“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” – James Baldwin
Love of country is hard to justify when hate is embraced by so many of our countrymen.
Going north on Skyline Drive, the main artery of Shenandoah National Park, a lone backpacker on the shoulder was flagging passing cars for a lift. Shocked at encountering a hitchhiker in the wild, we agreed to pull over at the next overlook and check whether we could help him. He was heading as far north as he could using the kindness of strangers; we could take him at least the rest of the way to the northern visitor center. Thankful to be off his feet and the road, Matt took us up on the offer.
Matt is hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a tremendous endeavor. Some unexpected delays forced him to hitch a ride for a portion of the trail to stay on schedule; whether we picked him up or not, he still has months left. Being on the trail that long, trail magic is a welcome surprise. Hikers usually accept without complaint. Or, that was once the spirit.
Matt thanked us profusely, but not all his encounters were as positive. Confederate hostels, radical Trump supporters, and all the threats and hate contained by those mindsets. Behind a mask of kindness. Matt is of a demographic that’s heavily targeted by the bigoted parts of society. It’s remarkably brave to hit the trail alone given his situation. It’s equally sobering to hear him say that it’s worse than the 90s. Once, it was enough to ask for acceptance and recognition, now you are in tangible danger when you try to be true to yourself. A ride up the road could turn deadly when a stranger’s bigotry overrides their humanity. The reality many of my fellow Americans live with, daily.
“The world changes, and all that once was strong now proves unsure. How shall any tower withstand such numbers and such reckless hate?” – Theoden
We left Matt at the visitor center to continue his trek and, when allowed, savor that trail magic. I asked him to be safe, cliched advice for someone who knows the danger far more intimately than me. America, which I love and can walk through unafraid, does not hold the same promise for Americans who land outside the arbitrary lines designed by the majority.
This post doesn’t have a resolution. But I admire Matt, not just for tackling the physicalities of the AT, but by continuing to stake a claim to the outdoors. The threats are real but I’m glad there are Americans who aren’t discouraged to exercise their right to our public land. Those Americans are holding the line, their strength helping prevent total backslide. I hope to be a worthy ally.
“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.” – Gandalf
Matt, if you’re out there, we wish you luck and hope to see you out there sometime soon.
