To alleviate social, economic and environmental problems associated with over-population, the People’s Republic of China instituted a policy restricting families to having just one child. When a cells’ growth goes unregulated, doctors must attempt to stem the harmful effects on the human body through radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. When the number of people who wish to participate in Burning Man has proliferated to the point where not everyone can attend, certain restrictions on tickets had to be implemented.
There is indeed a point where fertility must be checked, and the Dusty Rhino must accept this reality in a new “2.0” Burning Man. So this author, along with a number of other individuals without tickets who have conceived, reared, funded, loved and enriched our art car, will remain home.
Yet, as “2.0” conveys a rebirth, creating something new, more intelligent, efficient and productive than its predecessor, the Dusty Rhino again wishes to grace the Playa, albeit in a renewed, reborn form.
Since the Dusty Rhino’s crew cannot all attend, the art car has been mechanically reworked to make it far easier to assemble, run, repair and disassemble. Whereas before, only a few individuals with the specialized skills and knowledge could get the Rhino ready to play on the Playa, now nearly anyone who knows how to use a wrench will be capable of operation.
The Dusty Rhino 2.0 is ready to leave his bay at American Steel, venture out on his own, making new friends along the way. And his crew, some will join him and others, like sperm, egg and womb donors, will continue to participate by creating something that can be enjoyed in their absence.
