Philosophical climbing question

EDIT- holy shit guys it’s an interesting question about how the climbing community has evolved. Half of you are some real buttholes

 A buddy of mine posed a question and I’m curious the public’s answer- 

imagine you come across a climber in real life or on social media, they may not be a professional, but they have made themselves known in the climbing world in some way, now say that this person also wears something boujiee, like an expensive sweater or watch, in their everyday life outside of climbing, would you still take this person seriously in their climbing career? Or has our industry been skewed by rich Everest climber wannabes to the point where we only respect climbers who have come from a dirtbag lifestyle like most of us have?

Curious your thoughts and happy climbing

Like a 100K sprinter van?

Cory Bwrote:

Like a 100K sprinter van?

Lol facts tho, but if I see a sprinter I’m like “oh dip serious climber”, but then if I see a climber wear a 7k Rolex in their free time I’d be like “not real climber” and that’s probably not a fair judgement ya know? 

How I look at someone's "climbing career" has nothing to do with what they wear or buy. It has to do with what they climb.

What I would not take seriously is any financial advice they might give.

Philosophical is a strong word for this topic.

Reese Milburnwrote:

A buddy of mine posed a question and I’m curious the public’s answer- 

imagine you come across a climber in real life or on social media, they may not be a professional, but they have made themselves known in the climbing world in some way, now say that this person also wears something boujiee, like an expensive sweater or watch, in their everyday life outside of climbing, would you still take this person seriously in their climbing career? Or has our industry been skewed by rich Everest climber wannabes to the point where we only respect climbers who have come from a dirtbag lifestyle like most of us have?

Curious your thoughts and happy climbing

And who cares?

I've always kind of admired the dichotomous boujie/dirtbag lifestyle, if done right. Oh you make $150,000 (thats a good amout in KC) and send 12c and are in the woods getting dirty most weekends? Good for you. 

Will Hadenwrote:

I've always kind of admired the dichotomous boujie/dirtbag lifestyle, if done right. Oh you make $150,000 (thats a good amout in KC) and send 12c and are in the woods getting dirty most weekends? Good for you. 

Love this answer

I don’t really take anyone seriously if they flaunt ‘boujiee’ items. If they said they were a climber, I would probably take them even less seriously. 

I left my Rolex on a rock at the base of Dirtbag, in Yosemite last Saturday. So if you found it I need it back. 

I don't judge people by their net worth. If we are climbing its all about how you carry your share of the load and how much fun you are to be around.. 

Reese Milburnwrote:

imagine you come across a climber in real life or on social media, they may not be a professional, but they have made themselves known in the climbing world in some way, now say that this person also wears something boujiee, like an expensive sweater or watch, in their everyday life outside of climbing, would you still take this person seriously in their climbing career? Or has our industry been skewed by rich Everest climber wannabes to the point where we only respect climbers who have come from a dirtbag lifestyle like most of us have?

Though it is technically framed as a question, it's very obviously a leading statement about the preconceived perceptions of the questioner. 

1. See Climbing as mostly White Privilege and you'll make "philosophical" strides in understanding our pastime. Whether they wear Prana with holes or Patagucci with the tags still on its all same same.

2. Being a Dirtbag is the ultimate White Privilege. Do you really think a POC would have much success dressing like a bum and dumpster diving?

Fundamentally, the better "philosophical question" is "why do you care about other's climbing careers?" It has no effect on your own.

Dude still racks Tricams. He's forever alright in my books.

Garry Reisswrote:

Dude still racks Tricams. He's forever alright in my books.

How can someone be such a badass climber/skier/mountaineer and yet be hair insecure?

Reese Milburnwrote:

EDIT- holy shit guys it’s an interesting question about how the climbing community has evolved. Half of you are some real buttholes

 A buddy of mine posed a question and I’m curious the public’s answer- 

imagine you come across a climber in real life or on social media, they may not be a professional, but they have made themselves known in the climbing world in some way, now say that this person also wears something boujiee, like an expensive sweater or watch, in their everyday life outside of climbing, would you still take this person seriously in their climbing career? Or has our industry been skewed by rich Everest climber wannabes to the point where we only respect climbers who have come from a dirtbag lifestyle like most of us have?

Curious your thoughts and happy climbing

I respect the frugal lifestyle but if your van is junk, your rack is all booty and you beg for cigs and coffee you can take a hike.

On the flip side if you roll up in a Benz, wear perfect condition Patagucci, and have a shiny new rack, you're probably a poser.

There has to be a middle ground. Come visit if you wanna see it.

This is not philosophy, it's judgment.