Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.
– Verna Myers
Right now we are grappling with huge problems in America, from income inequality to police brutality. It seems Americans are finally waking up and taking to the streets to demand justice, equality, and inclusivity. And while there are huge systematic changes that need to occur in our towns and neighborhoods, let’s not forget the backcountry could use some improvement too.
For far too long, the great outdoors have been a space consumed by privilege. So many of the people enjoying our public lands possess the same narrow list of attributes. White. Educated. Economically secure. Able-bodied. Simply put, there is an overwhelming lack of diversity in the outdoors, especially in the backcountry.
Most of us enjoying these spaces don’t mean to exclude others. But, the fact of the matter is that our actions (or inaction) have this effect. When privilege abounds, those who don’t fit the mold become less visible. They are deterred from participating. They feel pushed out. And their voices are muffled.
THE UNSPOKEN PROBLEM
While I was hiking on the Appalachian Trail last year, I met a thru-hiker from London named “Ambassador”. Given her country of origin, it might surprise you to learn that is she’s also a black woman. She adopted this particular trail name on the AT after noticing how few people of color were out on trail. She reported that she often felt like an ambassador between the hiking and the black communities.
There was a lot of truth in Ambassador’s observations about lack of racial diversity in the backcountry. During the remainder to the trail, I would meet more white hikers from places like Germany or New Zealand than black, Asian, Arab, Latinx, or Native Americans from our own backyard. And it’s tremendously sobering that a someone from a foreign country had to point this fact out.
Do white Americans simply assume their non-white counterparts just aren’t all that interested in the camping, or hiking, or being in nature? In my experience, that’s the farthest thing from the truth. And so, I’m deeply concerned that we aren’t doing enough to make sure everyone feels included in our outdoor community.
If you are white and reading this, let me ask you a few questions about the following topics.
- Media. When was the last time you saw an ad or article for skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, trail running, or any other backcountry experience that featured someone of color? It’s no secret that our mountains, trails, and National Parks are often depicted in the media as white, privileged spaces. What are we doing to address this problem?
- Violence. Would you go for a trail run if you had to worry about bigots with guns chasing after you and shooting you down like Ahmaud Arbery? How can we expect people of color to feel physically safe hiking through parts of this country where the Confederate flag is still allowed to fly even though it’s now 2020? What are we doing to address this problem?
- Access. Why are there so many fewer parks and outdoor spaces to explore in places where communities of color tend to live? Why are Americans threatening to call the police to report the mere presence of black and brown people in the outdoors (a problem many non-white birders, scientists, and naturalists encounter)? What are we doing to address this problem?
White Americans don’t hold a monopoly on wanting to be bold adventurers. We aren’t the only ones who long for the serenity of a long trail or the camaraderie of the outdoor community. Yet, people of color continue to be excluded from backcountry recreation as we know it.
SOME SOLUTIONS
The time is long overdue for us make real effort to ensure EVERYONE feels a sense of belonging in the outdoors. Here’s a handful of ways you can begin to help solve this issue:
- Educate Yourself. Learn more about different experiences in our outdoor community. Read blogs and social media for outdoor enthusiasts who are vastly different than you. Let them introduce you to this topic through fresh eyes. Diverse platforms are also a great place to learn about grassroots initiatives and where/how to use your privilege to benefit the outdoor community as a whole. If you don’t know where to start, try: Melanin Base Camp, The Voice, Trail Posse, and Diversify Outdoors.
- Advocate for Inclusivity. Although many outdoor enthusiasts are extremely eager to advocate for the conservation of our public lands, we are far less vocal about expanding who gets to recreate in them. Ideas like tiered-fee (or even free) entrance passes at national, state, and local parks may encourage those with less disposable income to recreate in these spaces. Such proposals would allow more diverse use, instead of reserving our public lands for the most economically privileged sectors of our society.
- Support Backcountry Opportunities. Consider donating your money, experience, or time to organizations that create backcountry opportunities for under-represented groups. There are so many non-profit groups, like Big City Mountaineers, that strive to provide outdoor and wilderness trips to under-resourced youth. These programs are important to introducing a younger, more diverse generation to the outdoors and hopefully keep them coming back for years to come.
- Be an Ambassador. The goal here isn’t merely diversity, but inclusivity. So, the next time you are taking a trip into the backcountry, invite someone new to come along on that hike, canoe trip, or next big adventure. You might be surprised on who takes you up on the offer.
- Advocate for Change. Those of us with economic privilege need to use our wallets to demand outdoor companies become more representative in their media and marketing. Sure, Merrell is sponsoring bad-ass hiker Will “Akuna” Robinson. But, that’s such a small drop in the bucket. It smacks of tokenism in the outdoors (and/or exceptionalism because he’s a Triple Crowner). Outdoor companies need to do better. Our young Americans deserve role models of all shapes and sizes, not just the square-jawed, white lumberjack that Madison Avenue loves to photograph.
- Listen. Let’s remember to treat everyone with dignity and respect. This is a time for solidarity and inclusivity in all that we do. Use your privilege to reach out to others and inquire how you can help improve the situation. Then take the time to actually listen to those voices.
Want some more info on how to make the outdoors better for everyone?
Check out the following links:
- Five Ways to Make the Outdoors More Inclusive
- Diversity in the Outdoors: Is Everyone Welcome in America’s Parks and Public Lands?
- Being Black and Outdoorsy is Not an Oxymoron
- We’re Here. You Just Don’t See Us.
- Listening to Black Voices in Trail Running and Beyond
- Here’s How We Make the National Parks More Diverse
- Are We Setting the Stage for Change, or is History Repeating Itself?
