Inclusivity in the Outdoor Industry: Black History Month Edition
Today we will celebrate Black History Month! Thank you for joining us again this week for a new blog post. We will continue to dive into the relevance of sustainability in the outdoor industry, consumer behavior, doing good in the outdoors and of course, CSR in the outdoor recreation world. Most importantly, this week we will be discussing inclusion in the outdoors and how we can all be better.
Outside — the largest level playing field on Earth
For years people have enjoyed outdoor recreation in a number of different forms. Whether that looks like trudging through fresh winter snowfall, biking through the countryside, summiting mountains, catching a morning wave or simply taking a stroll around the block. People find peace in wide open spaces. However, as many may know of the history of America, this has not always been a place of inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Take a look at just about any advertisement. Many individuals are frustrated, but not surprised, at what they see. They see extreme athletes at the peak of fitness, white males, everyone decked out in expensive gear, and traveling to unimaginable, and quite frankly, unaffordable places. Models for commercials for the outdoor enthusiast are anything besides unpredictable. Our society is in desperate need of a wake up call for diversity in the outdoors. We need to change societal norms.
How do we change a culture of exclusion?
Diversify advertisements and tell everyone’s story
Finding a woman on the cover of an outdoor magazine is a rare thing. Except, it is even more rare to find a woman of color published in anything except a group shot. There is a lack of diversity in gender, color and body type. Underrepresented people need to see people who look like them or celebrate their culture in the media. This encourages people to get outside or try new things. We need role models in the outdoor industry to make sure everyone feels seen. We must start representing people of color, women (without sexualizing them), different body types, different sexual orientations, and different abilities. The outdoor industry should be a source of inspiration for all the possibilities of the world while welcoming all.
Keep yourself accountable
Different backgrounds, upbringings, race, gender, body type, ethnicity and culture all affect someone’s connection outdoors. Everyone is unique, and what nature brings them whether that is peace, an adrenaline rush, a safe space, a classroom or other things is unique too. Economic disadvantages, lack of access to gear and knowledge and lack of representation ALL make it more challenging to feel accepted in the outdoor recreation community. Advocate for authentic storytelling; keep yourself accountable and preserve everything that makes the outdoors a place we come to connect.
We need to work together to create an inclusive community of lovers of the outdoors!
Check out an amazing documentary produced by Faith Briggs called This Land to learn more about the fight for inclusivity in the outdoors and her journey of saving our public lands.