[Anita]

As an avid camper, I’ve noticed that very few African Americans experience the outdoors by camping, boating, fishing, 4-wheeling, snow sports, etc., and was wondering why.

User Detail :  

Name : Anita, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 40, City : Westminster, State : CO, Country : United States, Occupation : Designer, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Laura26065]

Snow sports, 4 wheeling, and boating all tend to be somewhat expensive endeavors. As an African-American, I don’t know a lot of people of color who could afford to do those things. And for those who can I think the lack of other people of color participating makes it uncomfortable. My parents used to take us on camping trips when I was growing up and the other white campers would point and stare. So, camping and outdoor activities were never very enjoyable for me. Finally, I think there is still a lot of fear among some African-Americans about being in isolated areas without other minorities around. There are some areas where I simply wouldn’t feel safe being in some rural, isolated area.

User Detail :  

Name : Laura26065, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 36, City : Louisville, State : KY, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[D. Pierce]

My perception of this is that it is because of slavery times and how being out in the hot sun baking is not freedom, but more of a prison. I was a therapeutic camp counselor in the woods of Texas for about a year. My experience was very enlightening: Hearing the birds singing in the morning and seeing the trees sway in the wind. Just focusing on those things truly was a freedom, to experience God’s green earth first hand. But to most blacks, to camp out is torture. I have even seen the look of other blacks when I talk about having lived in the woods for a year. They frown at first and then say, “Girl, you are crazzzy!”

Black people don’t like to sweat like their ancestors did, nor do they like to work outdoors as much. I bet you have noticed that most black people do not know how to swim or will not try to learn after the age of 15; it’s because they do not like to get their hair wet, especially if it’s permed!

User Detail :  

Name : D. Pierce, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 24, City : Pine Bluff, State : AR, Country : United States, Occupation : Counselor, Clerical Worker, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Rain30213]

In this area, a large percentage of blacks participate in outdoor activities – especially fishing and hunting. However, some of the other activities you mention require more of a financial investment in order to participate (boating, 4-wheeling). Snow sports not only require money but are seen as dangerous activites.

User Detail :  

Name : Rain30213, Race : Black/African American, City : Dallas, State : TX, Country : United States, 

[C-Thomas19317]

City Girl Amanda, your’e young ,yet. You have a lot of life ahead of you and I sure hope someday you discover natures’ playgrounds like kayak surfing the Skookemchuck Narrows, or rafting through the Grand Canyon, backpacking Yosemite, or horseing around the Dakotas. Girl, no-one likes a hot shower more than I do, and I love to grab a mocha and walk around Kobe, Japan, London, England, or Ann Arbor, Mi, but to leave some of these modern day amenities behind enables you to paddle through the sea caves of Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, where nothing is designed by attorneys and engineers, only by the forces of nature, and is more beautiful than anyone could have ever conceived. Don’t limit your experiences and education. An angel will be by soon, keep an open mind to let your soul truly be touched.

User Detail :  

Name : C-Thomas19317, City : Seattle, State : WA, Country : United States, 

[Author]

Posts