In Search of a Simpler Christmas
The Strong Straw Man
My old Argumentation and Debate textbook defines the fallacy of the "straw man" as occurring "when an advocate sets up an issue just so he can knock it down." Our society seems to be policed by entire battalions of straw men. Outdoor gear suppliers demand that I cry uncle to their strong straw men. They tell me that I need a "technically advanced jacket for demanding conditions," a heater that only requires four AA batteries to keep my drinking water flowing in the winter, or a "Pocket Rocket / Titan Kettle Combo" for only $79.95 - I can save $15 if I buy it before Dec 24th(or $79.95 if I don't buy it at all) ...
Now I confess to owning several pairs of mittens, and even three different tents. OK, I also have more than one pair of boots. But for the most part, I've been able to enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, and hike a lot of miles without spending big bucks for too much fancy equipment that may not even work better than some low-tech, inexpensive gear. I have yet to figure out why I should buy a nylon "footprint" ground cloth when a sheet of drop-cloth plastic weighs less, is cheaper, and is easy to replace when it is damaged. A plastic zipper bag protects my map as well as a $5 map case and weighs MUCH less.
My family waits in vain for me to add new camping items to my wish list. The Outdoor Industry Association longs for my dollars to pad their report on the economic value of recreation. The lobbyists can only sigh, and confess that walkers don't really command attention for their contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. While this lack of spending is one reason that hikers don't pack much clout, it's also a reason to rejoice, in the holiday season, or any time of the year. Almost all of us can get on our feet and walk somewhere.
Meanwhile, let's light any old Christmas candle we like, sing a carol or two with our own vocal chords, go build an insurgency of snow men, and stroll through the woods in our 10-year-old barn coats. Let's count our blessings, elude those straw men, and get off the couch! Merry Christmas!
Published by Joan H. Young
Pen name, sharkbytes: The Shark is obsessed with quiet, outdoor, muscle-powered recreation. On August 3, 2010, she became the first woman to hike the entire North Country National Scenic Trail, 4395 miles. S... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentCan't argue with that :-)
Nicely written piece. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you fer sharin' an honest opinion. Y'all might enjoy my article "The legend of Bubba Clause" It's a year round Christmas story.
Ooooh- macaroni & cheese from the oven! Now there's a topic that merits a whole essay. Thanks for enjoying Christmas in July.
Good article Joan! (Very humorous if I must say...) You have addressed things we all need to consider, whether purchasing outdoor gear or the popular indoor gear (cell phones, ipods, etc.) This reminds me of an idea that my pastor used to address: Everybody now wants be a part of the microwave generation: get it fast, quick and easy. Personally, I like the "traditional" products: macaroni and cheese made from scratch and slowly baked in the oven! Excellent job again and keep writing!!