I should just write a book...

I saw that because here I what I've written so far, at the time of this post, in reply to things written in this one Burning Man group. The instigating post was this:

How can the burning man community become more inclusive in light of everything that's happening? It's been frequently called "The White Privilege Olympics". How do we shift from accepting our norm and shrugging off the fact that it's a predominantly white community and invite and make it accessible to everyone even those who do not have the financial means to attend?

My first one was actually a copy and paste from a similar comment on another post on the Burning Man page:

I know this comment is well intended, but unconscious bias is much more of a barrier to Black Rock City being more diverse than the cost.

Yes, there are correlations to wealth and race, but that has to do more with class and income, which also relates to unconscious bias that is internalized in cultures, institutions, and systems [as others have also addressed in other comments].

But throwing up the cost as a barrier actually reinforces stereotypes (albeit based in reality) of "poor black people". Like I know your statement isn't meant to be racist, but the impact of it is reinforcing a racist stereotype, even unintentionally.

Please note: I'm NOT calling you racist. Just from the spirit of your comment, you seem like a good person who obviously wants Burning Man to be more diverse than it is.

Like yes, Black and African-American people are more likely to live in poverty (20.8% as of 2018 according to stats here: https://talkpoverty.org/basics/) but the overall majority do not.

So, yes, let's talk about price as a barrier for ANYONE to attend. But let's also talk about the other things that still keep those Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who can afford to from coming as well. Because I think the former is where can dig into barriers to diversity as they relate to class, and the latter is where we have an opportunity to dig into the roots of barriers to Burning Man being more diverse when it comes to race and ethnicity.

Does the Venn diagram of these two overlap? Absolutely. But there are also poor people who aren't BIPOCs and BIPOCs who aren't poor who are left out of the conversation when we treat race and class as synonymous. Hope that all makes sense.

The original poster received it well, understand and wish they had worded the original post differently, and now knows for the future.

Other comments I wrote including the following.

In response to this:

Stop playing so much EDM! More hip hop/R&B/funk!Stop playing so much EDM! More hip hop/R&B/funk!

I wrote this:

So...I know this is well intentioned, but similar to another comment the initial one is landing as racist.

Not saying YOU, [Name], are a racist person, but here's how and why that initial comment is landing in a way I'm sure you didn't intend:

1) It's reinforcing a stereotype and treating Black people like a monolith in terms of what it means to be "Black", as if only Black people listen to hip-hop, R&B, and Funk, and there's an inference that if there are Black people who listen to anything else that they are somehow less Black. Again, not anywhere near your intention, I know, but it's the unintended consequences of things that land as microagressions and are informed by and also reinforce unconscious bias.

And just speaking from personal experience, as someone who is Black and Filipino-American. Like people don't mean it, but when a white friend is surprised when (because of my identity), I haven't heard of a hip-hop, funk, or r&b artist and they have, as if to "tsk, tsk" that I don't know something "Black" which I should...that's actually a microagression.

2) It actually completely erases the Black origins of house music for example, as relates to what Aaron mentioned, and its Black queer origin if we want to be really specific (which, being Pride month, seems particularly important to note).

And while the following exchange begins to unpack that a bit (so thank you), just to make it more explicit, the initial comment still whitewashed EDM generally, and house music specifically, especially as there is plenty of house music STILL being produced that is very much still created by Black queer people.

https://www.outfrontmagazine.com/inthemag/the-queer-history-of-house-music/

So, hope that made sense, especially parsing intent from impact. And [Name], you and [Name] actually begin to get to the nuanced part of the issue so if I can follow y'alls lead, I just want to dig into it a bit more, in that let's talk about how this relates to WHO'S bringing the music.

Similar to how other people have indirectly and directly talked about unconscious bias and gatekeeping, and how prejudices in people's blindspots can counteract attempts at Radical Inclusion, this relates to how DJ's are selected and curated by soundcamps. Like yes, it'd be great to have more diverse music represented, but unless that also means having more diverse DJ's curated and booked, that will only go so far.

