Comments on: Ever See a Black Hiker Before?

By: Rue

Rue — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:18:04 +0000

Spot on Dr. Nina: “Times are changing – pretty soon we’ll see all us black and brown people staring at whites wondering what they’re doing out there!”

By: Dr. Nina

Dr. Nina — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:55:08 +0000

When I saw this video for the first time, I actually laughed out loud and I was the only person in the room! Blair was the perfect actor to do this because he’s so damn cute – so why did that white woman run away then? (fool!) – actually, don’t answer that, we know why she ran! And, we know why all those white folk did what they did – stare, glare, ask for him to sign the guest book, want to take pictures with him, etc. – I’m only surprised the ranger didn’t ask him for his I.D. (ha! although that wouldn’t have been too far off either). Anyway, interesting comments posted. To me, this video is not “harmful, hurtful, or alienating” (as noted above); the satire is right on. Times are changing – pretty soon we’ll see all us black and brown people staring at whites wondering what they’re doing out there!

By: Rue

Rue — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:12:17 +0000

Yes, and you are not alone! Thanks for chiming in!

By: Mystique

Mystique — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:16:39 +0000

I have received mixed reactions on my hikes so far. Sometimes my friends and I have gotten those “what are THEY doing here?” stares, while at others people would pass us without second thought.

By: Rue

Rue — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:13:06 +0000

Really KatB? — please elaborate why you think this is true. I think satire is an excellent way to help shed light on uncomfortable topics, yet allow us to laugh at ourselves.

I wish the skit was a stereotype, but it is actually a culmination of real experiences. Every “Black Hiker” I know, including myself, has experienced some, if not all of these moments, just maybe not all in the same hike.

Yes, it IS shameful, but I challenge people to move past shame to understanding and acceptance.

By: KatB

KatB — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:06:05 +0000

I don’t think using stereotypes, especially for the purpose of making fun of people, is helpful for getting people to think critically and challenge harmful, hurtful, or annoying stereotypes. It’s alienating and shame-inducing.

By: Rue

Rue — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Thanks for posting WordUp!

The spectacle of the black hiker experience in the video is more real than fiction. Just ask any person of color about how they become a curiosity in natural spaces when all they want to do is just be out and enjoy the surroundings.

I hope that this video can help people become more conscious of their behavior. Just because reactions are “explainable” doesn’t make them less intrusive, or rude and can actually deter some people of color from getting out more.

By: WordUp

WordUp — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:32:46 +0000

hahahaaaaa, definitely made me laugh as ridiculous as it is. Well hey, Black hikers are rare. That’s just a reality. When the reality changes and ppl get used to seeing black hikers, then it will be a norm and reactions will change to the rare instances when Blacks are seen in this context. It’s just like seeing some white business man walk through the projects. Ppl are gonna stare anytime someone’s out of the context they’re used to being seen in. Just how life is. My half-white-half african friend visited the dad’s fam back in Ghana. Obviously she’s light-skinned. Ppl calling her white over there and the kids were scared of her. Granted this was a little village. But still. It’s just human nature to respond in shock or intrigue to seeing something you’re not used to seeing in a given context. We can certainly make fun of this reality, but there’s nothing odd about this reality.

By: Douglas W. Gray

Douglas W. Gray — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:37:23 +0000

I can “sooooooo” relate to this…lol!!! I’m not a “hiker” per se…but I am a very avid birdwatcher…so can indeed relate. I really get the “looks” when I’m the one who shows up as the bird hike leader…LOL. (But it tends to put folks at ease when they find out just how much I know about birds.)

By: Rue

Rue — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:41:59 +0000

I agree with you DNLee — and I would LOVE to help coordinate such an effort — and I know you MUST experience some of these issues as a scientist. Thanks for posting, as always!