Bryan Palacio / Staff Writer
opinion@fiusm.com
Some people die and become legends. Others become legends even before they die. That’s what Dean Potter was to the rock-climbing and base-jumping world – a living legend. For over 20 years he didn’t just rule the outdoors world, he transcended it. He pushed the limits further than anyone else and his impact on everyone who met him is much more than any of his records could ever say about him.
But, Dean Potter also became a victim of his own ambition. Potter and his friend Graham Hunt died May 16 in a wingsuit base-jumping accident in Yosemite National Park, the place Potter called home and where he set many of his records. Base-jumping is illegal, but still, it was no surprise when National Geographic decided to do an article praising the life and achievements of Potter. Considered a man amongst men, he was widely regarded as single-handedly changing both of his choice sports with his accomplishments, including being chosen as Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. But what was surprising to me was the reaction to this article by people online.
Potter was a polarizing figure. Well known for recording many of his jumps for the world to see, he garnered a lot of praise when these high-flying videos went viral. But along with this attention came a lot of scrutiny. Potter was known to, and even recorded himself, performing base-jumps with his dog, Whisper. Obviously he received backlash, and even I myself was very disapproving of this. If you want to illegally jump off of a cliff, that is your choice, but to strap an innocent dog to your chest and force him into your death-defying act is completely irresponsible. However, I can disapprove of his actions while still understanding and appreciating that this man was who he was, a thrill seeker with absolutely no boundaries.
The internet can be an ugly place. Aside from sharing cat videos with friends and family on Facebook, we all know that it is just as easy of a place to find racism, sexism, homophobia or any other form of hate speech. One of my favorite things to do on any website is to scroll through the comment section. It is all but a given that there will be someone “trolling,” but even still I was surprised at the reaction from people. Many couldn’t believe that National Geographic put out a story praising this “reckless criminal.” They called him a child or said he wanted to die. They even went so far as to say he deserved what he got.
I was appalled.
Was Dean Potter a saint? Of course not. Did he break the law? Definitely. But did he want to die? Probably not. He had a girlfriend and was a father figure to her kids. He had parents, family and friends. Maybe to us he was reckless, but not to others who understood him. To some of us, jumping off of a cliff is a sure way to die. But to Dean Potter, jumping off a cliff was the only way to live.
We as humans have an affinity for judging others. We want to categorize them and remind ourselves that we are better every chance that we get. Potter dying was a tragic event. There are many mourning his loss, including many people he never even knew he inspired. I will never understand why someone would want to throw dirt on a person who has already paid the ultimate price with his life. Why people feel the need to decide what others do with their lives is beyond me.
Dean Potter never hurt anyone with is career. He did what he loved and lived his life to the absolute fullest. He experienced more of life in his years than many of us would have in one hundred. The only life he ever risked was his own, and I believe we all have the right to choose for ourselves what we want to do with our existence. It says something about a person who isn’t afraid to chase their dreams – when the world tells you that you’re wrong and you still strive to do what makes you happy. Too many people, and I’m sure many of them the same people who went out of their way to badmouth him, spend their lives inside bubbles, always scared and playing it safe until they’re too old and miserable to do anything about it.
Many people said he was a terrible person for leaving his family behind. I don’t agree with that at all. He doesn’t owe his life to them. Because his parents created him doesn’t mean that he is endowed to live the life they wanted him to live. In fact, by giving someone life you give them the opportunity to do whatever it is that they want with it. As for his girlfriend, she knew who he was and what he did yet she decided to be with him. Again, it’s all about choice.
Potter never pretended to be something he wasn’t. He was a son, friend, life partner and many other things, but these were just subcategories. He was one main thing: a thrill seeker. He was a rock climber. He was a base jumper. He devoted his life to being outdoors and pushing the limits of these sports more than anyone ever has. He did what many of us are afraid to do and more. He didn’t just follow his dreams, he crushed them.
Moments like this are great measuring sticks. Potter’s death doesn’t define him, his life does. But the way I have seen others react to this story says more about them then it does about him. If we are ever to cross the barriers we have as a society we need to be more empathetic toward each other. Just because you don’t understand someone’s lifestyle doesn’t mean that you are any better or worse than them. We all live life according to what we think is best for ourselves, but some aren’t scared to follow their dreams and be happy at all costs.
Dean Potter lived his life that way. Maybe the rest of us should, too.
Photo by Paul Hessels
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