I've been a frequent lurker over the past few years but after reading the link and some of the commentary here, I felt the need to chime in. As a black man in his thirties, I hope I can provide some balanced insight. Like most polarizing issues in this country (or controversial threads on this site), reality tends to lie somewhere in the middle.
I think it's unfortunate that Mr. Hall is allowing his skin tone to act as a limitation, whether it's in regards to the hills he's hunting or in his professional/social life. There are undoubtedly vile, hateful people still lurking in this country. Bigotry and prejudice are alive and well. I can recall a handful of uncomfortable, although benign interactions in remote/rural locations over the past 10 years. Normally it's just an uneasy interaction based preconceived stereotypes or unkind words, sometimes is freshly chewed gum sticking to the side of your truck. I never feel unsafe in the field but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't on my mind when I set off alone into the mountains. There will always be people who see me as a "black hunter" rather than just a hunter. For some, my skin color makes me unwelcome on a two track.
Despite those things, I will never let anyone prevent me from enjoying my God-given freedoms as an American. Exploring "The Bob" or the Wind River Range is my birthright and I'd be a fool to let anyone tell me otherwise. And to the contrary of the article, I have found that most people, regardless of color are good people. Especially the hunters, anglers and ranchers I meet in the field. It would take forever to recall all the kind strangers who I have interacted with over the years- offering help to change a flat in a tough spot, pointing me in the right direction while afield or allowing me access to their creek behind the fence. Racism still exists, if you deny that, you're fooling yourself but when you choose to dwell on it, you're doing yourself a disservice.
One last thing. I'm sure that Greenhorn meant to bring levity to the post, unfortunately, he missed the mark. It's encouraging to see dialogue about race on this platform and his photo distracts from the conversation. Much like the author comment on reparations. While I believe it was meant to be in tongue--in-cheek, it fell flat.
I think it's unfortunate that Mr. Hall is allowing his skin tone to act as a limitation, whether it's in regards to the hills he's hunting or in his professional/social life. There are undoubtedly vile, hateful people still lurking in this country. Bigotry and prejudice are alive and well. I can recall a handful of uncomfortable, although benign interactions in remote/rural locations over the past 10 years. Normally it's just an uneasy interaction based preconceived stereotypes or unkind words, sometimes is freshly chewed gum sticking to the side of your truck. I never feel unsafe in the field but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't on my mind when I set off alone into the mountains. There will always be people who see me as a "black hunter" rather than just a hunter. For some, my skin color makes me unwelcome on a two track.
Despite those things, I will never let anyone prevent me from enjoying my God-given freedoms as an American. Exploring "The Bob" or the Wind River Range is my birthright and I'd be a fool to let anyone tell me otherwise. And to the contrary of the article, I have found that most people, regardless of color are good people. Especially the hunters, anglers and ranchers I meet in the field. It would take forever to recall all the kind strangers who I have interacted with over the years- offering help to change a flat in a tough spot, pointing me in the right direction while afield or allowing me access to their creek behind the fence. Racism still exists, if you deny that, you're fooling yourself but when you choose to dwell on it, you're doing yourself a disservice.
One last thing. I'm sure that Greenhorn meant to bring levity to the post, unfortunately, he missed the mark. It's encouraging to see dialogue about race on this platform and his photo distracts from the conversation. Much like the author comment on reparations. While I believe it was meant to be in tongue--in-cheek, it fell flat.
