Due to concerns regarding Covid-19 Burning Man and Black Rock City has not so much as been canceled, but will instead be made into a "virtual city". They don't quite know what that will look like yet, but they've already admitted it's probably going to get messy. Given Burning Man's track record with technology, and their sometimes wonky ticket ordering system I find that refreshingly honest. So in a world where we're all locked down, and everything is going virtual I'm excited to see what they can slap together with some digital duct tape.
I'm obviously going to miss my friends, and campmates. I'm going to miss the adventure, and comradery that changed my life. But I see why they had to pull the trigger on this decision now. Even though most concerts/events I know of that were meant to take place in April/May have been pushed out to September at the very least (the Boston Marathon included) there's just too many variables to consider in potentially erecting a city of 80,000 people even if the crisis were to dissipate by then. As an average participant I think it's one thing if you live out on the west coast, or middle America. You can slap the bike rack on the back of the car/RV, load up on supplies, and roll out. But the logistics of traveling across the country, or half way around the world to partake would be a lot more stressful this year. Not to mention there are a lot of: artists, large encampments, builders, government permits, and volunteers that take weeks/months/years to ramp up this event that would be especially difficult during this time of uncertainty.
If there's one thing I thing I think Burning Man can teach right now it's that there can exist a perfect yin-yang balance between supporting your community, and self reliance. It's easy for someone to initially look at this event as some sort of weird temporary hippie socialist commune. I've mentioned before that just by virtue of walking around talking to people you're pretty much almost guaranteed one hot meal a day among other fun thoughtful gifts, and free tasty beverages. But there exists an underlying strong libertarian streak as well. You must come to a harsh environment prepared. You should avoid being a burden to the community as much as possible. There are very few restrictions on your freedoms so you'd better exercise them wisely. No one is going to tell you to stay in your tent during a brutal sandstorm. In other words: You better have your shit together.
So how does this relate to our current situation? I've seen friends, and family support each other from a distance. I've been offered toilet paper, or tips on where it's in stock. I've witnessed stories of people sewing/constructing face masks in their basements and garages. There are those on the front lines being asked to do more for their communities than ever before by putting their own health at risk. But at the same time we all need to make sure we keep ourselves safe and take responsibility for our own preparedness as well as actions. I'm not expecting my neighbor to bail me out anymore than I'm holding my breath on government intervention. I won't turn down help, and I will freely give it to someone in need if I can. But I'm going into this as if I can only rely on myself.
Right now is a very difficult duration for a lot of people. There exists much: anxiety, uneasiness, skepticism, loneliness, feelings of isolation and fear. But there is also: hope, patience, resilience, community and healthy concern for our fellow man. I don't know when this damn thing is going to be all over. I can't even guarantee that I'll personally be alright afterwards. But (at the risk of sounding like a sappy lunatic) if we stick together as well as make sure we take care of both ourselves, and our loved ones... We might just come out the other end of this dust up stronger than before.
Welcome Home.
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