Category: Burning Man

Radical Self-Expression, –noun, In the psychedelic atmosphere of the playa, it becomes easier to speak freely, even bluntly. Direct communication is greatly valued both for its honesty and for its clarity in the chaotic atmosphere of a Burn event. Radical Self-expression is our art, whether in the form of a performance, a sculpture, or just a deep conversation.

Burning Man’s official description of this principle encourages responsible communication, urging one to consider speech a gift and therefore to “respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.” However, when the post-apocalyptic punk and free-love hippie aspects of the culture collide it often happens via some especially radical form of self-expression (Brian Doherty observed this clash in his book This Is Burning Man).

Radical Self-expression is used to justify rock operas, rave camps blasting music at all hours, a wildly creative fashion aesthetic, mutant vehicles equipped with flame throwers and loud arguments over bull horns at 4am. Over the years this has made Burner culture home to confrontational groups like the riot-gear wearing Chupacabra Policia while simultaneously welcoming loving groups like the hippie massage gurus of HeeBeeGeeBee Healers and exuberant expressions of human sexuality like Comfort & Joy (many of whom were formerly known as the queer camp Jiffy Lube).

The limits of this self-expression, especially where it may come into conflict with the other nine Burner principles, is an ongoing source of debate.

The lexicographer attended a tiny regional event where some participants decided that they’d create “Middle of the Road Camp” as their personal form of expression. The community tolerated this offense against civic responsibility for the duration of the weekend before making it clear that such things should never happen again.

The Lexicographer has been soliciting the opinion of other thoughtful Burners on the Ten Principles. Below you will find other opinions, but more are still welcomed. Use the contact information at the top to submit your thoughts.

Other entries in A Burner Lexicon can be found at https://kitoconnell.com/lexicon/

Leave No Trace, –noun, One of the most highly publicized aspects of the culture is Leave No Trace, often abbreviated as LNT. This principle is followed by even the smallest group wishing to be associated with the Burn. While regional events other than That Thing In The Desert may adopt their own alternative versions of the Burner Principles, this one is still universally practiced. It is not just good for the environment in an abstract way, but is also one of the main reasons that Burners are allowed to return again and again to the same public or private sites to hold their festivals and parties.

Many hours, days or even weeks of volunteer time are spent cleaning sites of trash and debris to return them to as pristine a condition as possible. This is done first by participants and members of theme camps, who may be penalized if their site is left in bad enough condition. Then, at Burning Man, the Department of Public Works takes over. These hard-working volunteers have even developed new techniques to face issues unique to playa cleanup, such as busting open the dunes that may form around discarded tents.

Of course, an event with as many generators, shade structures, outfits, and swag as the average Burn is going to produce waste and leave its mark on the environment, even before considering the supplies the community must bring in for basic survival. This principle is a goal to strive for and is meant to (and does) provoke debate about the best, least damaging way of doing our events.

The lexicographer has seen Leave No Trace cause conflicts between Burners and other subcultures. For example, many rennies have expressed frustration at criticism from Burners, because the trash at some renaissance faire encampments is actually cleaned up by paid employees.

The Lexicographer has been soliciting the opinion of other thoughtful Burners on the Ten Principles. Below you will find another opinion, but more are still welcomed. Use the contact information at the top to submit your thoughts.

Other entries in A BURNER LEXICON can be found at https://kitoconnell.com/lexicon/