– Ian Friedman
http://ifriedman51.blogspot.kr/
When it first came to my attention that there was a Burning Man event in Korea, I shrugged the notion off like any other seemingly cheap knock-off enterprise. Surely, I thought, this is a phony event designed to con westerners out of their money. Of course, it might look legitimate, but in the back of my mind I was certain that this would be nothing more than an elaborate fake. Having read a small library’s worth of material about the Burning Man back in the states, my earnest desire to be a part of the experience made me arrogant in my ignorance about the Burn here in Korea.
“I thought, this is a phony event designed to con westerners out of their money. Of course, it might look legitimate, but in the back of my mind I was certain that this would be nothing more than an elaborate fake.”
Then I listened long enough to realize that there is actually such a thing as a regional Burning Man (who knew…), and sure enough, it’s modeled after every principle from the original. So of course I bought a ticket. How could you know what Burning Man is and not go (let alone finding out there’s one halfway across the world from your home in the country you currently reside)? However, I’ve also come to peace with the fact that despite Korea Burn running in the same fashion as the Burn in Black Rock City, the two events will inevitably be different.
You see, from my understanding, the Burning Man in the states is a semi-drug-fueled orgy where people dress up as their craziest subconscious caricatures. I also understand that this isn’t the whole picture, but let’s be honest, it’s a significant part to the experience. Korea Burn, on the other hand, cannot be like that, if only for the reason that drugs are policed so tightly in this country. I would be surprised if I’m proved wrong about this.
“Burning Man in the states is a semi-drug-fueled orgy where people dress up as their craziest subconscious caricatures.”
Regardless, I’m ecstatic to be going, even if for only two days. I’m eager to meet the people, however similar or dissimilar they may be. I’m anticipating the feeling of belonging, the kind that comes when people come together to form a community that is greater than the sum of its parts. Not least of all, I’m looking forward to having a bomb ass time not doing anything school related for 48 hours.
Hope to see you all there!
Written by Ian Friedman
Check out more from Ian here:
http://ifriedman51.blogspot.kr/