Re: [at-l] look at me stunts

In a message dated 12/29/00 7:35:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
RussDade@aol.com writes:

<< If I didn't know better, I would say that sounded kind of elitist. >>

Maybe that was a sarcastic comment...meant to be a joke among friends. I 
don't know. But, as far as I'm concerned, that is such a tired comment. WHAT 
is "elitist" about having a bond with others who've been through the same 
kind of experience???! That can apply to ANYTHING...not just thru-hiking. 
That's why veterans get together, for one thing (but, before anybody jumps on 
that, I'm not comparing thru-hiking to going through a war...just the first 
example that popped into my head).  That's one reason we participate in lists 
like this...to be connected to others with the same experience or interest.  
There's NOTHING elitist about having done something, then relating best to 
others who've done the same when it comes to discussing whatever that is. 
Just because someone else has NOT thru-hiked and they hear (or read) someone 
say that people who haven't been there, done that just can't fully understand 
some of what we've gone through or what it's like after the trail doesn't 
mean they have any basis to point the finger and say, "elitist! elitist!" 
Geeeeeeeeeeeez! (And, by the way, I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and Ginny 
at the Ruck last year. If there were ever two people who don't meet that 
description, I'd say it's them.)

Ramkitten with a major peeve about that "elistist" crapola. :o)
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