Misogyny in the Rocks, the “Tinder Pussy” Rock-climbing Dilemma
A discussion about misogyny, feminism, tradition, respect, social responsibility and effective communication in the outdoor rock-climbing scene.
Last week in Monterrey, one of the Mexican climbing meccas, there was a long and intense discussion started by the controversial naming of a new multipitch in La Huasteca. The route setters bolted and opened a beautiful and mythical 250-meter line in an open face of limestone at Guitarritas canyon. The line seems great, I believe it may have the potential of becoming a classic and one of the best in the continent, the problem is — they decided to name it “Tinder Pussy”. I’m pretty sure some of you cringed, or had your facial expression physically altered somehow as you read it, this is because that name is intrinsically offensive and misogynist in nature. So, with good reason it immediately sparked a big debate within the local climbing community: people were rallying, trying to get the route-setters to change the name.
This is a sensible topic with many sides and implications, and I will try my best to explain them in an organized manner. I will attempt to show with this real and recent case the importance of communication and respect for others and their traditions, as well as the underlying problems hidden behind the different stances taken within a discussion.
