“You’re closed-minded unless you’re open-minded the way I am”

I made this realization about the irony of ‘hip hippies’ in my teens; the time their presence in LA entered my periphery. As I prepared to be part of my first Burning Man several years ago, I expected to feel this way about the people I encountered in the months leading up. I also self-consciously expected that I’d be too “default-world-normal” for this crew. But instead I felt wholly accepted, even if not embraced, both in the months preceding and during the Burn. I was surprised to find that even my personal choices like eating meat and drinking fluoridated water weren’t scorned. Like you, I abstained from drugs, costumes, and sex on playa. Like you, I felt that while for most people surrounding me this was their one week to “be themselves,” this was the regular me who I was all the time. Most people were ready to party hard at the sound camps while I felt, ‘that’s what I do all the time I want to chill and see what else there is here besides dance parties’. I was eager to talk about my passion which happened to be my work while others said, “No, no. I don’t talk about work at Burning Man.” I had a good time and learned some things but my life wasn’t changed. And yet, we all saw eye to eye. I didn’t make any friends or lifelong bonds but I felt welcome.

I think because I embraced my choices and lifestyle so fully, owning all of who I was/am, I attracted those who were cool with it too. I’m sure the other kind that you describe exists as well, clearly, because you’ve experienced them. And if that is so, then I agree that they are poseurs, not truly truly truly embodying the spirit of the open-mindedness pillar, and as a result any of the pillars (because I believe they all depend on each other). And if you and I really embody these pillars, then we have to open minded-ly accept the poseurs too, right? Maybe even convert them into authentics.

I’m not sure what point I’m getting at here. Maybe just long-windedly agreeing with you.