Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Lack of diversity in Outdoors

It might be more revealing if the white population alone was polled regarding their desire, or lack of, to engage in an outdoor activity like hiking or skiing.

Poor white people, like my parents when they moved to California, might not be inclined to backpack or ski, because they might not have the financial resources or the energy required after long days of work.

Another factor might be city versus country living demographics. Most non-white ethnic groups might tend to live in city environments - it is where they possibly feel more comfortable culturally.

In our little mountain town, the teens seem to be less inclined to backpack, but can be avid skiers. Most of the locals that I see every week hiking in our local mountains are from older age groups.

I think the situation is a lot more complex than we think, and ought never judge someone by their participation in, or lack of interest in, outdoor recreation.