And if soundcamps aren't doing it yet, a simple exercise would be to simply put together and look at profile pictures of their DJs. Are there any patterns and trends in the identities of your lineups and any glaring omissions? Do DJs tend to be selected from first-degree friendships and familiarity? Which I think would naturally be the case for many soundcamps as they're often started by groups of friends. But then this and other factors are at the root of the same problem across the community, in terms of a lack of diversity.

Anyway, all this is to say "both and" in terms of talking about Black people and Burners specifically! Let's definitely have more hip-hop, r&b, and funk on the Playa, so that anyone who loves those genres may find a slice of home on the playa. Let's also have more house music produced by Black people, as well as just more Black DJ's.

Hope that all makes sense.

And on that note, even though I don't go to church and wasn't raised in a Black church, wanted to share a playlist of some of my favorite Gospel House tracks, for anyone else who might want to listen, especially if you like house music and have never heard it as a subgenre before. Long term goals are to throw a party here in DC and on Playa, called Gospel House Brunch (or GHB). I know, the acronym is unfortunate. Maybe the tagline can be "GHB! Without the GHB".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZJKm-NbzC8&list=PLCiQ_zeX-ldh2qNt1BEE6kXAsdvCuPdms 

In response to this and following replies:

Do you fundamentally believe the burn is racist? I have never seen this. interested to hear from those that perceive it 

I wrote this:

unless it is actively anti-racist, then yes. And it's not perception, it's a fact.

Because Burning Man still exists in the context of a culture, and institutions and system that are racist and center whiteness.

I think just believe the people who say it is, because their experience is actually proof enough.

But also...related to what [Name] wrote, being racist in impact and being racist in intent are two different things. I also don't think it's racist in intent...that doesn't mean it's not racist in impact.

And this:

guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. Unless your "are we doing it wrong" question wasn't rhetorical, because the short answer is: yes.

Also being anti-racist is very specific and intentional. Radical inclusion as a value in and of itself isn't enough, if people don't also acknowledge that there are things they are doing unintentionally that are excluding people.

I've left leadership groups in the Burner community because I 1) experienced microaggressions and 2) was not believed by the mostly white people in the room.

Was I radically included to join initially? Sure! Did that radical inclusion last when I challenged their own whiteness? Nope.

You asked a fair question. I, and [Name], gave fair answers. Sure others have pointed out the community is pretty good at welcoming everyone intentionally. But others have also pointed out that the community is pretty bad in how it unintentionally favors and centers some identities over others.

 AND this:

Thank you. So fortunately, and I say this without snark and all seriousness, being "more inclusive" is not a uniquely Burning Man and Burner community challenge.

I'd recommend searching online using the terms "inclusion", "diversity", "equity", and "access" or IDEA (although I've seen other anagrams of the acronym), if you or anyone else interested hasn't yet.

And I agree that it's not enough to tell people they're doing it wrong. But I also don't think it's acceptable to simply wait to be told how to do it right. Fortunately, with online search engines it's fairly easy to do the work and self-educate.

And I get it, for some, there's a fear of not wanting to do it wrong again. At the same time, and I think it's part of Burner culture, I love that we generally are okay with f'ing up and trying things again until we get it right. And we've gotta be okay making mistakes even with this kinda work.

Like, I love that some of my white Burner friends and colleagues know if/when they say something problematic when it came to race, in this particular instance, I'll let them know and we have a discussion about it. Because they stopped worrying about messing up and just accepted the fact that they would and that was also okay, as long as they were willing to learn without the defensiveness (although that took a while to work through).

Ironically, in some ways, we've got a lot to learn from the default world, when it comes to Radical Inclusion. And one video I've LOVED sharing is this one:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1385355681479063

Someone wrote this:

Some alternative perspective...Maybe it’s privileged to assume POC want to attend more than they do? Or that finances are the cause? Most I’ve spoken with about it, don’t see the value of a quasi survival event, when their lives are often a survival event. Camping and Roughing it isn’t often an appealing form of entertainment to them. Want more people there? Invite them to camp with you, create a theme camp, get DGS tickets, otherwise there are far better ways to help POC in the real world than equalizing the attendance at burning man.

