Hiking, biking, skiing, camping, etc., are all great activities to enjoy outside but the lack of diversity within outdoor recreation is enormous. According to the National Ski Area Association, 88 % of skiers are white. Outdoor recreation advertisements are usually shown with white models, and the gear required to participate in theses outdoor activities is extremely pricey. The North face has pledged $7 million dollars towards diversifying the outdoors. Studies show that BIPOC are more likely to live in nature deprived places, and they’re often faced with systemic racism when they do explore.
In the United States, evidence shows that racial and ethnic minority populations do not visit outdoor areas or participate in outdoor recreation activities to the same degree as white people. This includes recreation such as urban parks, wilderness and national parks, but why is this? There are lots of reasons that can be associated with the lack of outdoor recreation, but research shows the absence of visitation is due to lack of socioeconomic means. The unwelcomed atmosphere, and perceived differences from other wilderness visitors are some of the causes of low racial and ethnic participation in outdoor recreation. These socioeconomic differences can all be tied to the lack of opportunity due to discrimination stemming from the long-standing struggle with racial equality.
With the recent Black Lives Matter movements, many companies are jumping on the initiative to show their support in fighting racism and discrimination. The North Face has pledged $7 million dollars for this movement, but how will they contribute to a long lasting change? According to their Explore Fund Council, a global fellowship program launched in partnership Lena Waithe and Jimmy Chin, hope to create a group of experts to help guide the brand on their spending.
With this initiative it will be interesting to see if more representation with outdoor recreation and affiliate companies occurs.
Amelia T
Sport, Not Games ⚽ 