People are treating the DAPL protest like Burning Man

[KamaAina]

http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/33832/1/people-are-treating-the-dapl-protest-like-burning-man

Demonstrators at North Dakota’s Pipeline protest have spoken out about the amount of white people who have turned up to “colonise” the camp.

The concerns have been raised by protestors in a series of tweets and Facebook posts. According to them, people have turned up to the Standing Rock demonstration to soak up the “cultural experience”, and are treating the camp like it is “Burning Man” festival or “The Rainbow Gathering”.

“White people are colonising the camps. I mean that seriously. They are coming in, taking food, clothing... and occupying space without any desire to participate in camp maintenance and without respect of tribal protocols,” said protestor Alicia Smith on Facebook. “I even witnessed several wandering in and out of camps comparing it to festivals. Waiting with big smiles expectantly for us to give them a necklace or an ‘indian’ name while our camp leader was speaking.” ...

The situation has reportedly got so bad that an open letter detailing the camp’s ground rules has started trending on Twitter. Responding to the new influx of support, it reminds demonstrators that the camp is “not a vacation.” It also says that protestors should avoid drugs and alcohol, engage with the elders, and refrain from playing “guitar or drums” around the fires.

[raging moderate]

1. Oh, no, I think your requests are VERY reasonable.

Under the circumstances, I salute your restraint, courtesy, and moderation.

[JI7]

2. "Waiting with big smiles expectantly for us to give them a necklace or an indian name"

Ugh

[lunasun]

3. Not harsh at all . What new onslaught do natives have to deal with now while keeping up the protest?

Bet most of the new arrivals are not ready for the weather and will have to be cared for or syphon the little resources available . Jeez

[NobodyHere]

4. How dare white people care about something!

[babylonsister]

5. What's that supposed to mean?

They can care about something without disrespecting another's culture and traditions, which it sounds like they might be doing. Nothing wrong with a gentle reminder.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

7. Did you even read this? Why so touchy ?

[Bradical79]

8. "How dare white people pretend to care about something!"

Fixed that for you. Because that is what the article is saying. A bunch of white people decided they want to cosplay as hippies rather than actually show support and help.

[Calculating]

9. What?

The complaints are about white people who show up just to play hippie and party. White people who legitimately care about the protest are perfectly fine.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. ..

[MADem]

10. My very white and orthodox Jewish in-law relative is there.

But he isn't there to kumbayah, he is a lawyer and he's helping out with legal issues by specific invitation. I suspect he's doing more meetings away from the site than at it. Can't wait to hear what he has to say, but he hasn't been in touch much except for talking to my cousin, his spouse.