And I responded with this:

So...talking about POCs as a monolith, using "they/them/theirs" to refer to a whole slew of individuals who share a single identity (and a pretty general one at that), is problematic. I hope you understand that.

And this:

Definitely game, [Name], especially for learning conversations like this, and thank you for your curiosity as well as allowing me an opportunity to consent to the exchange. 

And while I'd actually like to ask you to explain more about the sentiment you intended, I can at least let you know how it landed in terms of its impact. 

So I think we can agree on a premise that some People of Color do want to go and some don't, and that often, to your own point has less to do with their identity as People of Color and more to do just with their own interests and priorities in life. 

I think where I had trouble reading your sentiment was that it implied that a majority of POC people don't want to go and (without saying it) that a majority of white people do. 

But not even having to speak to white people, statistically (and this is pretty crude), one could even argue that generally white people don't want to attend more than they do either, given that the number of white people at Burning Man was ~54,000 as of the 2018 BRC Census, and there are about 35,684,800 white people in America. So possibly only .15% of white people any given year actually go to Burning Man? 

And so then this metric of using POC's you've talked to who don't want to go, when I could also do the same for most of the white people I've talked to, feels like a double standard in terms of how one's race and/or ethnicity informs whether or not individual people want to go. 

So let me stop there, see if that all makes sense so far? If not, let me know what doesn't. And if it does, does that help you in expressing the sentiment you wanted to share better

 And this:

And likewise. If I could then add one more thing for your consideration, having had similar conversations. And apologies if you already know and think about any of the below; then it's for anyone who doesn't and/or hasn't. 

So the additional thing to consider, in the spirit of deeper understanding, is that when you hear from friends who are black who make "black people don't" statements, to think about how much of that is descriptive as much as it is (if not more) prescriptive. Like I don't doubt any statement like that isn't based on something very real, particular their own individual/personal experiences 

But in asking whether it's descriptive or prescriptive, how much of that is actually just describing a general and historical lack of access and opportunity (among other factors) to things like skiing and camping, which are absolutely related to inequity at the intersection of race and class, rather than something that is intrinsic to being a Black person, if that makes sense. 

Put another way, just because it's been Black people's past doesn't mean it's our future. Or, that might be because they're Black, but it's not what makes them Black. 

Like, it does a disservice for us to talk about Black people not camping if we don't also talk about how some National Parks actually enforced segregation according to state laws. 

That simple statement taken alone "black people don't...", even when hearing it from Black individuals, reinforces stereotypes, until one unpacks the complexity of factors that lead to the foundation these stereotypes are based on. 

So I think next time, take those statements as a red flag pointing out inequity, and if/when you have the time and energy, explore what the roots of that inequity are rather than simply filing it away as a "Black people don't..." thing. 

Just in case it helps, several links to check out: 

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/08/how-national-park-service-grappled-segregation-during-20th-century 

https://www.resourcesmag.org/common-resources/diversity-in-the-great-outdoors-is-everyone-welcome-in-americas-parks-and-public-lands/ 

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/07/12/421533481/outdoor-afro-busting-stereotypes-that-blacks-dont-hike-or-camp 

https://www.youtube.com/user/BlackFolkDont/videos

AND this:

Ack, one more thing and that's IT for now, I promise. 

If you're referring to conversations with Black people, be okay with simply using Black rather than POC to refer to your friends. 

Unfortunately, although well-intentioned to use something that is more inclusive of all POC identities, it also erases Blackness from the conversation. Which is to say, try not to use them synonymously, if Black would actually be an accurate and appropriate descriptor. Because while some Black people do use POC as a personal identifier, there are some Black people that don't. 

Hope that makes sense. 

https://medium.com/@cvonhassett/dont-call-me-a-person-of-color-i-m-black-5359a03bc35b 

 OMG...I wrote a lot...

