We are all familiar with the term “achievement gap”, but according to journalist and mountaineer, James Edward Mills, there is also a “comparable divide” when it comes to minority groups and their participation in outdoor recreation. He’s appropriately terms this phenomenon as “the adventure gap.”
This disparity becomes more and more evident, as studies by the Outdoor Foundation conclusively prove that participation in outdoor recreation is much lower among Hispanic and African-American populations compared to Caucasians across all ages and incomes. For Mills, this is largely due to the lasting effects of a history of racial discrimination and past legislation – not necessarily a conclusion based on scientific data.
Yet, as Mill’s new book, The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors, chronicles the incredible history of minority adventurers, his assertion certainly begins to holds weight. The book, which is part story and part social commentary, sheds more light on this growing issue. Within its pages, he acknowledges that overt racism is a thing of the past. Yet, despite this, social cues and unwritten expectations remain, dictating what people of color should or shouldn’t do.
According to Mills, however, the adventure gap is, in many ways, “defined by ourselves, in our own heads.” In fact, Mills has had kids personally tell him that participation in outdoor activities is ‘not what black people do.’
Even environmental and life sciences fields, are lacking in terms of African-American and Hispanic student participation. For many people who come from modest means, the environmental career path is a “dead-end industry” – not a viable option to support a family. Thus, students who do go to college, look towards careers in medicine or business.
Unfortunately, like the achievement gap currently inflicting our nation, there currently isn’t enough focus on the adventure gap dilemma. Minority groups, however, are expected to become the majority within the next few decades. As such, the future of the outdoor industry is directly correlated to the active participation of all groups.
Take SHOWME Laser Keyboard with you on your next adventure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5cxM-g_b9w
Minority Groups Much Less Likely To Seek Adventure?
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