"The Outdoors Don't Discriminate!"
“The outdoors don’t discriminate!” During yesterday’s livestream, @shelmatic brought up this commonly heard statement.
It’s true. The outdoors aren’t racist...
but that’s never been my concern.
The problem is that PEOPLE in the outdoors are racist.
What does it mean to be racist?
Racism refers to the systemic inequities and prejudices that disproportionately affect Black and Brown people because they are Black and Brown.
Because racism is systemic, if you are part of the system, you are racist.
Or more accurately, if you aren’t ACTIVELY trying to tear down the system, you are racist.
The good news is: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE RACIST IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE!
You can CHOOSE to be anti racist!
You can do the anti-racism work necessary to be a good ally and make the outdoors safe and welcoming.
Diversify your social media timelines (see my Black IG’s highlight). Read Black authors (see @bleavitt8’s books highlight). Share what you’re learning with people around you, amplify the work of Black folx in the spaces you’re in. Look up reparations and figure what you can do to give back. Name racism when you see it, even if it’s uncomfortable.
There is so much work to be done and we can’t do it alone. 📍Illegally occupied Kanaka Maoli land | 📸: @alex_pi3
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