"Subsistence is a way of life"

In Toksook Bay, subsistence is a way of life that has been passed on across generations over thousands of years. In the winter months, ice fishers often venture out to crack open the frozen bay to catch smelt.

NPR's 'We Are Part Of The United States': The 1st People Counted For The 2020 Census photo story captures a number of snapshots of life in Toksook Bay Alaska.

Reflections on Racism, first one for 2020

So the Vox article I'm sharing is from February 25, 2019. But I wanted to add some personal context, as I continue to have conversations with friends who doubt when me and other people of color and black people specifically talk about behavior being racist, in the way we are talked to and treated.

The knitting community is reckoning with racism
Fiber artists of color are taking to Instagram stories to call out instances of prejudice — and to try to shape a more inclusive future. Read the article

And the biggest and most frustrating conversation piece that seems to repeat itself is simply getting some white friends and colleagues to just believe and trust me when I say that something impacted me in a racist way.

Often times I'm asked to "prove it" or provide context or details that are missing so that they can make up their own mind or don't even do that and simply give the benefit of the doubt to the intent of the white person that they didn't mean it, instead of giving me the benefit of the doubt that maybe when I say something has reinforced something that I've experienced my entire life.

But I digress. I guess my only request/tip/whatever to white friends that might push back when talking about race about whether a particular incident in and of itself is racist is that is the opposite of at least what I am thinking of when I describe something as racist.

By that I mean to say when I describe racist actions and behaviors, it is part of and in line with a PATTERN of actions and behaviors which reinforce white supremacy and elements of systemic racism. And because (a bit of a broken record here) it is about impact, at the end of the day the intent of white people doesn't matter because the stuff that is happening is often occurring on a level other than conscious, intentional thought, unless that intent is to actively be anti-racist.

Anyway, I know it's NOT the same kind of personal, emotional, physical violence as sexual assault (although we can certainly talk about how racism and sexual assault intersect) BUT in terms of believing survivors when they say they experienced something, I think that same could/should be true when black people, indigenous people, and other people of color say they experience racism in a particular situation.

Because chances are we as groups of identities aren't even talking about it with white people as often as some people that hold those identities lie about or weaponize it. And that's a whole other issue I'll probably post about another time. In the meantime, check out the article above and/or engage with me on Facebook about it:

Regarding Diversity Nonprofit Boards

When talking about diversity and nonprofit boards, if you reference and/or share nothing else, here are 4 quotes and sources I recommend anchor any conversation you have.

Having a board with diverse perspectives is critically important. Each person will bring his or her own personal and professional contacts and life experiences to their service on a nonprofit board. With a diversity of experience, expertise, and perspectives, a nonprofit is in a stronger position to plan for the future, manage risk, make prudent decisions, and take full advantage of opportunities. A diverse board that is also sensitive to cultural differences is usually one that has a stronger capacity to attract and retain talented board members - as well as to be in touch with community needs. 

 - Diversity on Nonprofit Boards, National Council of Nonprofits

---

As stewards of the public good, all social sector organizations, regardless of mission, are called on to embrace and celebrate our common humanity, and the inherent worth of all people. In doing so, we must also acknowledge that a climate of growing intolerance and inequity is a challenge to our democratic values and ideals. Divisions along economic, racial, religious, and political lines have created an increasingly polarized society in need of healing. And the complex issues and dynamics at the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality call for deeper thinking as we seek to understand each other. 

 - Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity, BoardSource

---

Although nonprofit board members are aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion, they lack the knowledge, skills, resources, and commitment needed to turn that awareness into action, a report from executive recruiting firm Koya Leadership Partners argues. Based on an online survey of board or executive committee members at more than a hundred nonprofits, the report, The Governance Gap: Examining Diversity and Equity in Nonprofit Boards of Directors (42 pages, PDF), found a significant gap between respondents' intention to increase diversity and the actions they've taken to do so. 

