Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them all

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The Chief

 
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by The Chief » Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:51 pm

It is obvious that many are missing the OP's point.

Since the mid 60's early 70's, when "rock climbing" per se was just getting started here in the US, the commercialized climbing industry was small and very selected. The hardcore individuals that the OP speaks of here in Cali, (The Stonemasters etc) didn't have jobs or lived separate lives along with their climbing. Climbing was their entire life. They ate, drank, slept and breathed climbing. They did all they could to live quiet lives amongst the hussel bussel of society around them. They chose to be very selective of those they allowed into their tight small "clique". They swore to secrecy many of if not most of their accomplishments. They swore amongst themselves to remain seclusive and wanted no identification with any of the "weak" outside urbanized world.

As I posted in the reads above, those individuals basically sought the same ideal in their climbing.

What I see the OP stating, is, for the most part, this once very seclusive 24/7 soul searching ideal that was lived by a very select few, has evolved over the decades into a part-time "week end recreational" life for many. Thus becoming just another form of get away recreational industry as fishing, golf, bowling etc.

The same goes for many hardcore old time surfers. They see what was once a very deep spirited life, grow into a commercialized multi-billion dollar a year global industry. Totally destroying the original concept of what was once considered the purest form of becoming one with nature etc.
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Re: Non-llamas are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them a

by TheOrglingLlama » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:04 pm

I recommend this bumper sticker -

Image

:mrgreen:

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by AlexeyD » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:18 pm

The Chief wrote:It is obvious that many are missing the OP's point.

Since the mid 60's early 70's, when "rock climbing" per se was just getting started here in the US, the commercialized climbing industry was small and very selected. The hardcore individuals that the OP speaks of here in Cali, (The Stonemasters etc) didn't have jobs or lived separate lives along with their climbing. Climbing was their entire life. They ate, drank, slept and breathed climbing. They did all they could to live quiet lives amongst the hussel bussel of society around them. They chose to be very selective of those they allowed into their tight small "clique". They swore to secrecy many of if not most of their accomplishments. They swore amongst themselves to remain seclusive and wanted no identification with any of the "weak" outside world.

As I posted in the reads above, those individuals basically sought the same ideal in their climbing.

What I see the OP stating, is, for the most part, this once very seclusive 24/7 soul searching ideal that was lived by a very select few, has evolved over the decades into a part-time "week end recreational" life for many. Thus becoming just another form of get away recreational industry as fishing, golf, bowling etc.

The same goes for many hardcore old time surfers. They see what was once a very deep spirited life, grow into a commercialized multi-billion dollar a year global industry. Totally destroying the original concept of what was once considered the purest form of becoming one with nature etc.


Well, being 28 I can't speak for what it was like during the 1960s and 70s, but what I can say is that people similar to what you describe (that is, for whom climbing is a lifestyle, not just a hobby) DO exist today; I know this for a fact because I've met them and even had the privilege to climb with some of them. However, I agree with you that right now, they are in the minority. So I guess your point, and the OP's, is that what was once the norm in the climbing community has now become the exception? If so, I think it's a fair observation, but I also think it's to be expected...such is the nature of human development, in whatever form it assumes.

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by Marmaduke » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:27 pm

Thanks Chief for the photos and the books. No matter what the subject matter is, I love history. I have read probably 15 books over the past 6 months about many of these guys and I find the story about them and of that era more interesting sometimes than their describing the climbs they did. Many come across as arrogant and self centered. But maybe to reach the pinnacle of climbing you have to have at least a little of that in you?

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by willytinawin » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:32 pm

It was much easier to live on the ground in the 60s, 70s (80s &90s too). For one thing, camping was generally free, and park admission fees were low. Also, driving was way less expensive. To dirt bag legally in most national parks now, (to sleep on the ground or in your vehicle legally) would cost $300-$600 per month. You can still dirt bag in national forests but even those usually require a parking sticker (fee). Our "public" lands are not free, and will probably only become more expensive... so much for "freedom". I spent a part of my life dirt bagging and it was awesome. But as computers continue to play a larger role in our lives, freedom will diminish.

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by radson » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:41 pm

I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words... When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful and impatient of restraint.

Hesiod ~700 BC

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The Chief

 
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by The Chief » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:46 pm

willytinawin wrote:It was much easier to live on the ground in the 60s, 70s (80s &90s too). For one thing, camping was generally free, and park admission fees were low. Also, driving was way less expensive. To dirt bag legally in most national parks now, (to sleep on the ground or in your vehicle legally) would cost $300-$600 per month. You can still dirt bag in national forests but even those usually require a parking sticker (fee). Our "public" lands are not free, and will probably only become more expensive... so much for "freedom". I spent a part of my life dirt bagging and it was awesome. But as computers continue to play a larger role in our lives, freedom will diminish.


