Ep 47: How to Interrupt the White-Washing, Escapism, and Hero Worship in Climbing and Speak Truth to Power with Devin Dabney
If you haven’t listened to the The American Climbing Project podcast, stop listening to this and go listen to all the episodes then meet me back here.
Devin Dabney created the American Climbing Project as a response to the white-washing, spiritual bypassing, and nauseating hero worship of the climbing industry. It is a balm for the soul of those of us who are sick to death of the copy and paste formula of Reel Rock featuring white dude climber after white dude climber talking about his vision for a futuristic climb.
We trace Devin’s journey from getting into climbing, working as a route setter and coach, to creating the American Climbing Project podcast during the height of the Black Lives Matter uprising. Our conversation touches on everything from the hierarchy imposed on outdoor spaces, how mountains aren’t racist, but the outdoor industry is, how climbing creates a hero worship/halo effect/ Peter Pan culture that lays the groundwork for people like Charlie Barrett to commit sexual violence with impunity, and how climbing isn’t the “great equalizer” many a white bro wants to believe it is.
Listen to the American Climbing Project
Connect with Devin:
Follow Devin Dabney on Instagram
Follow The American Climbing Project on Instagram
Articles by Devin:
Climbing Can’t be Racist…Right?
Climbing is not Your Therapy
What Makes Someone a “Professional” Climber?
Show Up As You Are: The Rise of a Routesetter
Devin’s writing on Climbing Business Journal
Connect with Terra Incognita Media:
Terra Incognita Media website
Terra Incognita Media instagram
Grab your FREE Guide to Toxic Masculinity in the Outdoor Industry
Comments ()