I’m just going to say it. Fuck “gumbies” and “noobs.” No, I’m not talking about the people that these words supposedly personify. I’m talking about those words. There is nothing useful about those two words –they are derogatory. Think about it, if you are a newer climber and someone calls you a “noob” (or if you even call yourself a “noob”) how does it make you feel? Good? Not likely.
 
I am going to make three bold statements about “gumby” and “noob:”

1. Those words promote division amongst our climbing community;
2. There is little difference between those words and other derogatory words that are intended to elevate one and step-on another; and
3. When someone chooses to use those words it says more about themselves than the people they are trying to describe.

 
Like any derogatory word, “gumby” and “noob”:

• Disconnects us from the individual. Most people would not call someone they know a “gumby,” but they may happyily call the new climbers two climbs down that word. I bet if you sat down and had a beer with some of those people you might find some cool, new friends. If they are behaving poorly or doing dangerous things, then they need mentoring or boundary setting, not name-calling. When we connect with people one-on-one, and realize that is what’s fulfilling, then we will stop such insults and depersonification.
  
• Spreads hurt. When some people hear or read those words, they take it to heart. Everyone seeks acceptance in some form, and many people, based upon their childhood histories or social conditioning, will personalize such things. They may already struggle with fear and low self-esteem, yet, think about it, they have still bravely entered this amazing world of climbing. It takes incredible strength to try something new, step beyond your own personal boundaries. Although you may be well beyond learning how to clip a draw, learning to clip a draw or step onto the rock is a necessary step for all of us and it takes guts – period.

 

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