Happy New Year! I celebrated the new year in Mammoth Lakes, a super popular ski area in central California, near Yosemite National Park. Celebrate is too strong of a word. I sat and watched mostly as my family enjoyed the snow. If they are happy (and ain’t asking me for nothing), I am content. I enjoy just sitting there not only watching all the gear and stuff but also doing some serious people watching. Because there is culture everywhere!
One day, I decided to apply the rings of culture to my experience there. Indulge me while I share with you what I came up with:
Age – When it came time to snowboard, I considered myself “aged” out and the kids agreed. I was kindly told sit this one out.
Gender – I felt very comfortable here because there seemed to be a lot of cisgender men around, especially with the group we were traveling with (a group of black families). But I also realized I was making a BIG assumption.
Nationality – I couldn’t feel more USA than being here, although there were many nationalities on the mountain. The omnipresence of cold beer in freezing temperatures did the trick for me. I met a family from Japan, which was cool.
Religion – This was tough because of the ubiquity of Judeo-Christian values (assumed). For example, crosses being displayed in some establishments. There were Muslims on the mountain, again I assume however. I am going on attire only.
Orientation – I would say that this didn’t apply, aside from a post dinner discussion about an attractive Black male athlete. The ladies passed around a picture of one for confirmation. By their response, I knew they were not talking about me.
Class – Many reflections here because winter play is very expensive. We cut costs a little because we were traveling with a group. Some of the prices though were outrageous and would lock a lot of folks out of the experience and reminded me why my family and I could only do a trip like this once a year. Even with some means, we could not afford to do everything we wanted to do.
Ethnic – We traveled with 4 other Black families. They all subscribed to Black culture authentically. So, I felt at home the entire time, felt community, felt culturally comfortable, even though I was meeting many of them for the first time. Being in a space where we all clicked culturally was refreshing and the best part of the trip for me.
