65 Comments

Well written, as usual. Being a Boomer, I am unlikely to ever attend the event. But I can draw some conclusions based on your report. It seems to me that Burning Man is a kind of ad hoc small town, created for a short while. Everyone is neighbors with everyone, politics come down to the here and now, and the availability of IRL interaction eliminates the need for constant social media. When I was growing up in the 50s and 60s, this is how life was in small town America. Kudos to those of you who have recaptured the vibe.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Thanks for the refreshing report!

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Funny, I just had a flashback to my experiences in Vietnam. Outsiders also had lots of long winded opinions about what they knew nothing about. I have no opinion about burning man, good or bad. Not my gig. One connection however, in high school I lived above that beach and we did fires and stuff many summer nights. Glad you liked the experience Lee, good report. Reminds me why I’m not on social media. Except here perhaps.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

I’m glad you’re safe Lee, and that your experience was mostly positive. I’m not a burner but I’ve got many friends who are, so I’m pretty second-hand familiar with the community. While I’m no stranger to busting burner balls (sometimes good-natured ribbing can keep us all humble) I agree that what is being described in the media is absurd.

I honestly have to wonder if these are real people starting the online hatemobs. Sure, shitty people exist and many of them have social media accounts, but what if? What if this shit was all a fucked up experiment to see how easily a handful of people controlling accounts (be they bots, paid trolls, whatever) could influence large numbers of people to do / say evil shit? Or just celebrate human suffering? Even encourage violence?

Obviously I can’t prove my theory, but some days you really have to wonder...

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Thanks. I was all ready to buy into the downbeat description that apparently is just an incorrect stereotype. It’s a great feeling to learn I’m wrong about something...that’s how I learn and grow.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

So the msm got it wrong. Well that has never happened before! I am laughing so hard I am crying.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Being a committed progressive means never having to say “I’m happy!”

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Reminds me a lot of the way it felt to be out in the parking lots and surrounds of a Grateful Dead concert at Autzen Stadium. Those moments are rare, and many never experience them. Those who have must never forget what it feels like to be truly free. Thanks Lee.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

I no longer drink, i’m not into drugs, i’m married (monogamous), and love recreation in nature (surfing, biking, kiting, etc). Would burning man be fun for me? I realize online psychiatry is difficult, but I’m curious as to people’s thoughts?

Expand full comment

Nice counterpoint.

Expand full comment

Probably not my thing (perhaps anymore) but great to hear it was good for those who were there. Takes us all.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Thanks for the on-the-er-mud reporting of what it’s really like.

Expand full comment
Sep 6Liked by Lee Fang

Some weekends I turn my phone off, stay at home and don’t go to Burning Man. It’s awesome.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

I've never been but now I understand why some of my friends just love Burning Man. Thanks for this wonderful report. I think there are other more local Burning Man events, no? Thanks again!

Expand full comment

I know burning man is huge and unique and had issues, but I did attend a small (and cheap) regional burn this year, and the communal spirit of generosity etc Lee describes was so amazingly beautiful to me that I'm attending another this fall and another next spring. You can make it what you want. But merely tossing my phone away, forgetting about time, and connecting with other humans in an open and loving spirit and do-it-yourself-all-together makes it all worth it.

As for Twitter reaction, what a bunch of hypocrites.

Expand full comment
Sep 5Liked by Lee Fang

Thanks for the great report. I’ve never been (nor wanted to go due to potential dust storms) but the vibe you describe reminds me of the many great Dead shows I went to.😘

Expand full comment