Not true at all. Camping is still generally free in many locations as they were back then, away from the mainstream onslaught of weekend and summertime recreationalists. Most if not all of the crags that I climb at on a daily basis around my home, are free of any "camping" fees or restrictions. They are just as primitive as they were 40-50-70 years ago.

The BLM site (pit toilets) just up the road from home only charges 5.00 per night as do many of the other BLM sites here on the Eastside. In most cases, camping is absolutely free if one wants to live in the dirt. The opportunities to do so are boundless as long as they are away from the mainstream crowd locations. One can stay an entire summer in Pine Creek and not pay a cent. As is the same at the Alabama Hills, ORG, The Happy's, Bishop Creek, Clark Canyon, Tuttle Creek T/H etc etc etc.

Marmaduke wrote:. Many come across as arrogant and self centered. But maybe to reach the pinnacle of climbing you have to have at least a little of that in you?


Imagine that.

BTW, you forgot "cocky".

Fletch wrote:And if you're a bad ass climber and an asshole, trust me, no one will remember anything about you being a good climber. At the end fo the day, you're still an asshole.


Really? You certainly never had the opportunity to meet this dude at the crag. Probably the best "Rock Climber" to have ever walked this planet and will remain in the history journals as such. But, in reality, to most that met him once at any crag he was working on, he was certainly the most arrogant, self-centered and insulting/condescending dude that they ever met. That is of course if he even acknowledged your presence and gave you a hint of the time of day. Only those that really knew him, knew different....Image

Here are two other individuals that were well known throughout the planet for being very insulting and condescending to most they encountered. Even to the point of getting in your face and employing their strong opinion on your presence within their locale....ImageImage
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by SoCalHiker » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:11 pm

The Chief wrote:Really? You certainly never had the opportunity to meet this dude at the crag. Probably the best "Rock Climber" to have ever walked this planet and will remain in the history journals as such. But, in reality, to most that met him once at any crag he was working on, he was certainly the most arrogant, self-centered and insulting/condescending dude that they ever met. Only those that really knew him, knew different....Image


Chief, I think there exactly lies another problem in our culture/society that bothers me a lot. No doubt I can respect and admire such a person for his climbing skills. That however does not give him the right to be an asshole to others. He can of course do whatever he wants but others will see him as such. You have to be able to differentiate between his enormous skills as a climber and his shitty personality. You can admire him for the first thing, but you should disrepect him for the other. Being good at something does not give you the right to act like an asshole.

Btw, that same attitude underlies the celebrity worship in this country. People admire somebody for his talents (acting, sport, ...) and start idolizing him/her even though he/she might be the worst person.

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by AlexeyD » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:14 pm

SoCalHiker wrote: Btw, that same attitude underlies the celebrity worship in this country. People admire somebody for his talents (acting, sport, ...) and start idolizing him/her even though he/she might be the worst person.


I think that has to do with the fact that people in our society take the concept of "role model" WAY too far...

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by SoCalHiker » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:20 pm

AlexeyD wrote:I think that has to do with the fact that people in our society take the concept of "role model" WAY too far...


exactly

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The Chief

 
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by The Chief » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:22 pm

SoCalHiker wrote:Chief, I think there exactly lies another problem in our culture/society that bothers me a lot. No doubt I can respect and admire such a person for his climbing skills. That however does not give him the right to be an asshole to others. He can of course do whatever he wants but others will see him as such. You have to be able to differentiate between his enormous skills as a climber and his shitty personality. You can admire him for the first thing, but you should disrepect him for the other. Being good at something does not give you the right to act like an asshole.

Btw, that same attitude underlies the celebrity worship in this country. People admire somebody for his talents (acting, sport, ...) and start idolizing him/her even though he/she might be the worst person.

We/they/him/her are just as human as anyone else. Unfortunately, "stardome" can influence ones true personality and turn them into egomaniacs.

Also, unreal perceptions of these individuals are a bigger issue that most certainly always occurs. These perceptions become tales and phantom iconic status symbols that many in the position as JB was in, pick up on and falsely live by. This book by the twins from hell, share this tale of a phantom reality...Image

Also, this book deeply delves into the misperceived reality of the derelict and asshole climber statue symbol...Image
Last edited by The Chief on Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by The Chief » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:32 pm

Fletch wrote:
The Chief wrote:Only those that really knew him, knew different....

