DJ Duk

August 15, 2007

Burning Man

No, this is not a post about how to deal with snitches. I wanted to talk about what I know and don’t know about a strange thing called Burning Man.

First the facts:
Burning Man is a “festal” of sorts that is held in the desert of Nevada once a year.
This “festal” features art created by the participants, most of which is burned at the end of Burning Man’s 7 day run. (This is a wonderful idea for all modern art)
There are no permanent faculties for the “festal”, only portable restrooms are provided. That means there are no showers, stores, food, or power beyond what you bring in with you.

What I don’t know:
First and for most is the simple question, why? Why does anyone opt for a situation where they are in a desert with no showers, no good bed (unless you take one with you) and no clear purpose for the whole thing in the fist place.
What does one do in the desert for seven days, unless you angered God and he is making you wonder around for a little bit? (If you don’t get the reference go read the Bible)
What’s with the whole art thing, I mean some artists do some very wacky stuff but this seems a bit extreme. Can’t you just go cut off your ear or something?

There web site says “Our mission is to produce the annual event known as "Burning Man" and to guide, nurture and protect the more permanent community created by its culture.” And then what? Burn it down, because that’s what happens. I see this as a message that says “hay kids, art and community is nice and all but it won’t last, so we are going to make that point blazing clear by burning it all down in front of you while you watch, ha ha ha” Now maybe I am being overly critical but I don’t understand the seemingly contradictory message.

I see the desert as a mostly lifeless, barren wasteland. I also think the metaphor here is clear. Burning Man says “your life, and to a larger extent the community around you is a lifeless pit, devoid of nurture or refuge of almost any kind. Fire and the act of burning symbolizes the inevitable destruction of what little peace and meaning you have managed to scrape together in your otherwise useless existence. Let us all celebrate this tragedy together and maybe it will distract us from the sad truth staring us in the face”

All in all Burning Man seems to be a strange thing in a strange place for strange people.

Posted by Bailey at August 15, 2007 11:54 AM