Race and Racism in Rock Climbing
July 7, 2020 1:39 PM   Subscribe

Ikigai is a short autobiographical documentary by Lucius Williams IV "centered on rock climbing with the intention of promoting diversity and environmental awareness." The People of Climbing is a short documentary by Josh Greenwood presenting "a candid look at race and equity in the outdoor industry from the perspective of people of color attending the 2018 Color The Crag Festival in Steele Alabama."

Also check out US National Champion climber Kai Lightner's essay "Open Your Eyes To The Reality Of Black Lives".

From Anaheed Saatchi's essay "Stop Making Movies About White Guys Doing Cool Shit" (also the sequel essay), a list of leaders doing diversity, equity and inclusion work in the outdoor space, particularly climbing: Teresa Baker, Melise Edwards, Brown Girls Climb, Melanin Base Camp, Brothers of Climbing, Black Climbers Collective, Outdoor Muslims, LatinX Hikers, and Indigenous Womxn Climb.
posted by jedicus (5 comments total) 20 users marked this as a favorite
 
I've been rock climbing for over a decade, it's heartening to watch the sport increase in diversity. I think it's been progressive compared to a lot of sports for participation. It's finally reached the point/ where there seems to be enough women and POC to roll over the protests and whinging of the old white guys about tradition and get rid of a bunch of the racism and sexism in place names in guidebooks.

There is still ways to go, in particular down here the relationship between Australian climbers and Aboriginal traditional owner is embarrassing.

Needs more Angie Scarth-Johnson!
posted by other barry at 2:39 PM on July 7, 2020


Excellent links, thank you.
posted by atrazine at 1:26 AM on July 8, 2020


get rid of a bunch of the racism and sexism in place names in guidebooks.

About that: How Mountain Project Stole [the idea and design of its route name flagging feature] From A Woman Of Color & Spent Years Defending Hate Speech In The Climbing Community
posted by jedicus at 7:11 PM on July 8, 2020


jedicus, thanks for sharing that! What a story, how shameful of REI and Mountain Project.
posted by suelac at 2:29 PM on July 9, 2020


About that, Mountain Project's owner responds
posted by ashy_sock at 3:45 PM on July 9, 2020 [1 favorite]


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