What the hell does this mean? He only had to be nice to people he did know (and knew him). Thats bullshit. You either are nice to everyone or you're not. How you measure a persons worth is how they treat people that they stand to gain nothing from. From the common man. From the person on the street. Not some climbing clique at the crag where everyone is blowing each other telling themselves how awesome they are.

Sorry Chief. As SoCalHiker said, I can't respect anyone if they're an asshole. Life's too short and if someone doesn't want to take the time to be nice (or at least appologize when they aren't), then I don't care if they can split the atom with a fart. They're still an asshole. Climbers included.

That is the jest of this entire OP. He could care less what you or anyone else that he chose not to associate with, thought about him or his personality. He wasn't at all worried about his "Bad Boy Asshole" image. Nor where many of the dudes that got into this game way back when. That was the fundamental reason they did what they did and chose to live the life that they did. To get away from having to meet anyones expectations of what someone should act or be like. They could just do their thing and fuck those that didn't understand the deal.

Whether you or anyone else accepts or ordains this philosophy, is/was not important. They got it and that is all that mattered.

And let's not even start to talk about this incredible dude. Many considered him the worst of the worst and presented a vile and unacceptable image of what a "real" climber should act and be like...
Image
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by AlexeyD » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:35 pm

Gentlemen...now this discussion is getting silly. Being an asshole doesn't make you a better or worse climber, and neither does being a good climber make you any more or less of an asshole. Can we just leave it at that?

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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by The Chief » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:51 pm

AlexeyD wrote:Gentlemen...now this discussion is getting silly. Being an asshole doesn't make you a better or worse climber, and neither does being a good climber make you any more or less of an asshole. Can we just leave it at that?


You still don't get it. Has absolutely nothing to do with being an asshole or a good/bad climber etc.

Has everything to do with the misperceptions that are imposed on certain people (and their ideals) by the masses, IMO.

Again, this is exactly what I believe the OPer was referring to. The OPer never once stated that it was the "right" thing to do.... never. He was just injecting his observations and opinions. Nothing more nothing less.

Steve1215 wrote:----

My own generation of California rock climbers (1974-1984) had a habit of not speaking to non-climbers about climbing. Maybe this was pure snobbery. Maybe it was not.

If some chubby co-worker non-climber could not appreciate the finer points of climbing and the glorious mountains…then what’s the point of talking to him about climbing?

My generation of climbers was a quiet and more judgmental generation. I’m talking about dedicated, committed individuals who were serious or pretty darn serious about climbing. The crags gave us something special that was intense and very personal.

Today’s generation of climbers seems different, more ordinary, like climbing to a lot of them is just another outdoor “recreation.” They walk down the street in climbing clothes and they paste climbing bumper stickers on their cars. Surely you know those people are climbers then! If they wear tech clothes to work and display climbing bumper stickers!

In professional settings I’ve run across younger people who have “climbing calendars” up on their walls, and they blab to their baffled co-workers about sport routes or snow slogs they’ve done. I’ve listened a few times, but I never tell them that I once was a pretty serious climber. These climbers seem so “mainstream,” whereas my generation was quite a bit more “counter-culture.”

Though I was thin, a few non-climbers noticed that I had these freakishly developed forearm and calf muscles. I did tell them that I developed those muscles from climbing or training for climbs. That’s the only way most people ever found out I was a climber!

I guess I was too egotistical about my little climbing accomplishments and the risks I took to share my personal climbing stories with ignorant and chubby non-climbers. They would never understand, anyway.

Anyone else feel the same way?




``steve1215


---


Fletch wrote:Ok, so what you are saying is that society imposed these 'expectations' on him to be a nice person, and he got butthurt that someone/thing was telling him to be nice, so he said, "fuck it, im going to be an asshole and go live in the woods." Good for him. He really showed us!

And you admire/worship this guy?


He didn't show anyone anything other than what they wanted to see.

Admired him? Nothing of the sort. It goes far deeper than that. I respected him because I understood him for what he truly was. Not what society claimed that he was or wasn't.
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Re: Non-climbers are weak. Do not speak to them, ignore them

by SoCalHiker » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:55 pm

The Chief wrote:Whether you or anyone else accepts or ordains this philosophy, is/was not important. They got it and that is all that mattered.


And why do you think that philosophy is the one to strive for

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