#InaccessibleViews For All
This is a story of privilege.
I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. With parents who loved the outdoors and made certain that my sister and I were exposed to the national parks that our state, and in the surrounding states. I grew up hiking and canoeing and fishing and camping.
I remember laying in the backseat of the van whining while being driven through Yellowstone National Park. Refusing to look outside because I was bored. I remember driving to the Badlands and exploring, but not without complaining about how long the drive was. The plains of South Dakota, with their wandering buffalo and cattle guards and endless horizons are beyond compare. I hiked in the Bighorn Mountains and clambered around Devil’s Tower. I dream about this place. I walk there while I’m dreaming. I haven’t been back in nearly two decades. I’d give a lot to have the opportunity to redo my youthful exploration in an able body, but that can’t happen.
When I started #inaccessibleviews, I did it selfishly. I wanted to go back to places that I’d once been able to enjoy in an able body, and always felt welcomed in. In the process, I have learned from POC that these places are inaccessible to them, too.
So when I saw this black family (selling a @subaru_usa) standing at the entrance to a National Park, I was doubly struck. I’ve seen ads for sporting goods stores. And National Parks. They’re full of white folx.
Who have the privilege of taking time from work, can afford park admission, own vehicles, and sport-specific gear.
My unearned privilege is humbling and the fact that this feels like a punch in the gut, is appropriate.
This is a continued plea for #inaccessibleviews - tag me in your stories. Please. Send your friends to the collections...nearly 300 photos and videos from all over the world with more than 10K views. I’m so grateful.
Tell me why you enjoy them, too!
