This week has been frustrating for me. Not, skating wise... but with the community itself. Over the past few years; I really re-submerged myself in the local blade scene. I met a ton of kickass people; amateurs and pros alike. I've traveled out of state for comps; and supported the local skaters as best as I could. With that being said; I'm pissed.
It seems like none of them understand my desire to learn how to skateboard. Infact, I'd go as far to say that some of them completely disagree with it. And honestly, that's okay. I can live with that.
Needless to say, I was super excited for the X-Games this year. In the past few years, I haven't been able to full enjoy them. I'm not sure WHY blading isn't included anymore; but it was the reason that I wasn't too interested. But now that I've started skateboarding; I was anxious to watch the pros throw down on the street course and vert ramp.
My excitement turned to anger when I saw all the X-Games bashing pop up on my Facebook timeline. I can completely understand my fellow bladers' frustrations... but does that really entitle them to belittle the entire event? Just because THEIR sport isn't involved???
At first, I tread gently, trying to start a conversation about WHY blading wasn't in the Games, and HOW we could change that. But it was only met with childish, ignorant remarks. Banter.
I could feel the resentment. And I could even sympathize with it. I understood. But my point is (and always was) Let's use that passion and energy to get blading BACK IN the X-Games, instead of shitting on all the other athletes and their respected sports. Lets fight the GOOD fight; not just bicker amongst ourselves!!
Stepping on the outside of the blading community has already taught me a LOT. I've gained a whole new perspective of the sport itself, and the major players within. I see folks complaining about the lack of professionalism. The lack of future or career. I see pro skaters, publicly trashing their skate companies for non-payment. I see businesses closing. I see comps shrinking. And over all, I see attitudes getting shittier and shittier. And for what???
I may not have all the answers. I may not know all the extensive history of skateboarding vs rollerblading. I've never claimed to!! BUT I DO KNOW THIS! Skateboarding is fun. Blading is fun. They're both physically and mentally challenging. They're both full of talented individuals who put their body on the line to progress and evolve their sport.
So, why can't we all just Grow up, Shut Up, and Skate this World together?!
That's the way it SHOULD be.
It seems like none of them understand my desire to learn how to skateboard. Infact, I'd go as far to say that some of them completely disagree with it. And honestly, that's okay. I can live with that.
Needless to say, I was super excited for the X-Games this year. In the past few years, I haven't been able to full enjoy them. I'm not sure WHY blading isn't included anymore; but it was the reason that I wasn't too interested. But now that I've started skateboarding; I was anxious to watch the pros throw down on the street course and vert ramp.
My excitement turned to anger when I saw all the X-Games bashing pop up on my Facebook timeline. I can completely understand my fellow bladers' frustrations... but does that really entitle them to belittle the entire event? Just because THEIR sport isn't involved???
At first, I tread gently, trying to start a conversation about WHY blading wasn't in the Games, and HOW we could change that. But it was only met with childish, ignorant remarks. Banter.
I could feel the resentment. And I could even sympathize with it. I understood. But my point is (and always was) Let's use that passion and energy to get blading BACK IN the X-Games, instead of shitting on all the other athletes and their respected sports. Lets fight the GOOD fight; not just bicker amongst ourselves!!
Stepping on the outside of the blading community has already taught me a LOT. I've gained a whole new perspective of the sport itself, and the major players within. I see folks complaining about the lack of professionalism. The lack of future or career. I see pro skaters, publicly trashing their skate companies for non-payment. I see businesses closing. I see comps shrinking. And over all, I see attitudes getting shittier and shittier. And for what???
I may not have all the answers. I may not know all the extensive history of skateboarding vs rollerblading. I've never claimed to!! BUT I DO KNOW THIS! Skateboarding is fun. Blading is fun. They're both physically and mentally challenging. They're both full of talented individuals who put their body on the line to progress and evolve their sport.
So, why can't we all just Grow up, Shut Up, and Skate this World together?!
That's the way it SHOULD be.
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