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jstp
May 17, 2006, 12:21 PM
Post #1 of 3
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Registered: May 23, 2004
Posts: 97
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I just recieved this email from Patagonia regarding an email i sent them about the recent Delicate Arch incident. If it has already been posted it deserves its own thread.
From: PATAGONIACS@patagonia.com
>To: PATAGONIACS@patagonia.com
>Subject: Delicate Arch
>Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 14:10:56 -0700
>
>Hello,
>
>Thank you for writing us with your concerns. Patagonia ambassador Dean
>Potter's May 7 free solo of Delicate Arch has generated significant
>controversy about the legality and appropriateness of the climb of what has
>been described as a national icon. We'll be interested to follow the
>controversy and to listen to views of those on both sides.
>
>A few facts are in order. First, no crime has been committed. The National
>Park Service has conceded that its regulations were ambiguous and that they
>will not cite Dean for the ascent. They have said they will seek to clarify
>their regulations to prevent a second try. The Park and a number of opinion
>leaders have argued that Delicate Arch is an icon that should not be
>climbed.
>
>It is important to note that Dean did no harm to the route or to the rock.
>He free-soloed the arch, placing no anchors and creating no impact beyond
>blowing dust off the holds. As he says, "No one reveres rocks more than me.
>I consider all rocks sacred, as do most climbers."
>
>Dean, like all Patagonia ambassadors, undertakes his own climbs on his own
>terms. He told us about the climb afterward.
>
>We have taken positions in the past on a number of issues of climbing
>ethics, including bolting. We take no position on this one. As Casey
>Sheahan, our CEO, notes, "From the early days in the Tetons to the
>rebelliousness of Yosemite's Camp 4, every generation of climbers has had
>its run-ins with government regulations that attempt to restrict climber's
>freedom of expression. At Patagonia we don't control the ways our sponsored
>athletes conduct themselves except to encourage respect for the environment
>and uncommon approaches to every challenge. Dean is at the pinnacle of free
>solo climbing, makes decisions for himself, and has our complete support."
>
>Again, we thank you for your time and your opinion.
>
>Patagonia
And here is what i had to say to them....
Ma'am/Sir,
thank you for your response. i suspect it is a form letter, but i am still impressed with the consideration and thought put into it. you have once again reaffirmed my belief in both you company and the climbing community. I am still formulating my thoughts on this incident, but i share the feelings of Dean about the sacredness of place, and of the respectful interaction with our environment. He is one of the few people i believe is willing to act on a set of beliefs that are not always based on ego, but of wanting to meaningfully engage the non-human world - and go against legal or societal mores to do so. The continuing condemnation of his action (for i do not think it was primarily undertaken as an 'ascent) has frustrated me because of the lack of depth to the discussion. i cannot deny that legally and in terms of access the Delicate Arch incident is a mess, and will probably negatively impact the climing community. Nor can i deny that the publicity of this incident is dissheartening. Had such a thing taken place with no photos, bystanders or other outside involvment the experience would have been a personal one, and not a public debacle and publicity stunt. Still, i challenge both your company, the climbing community and the rest of everyone to seriously think about the deeper implications of this event. Someone took a stand on a personal belief- that Delicate Arch is 'sacred' and then took that love and respect to the highest level they know how. To suggest Dean has violated or profaned the arch is only valid if you assume the arch is there for 'us' -a self-selected group of people. How many ravens have perched there and felt the power of that place? If we are to move beyond the debiliating human centered, environmentally catastrophic path we are on the actions like this one may point us all to a greater respect and treatment of more than just oursleves. Our future depends on it. But if we can only blabber and rant about legal intricacies and questionable publicity ethics we have missed a bigger point.
>
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thomasribiere
May 17, 2006, 1:21 PM
Post #2 of 3
(206 views)
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Registered: Aug 24, 2002
Posts: 9306
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the ma'am is priceless.
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wjca
May 17, 2006, 2:23 PM
Post #3 of 3
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Registered: Jan 27, 2005
Posts: 7545
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In reply to: the ma'am is priceless.
Next time, try "Dear sir/madam:"
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