help create this event. It's not just about us - it's about them too. You can say that's silly, crap, or whatever dismissive thing you want to say, but you can't deny that people from all around the world are just as much Burners as you and I. They deserve to be a part of the vision of Burning Man.
Lurker, Burning Man is a global event. People come from all over the globe to create it. Yes it is an American event TOO. No one can deny that or is trying to deny you that. But it is also a global event because it is not just 'done by America' as you say, but it's done by people from all over the world. Your attempt to 'assign the good' that Burning Man offers to Americans only is a disservice to all the wonderful Burners who come from all over the world to help create this event. It's not just about us - it's about them too. You can say that's silly, crap, or whatever dismissive thing you want to say, but you can't deny that people from all around the world are just as much Burners as you and I. They deserve to be a part of the vision of Burning Man.
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Rolan Headon
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:30 pm
- Location: Sonoma, CA
Dear Lurker,
It's really great that you love America and all, but is it ok if some of us think the "God Bless America..." and nobody else slant of our president and some of the most rabid patriots could use a little broadening of perspective? Please tell us you're not going to go off on how we need to nuke the Muslims or anyone else that doesn't recognize our superiority and prominence on the world stage, as you have before. Sometimes you very patriotic types are a little like Joe Blow who's self worth is wrapped up in his identification with his favorite team, say the NY Yankees and their winning ways, and believe they actually share some of the attributes of their dominating heroes. Go ahead, pump your fist, in the classic "in your face" style but don't be surprised if much of the world yawns. And no, I'm not any more anti-American than you are.
It's really great that you love America and all, but is it ok if some of us think the "God Bless America..." and nobody else slant of our president and some of the most rabid patriots could use a little broadening of perspective? Please tell us you're not going to go off on how we need to nuke the Muslims or anyone else that doesn't recognize our superiority and prominence on the world stage, as you have before. Sometimes you very patriotic types are a little like Joe Blow who's self worth is wrapped up in his identification with his favorite team, say the NY Yankees and their winning ways, and believe they actually share some of the attributes of their dominating heroes. Go ahead, pump your fist, in the classic "in your face" style but don't be surprised if much of the world yawns. And no, I'm not any more anti-American than you are.
Was born late and falling ever further behind, will soon be in the lead.
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retropsycho
- Posts: 347
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 9:02 pm
- Location: SF Bay Area
- Contact:
Okay, it has been continued
The Art Theme for 2008 has been continued, with a quote from Malcolm in the Middle:
http://www.burningman.com/art_of_burnin ... theme.html
http://www.burningman.com/art_of_burnin ... theme.html
I will not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone . . . there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
I don't want to belabor the obvious, but do you really think people would stop putting on BM if people from other countries stopped coming?Lurker, Burning Man is a global event. People come from all over the globe to create it
And I wasn't attempting to 'assign the good' to the US, I was pointing out that so many of us twist our heads into knots to keep from assigning ANYTHING good to America that we leave ourselves looking vile and dirty--even while people flock to America to partake in Burning Man.
We need to stop doing that.
We need to recognise that Burning Man exists in the world, in America, as a result of the peculiar ideas that are encouraged to flourish here, that spreading those ideas is a good thing, that if we focused more on the good things that we do we'd be able to do more good in the world.
Well, I don't think I EVER said we should bomb ANYONE simply because they won't recognise our 'superiority' and 'prominence' on the world stage. I DID say that I fear that the current conflict will escalate to nuclear weapons before Islam will accept that other cultures and faiths have a right to exist without Muslim stewardship.Please tell us you're not going to go off on how we need to nuke the Muslims or anyone else that doesn't recognize our superiority and prominence on the world stage, as you have before.
I still fear that.
And I still prefer that we continue to exist. I find what America offers worthy of protection. I won't force it on others--but I feel no qualms at saying I'd kill to defend it.
"Life is like a box of razor blades. Sharp, shiny, and good for removing unwanted body hair"
Well hi there, a Dutch burner here.The CO wrote:I'd like to hear from some foreign burners. The Herrings still seem interested. Nogganoodle, your opinion?
So far, everyone I have actually heard complain is from the states.
I couldn't care less about the theme, I am my own theme.
If I really had to judge it I guess I think it's OK, at least it causes plenty of discussion and thought.
Some of my ancestors once had the dream to live in the US, my brother actually does.
IMHO there's nothing wrong with referring to only the Northern continent when using the word "America", that's what most of the world does anyway.
I've never heard an Ecuadorian/Peruvian/Brazilian/etc. say they're " American" for instance.
If I did care about the theme I guess I'd rather have one that leaves nationality, religion and such out of it. I liked Hope and Fear. Donkey Fucking was a good one too.
I do believe BM as it is right now should be considered a global event.
As Lurker said, it won't cease to be without non-Americans but right now it's an international thing.
Too many puppies
with guns in their hands.
with guns in their hands.
Another foreign burner commenting. Coincidentally as in the above post also from the the Netherlands.
At first, being an artist from Europe, the "American Dream" theme didn't make me jump with enthusiasm. And yes, I felt somewhat excluded not being from the States. But since I have been to the Playa before and built some really big artworks and a spark of that Playa enthusiasm remained in my veins (probably that spark won't ever leave my system again :D ), I decided to use the theme as a starting point of thought and took the opportunity to respond to the American dream, without being to literal and ending up with negative or positive criticism of America itself.
To cut a long story short; I came up with an idea for a new project and am working very hard on it, to make it as perfect as possible. So,yes, eventually the theme did really inspire me!
Because of the theme, I'd really like it to become a joint European-American effort and already I got a lot of help offered from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean!
So I think if you really want to keep this event global, you can keep complaining about the theme on this forum, or you could help out with this project and make an European-American Dream come true.
(Or is this too much of blatant self-promotion? LOL )
I'll post my project soon in the Art&Performance section when all is completed.
At first, being an artist from Europe, the "American Dream" theme didn't make me jump with enthusiasm. And yes, I felt somewhat excluded not being from the States. But since I have been to the Playa before and built some really big artworks and a spark of that Playa enthusiasm remained in my veins (probably that spark won't ever leave my system again :D ), I decided to use the theme as a starting point of thought and took the opportunity to respond to the American dream, without being to literal and ending up with negative or positive criticism of America itself.
To cut a long story short; I came up with an idea for a new project and am working very hard on it, to make it as perfect as possible. So,yes, eventually the theme did really inspire me!
Because of the theme, I'd really like it to become a joint European-American effort and already I got a lot of help offered from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean!
So I think if you really want to keep this event global, you can keep complaining about the theme on this forum, or you could help out with this project and make an European-American Dream come true.
(Or is this too much of blatant self-promotion? LOL )
I'll post my project soon in the Art&Performance section when all is completed.