Snoop Dogg as a national parks spokesman? One ranger says ‘yes’
Sippin' on gin 'n juice...around a campfire? One park ranger thinks having rapper Snoop Dogg endorse visiting national parks would do wonders in getting more African Americans outside.
I saw an interesting post on The Adventure Journal’s website, and I just had to explore it.
There is a park ranger at Yosemite National Park in California who is trying hard to get more black Americans to visit America’s parks, Yosemite in particular.
His efforts already got Oprah Winfrey to camp at the park.
Next up: Getting rap star Snoop Dogg to set up camp and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
The ranger, Shelton Johnson, is black. He’s the only African American park ranger at Yosemite, a post on the change.org website says. Johnson, originally from Detroit, estimates that less than 1 percent of Yosemite’s visitors are black, despite the park’s proximity to Oakland and several other major cities in California.
“All Snoop Dogg has to do is go camping in Yosemite and it would change the world,” Johnson is quoted as saying. “If Oprah Winfrey went on a road trip to the national parks, it would do more than I have done in my whole career.”
I think this is a very interesting take, getting famous black Americans to endorse visiting national parks.
If you think about it, the world of the outdoors doesn’t seem to be as cross-cultural as many other facets of life. Music, art, film, television, sports – all of these elements of American culture have seen a growing and healthy representation of many ethnicities. But when you look at ads for ski equipment, outdoor gear or the like, it’s pretty much as lilly white as it gets.
Park ranger Shelton Johnson.
I’ve seen people of color on the slopes and on the trail, but my own experience seems to point toward the idea that all this camping/climbing/hiking stuff is mostly done by white folks. I know that’s not 100 percent true, but that perception is based, at least in part, in reality.
I’m curious about what you all think. Anyone out there who bucks the trend? I’d love to hear from you or anyone else who’d like to chime in on this subject.
If you want to read more about this, check out these two links:
http://joytripproject.org/blog/2010/11/18/snoop-dogg-called-to-wild/#more-4264
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/tell_snoop_dogg_visit_a_national_park
Bob Doucette
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Comments
What I’ve told people is pretty much the same thing. My life is enhanced and broadened by getting outside more, out in the wild areas more. Thanks for the clarification on not being the only African American ranger at Yosemite. More importantly, thanks for responding and giving us your take!
Thanks for posting this article Bob. Shelton is a good friend and a reliable source for my own reporting on the topic of diversity in outdoor recreation. As journalist who specializes in covering topics related to an active lifestyle who happens to be African-American it often falls to me to raise awareness for the low turnout of black folks at our National Parks. The specific reasons why are open to debate but it’s good see this conversation thoughtfully addressed across the broad spectrum of media. The more people, regardless of race or ethnicity, who adopt a love of nature and the outdoors will assure their security and preservation for future generations.
Great take. And I totally agree. My time in the outdoors has blessed my life. Who doesn’t want to be blessed?
I’m with you Shelton. As a long time Sierra backpacker I have seen things evolve, but not nearly enough. It is still rare to meet an African-American backpacker on the trail.
Dan
Mr. Johnson you are right on! My father was a National Park Ranger in several parks, so I grew up watching the variety of cultures visit, and more asian from other countries seemed to be in a majority in attendance. What unites us as a country is the land, and all Americans should enjoy the National Parks. Hopefully, funding will not be cut to our park systems, as we still need to protect their natural beauty while giving the public access to learn about our land.Good Luck on Getting Snoop Dawg to visit, as I believe he is just a city boy at heart.
Hello,
This is Shelton Johnson. I’m the African American park ranger in Yosemite who invited Oprah Winfrey to visit the park. I’m not the only African American ranger in the park. There’s another African American man who works in Yosemite seasonally. Yes, I am interested in encouraging more African Americans to visit our national parks, but I”m just as interested in all people of color making that same journey. Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, all Americans pay taxes that support the national park system, but not al of those Americans are out there enjoying these great places. If you’re going to pay for something, you might as well use it. Besides the economic imperative there’s just the aspect of fun. These are inspiring environments and I’ve seen the effect of these places on folks who encounter them for the first time. It’s a transformative moment that changes them forever. This is not hyperbole. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Zion, Redwoods, and others, are experiences that can change your life for the better. Who doesn’t want their life to change for the better? Thanks!