 - Report Urges Nonprofit Boards to Turn Diversity Awareness Into Action, Philanthropy News Digest 

---

Whether we like it or not, nonprofit and foundation boards wield a tremendous amount of influence on this work. And whether we intend to or not, the lack of board diversity trickles down and has some wide-ranging consequences...Because of the self-reinforcing cycle, mostly-white boards are likelier to hire white EDs/CEOs, who then are likelier to hire white staff, so now there’s lack of staff diversity in the sector as well. 

 - 7 Things You Can Do to Improve the Sad, Pathetic State of Board Diversity, Nonprofit AF

A notification meditation in three breaths

Definitely not claiming this to necessarily be original, but I also haven't read this specific thing anywhere. More likely it's a way I've synthesized general readings and understandings of how we interact with mobile tech, and thought I'd share.

So upon feeling, hearing, and/or seeing a notification on your phone.

Breath 1 - Simply think about the thing you felt, heard, and/or saw. How many beeps did you hear? How long did it vibrate? The important thing is to just focus on the experience of the thing and not the meaning of it.

Breath 2 - Think about how the notification makes you feel. Are you feeling anxious, excited, uninterested, etc?

Breath 3 - Think about if you want or need to check it in this moment. But make sure not to conflate the two. Were you expecting an urgent message/text?  If you don't "need" to check it, why do you "want" to? Think about NOT checking the phone in this moment, especially if you're in the middle of something and/or with other people.

After those three breaths, even if you want to based on how you feel because of the thing you felt, heard, or saw, make a choice to check your phone as an intentional action rather than a reaction.

And if you don't have enough time to breathe because of how many notifications you get, consider dialing back the notifications.

So...what do you think?

Gone to Burning Man

A Talk about Centering - A Case Study in Irony

About a week or so ago, I was having a conversation with someone where I mentioned centering someone else's perspective, and then was asked to unpack what that meant, what "centering" meant in this context, because they were unfamiliar with it.

I unpacked it by example, and mentioned how, when I'm walking down a street to work or whatever, and I am behind a white female presenting person, I center their experience in things I need to do as a black male to minimize their surprise and/or any perceived threat to their personal safety.

I was about to unpack some of the things I do, i.e. pulling out a phone, sneezing, making myself smaller, walking faster to indicate that I have somewhere to go, moving to the other side of the sidewalk if possible to put as much space between me and them as I pass, so that realizing that I'm a black man is as least threatening as possible (especially because of any unconscious bias more than anything), etc. when this person (who was a white lady themselves) interrupted me.

The nugget of what they shared was something like, well any man really.

And so here's why that's ironic. In sharing an experience centered on my own perspective not just as a man or a black person, but as a black man, she "But All Men"ed it, as if to say a woman's reaction would be the same for any man.

She colorbind'ed my own perspective and, whether explicitly or not, centered it on her own, as if to imply that she and/or women in general, would react to all men more or less the same way.

I wish she had read this article, particularly the first point: Pause Before Contributing to the Conversation.

Unfortunately, the insight and reflection I shared above was something that wouldn't come to conscious thought until a day or two later. In the moment of the conversation, I followed her lead and minimized my own intersectional identity, to in the moment agree with her that she was right, as a woman, that she and other women would react to all men the same way, and that my race had nothing to do with it.

When in fact, by stating how I walk through the world as a black man, in this situation, I wasn't saying that a woman or femme-presenting person wouldn't also react to a white presenting man at all or just assume they were safe. And in fact, a lot of times when people of color are sharing experiences like this, it's not that we're saying we're the only ones who go through things like this.

But often times, our intersectional marginalized identities compound the degree to which...to oversimplify it, bad things happen when things go south, the swiftness in which judgments are made in which they go south, etc.

Anyway, I digress. Just wanted to share. Happy Pride!!

P.S. Here's the article I linked, "4 Ways White People Can Process Their Emotions Without Bringing the White Tears".

P.P.S. Here's the Facebook post: