Kevin Wetherall Dr.

Griffin ENGL 1102 4/25/13 MEDITATIONS ON SKATEBOARDING: EVIDENTUAL AND RATIONAL INQUIRY INTO BASTARDIZED CULTURE AND MISCONSTRUDED TRUTH Across the distant plain of charcoal pavement, as the air caresses the sparkling clothes upon the hunched bodies of a group of lively strangers, the grinding roll of urethane wheels skids and squeals can be heard like pigs upon the confides of muckly mud; the bending of springing muscled legs, collects the force compressed strain of bone upon layered wood, leaning and contorting to the elated dance of board flipping twists and ballerina turns, all interchanged in one to create a wondrous symphony of music and movement. In the interpretation of former skateboarder turned professional artist, Shaun Gladwell, in the article by Nicholas Croggon and Charles Green Shaun Gladwell: Critique, Gesture, And Skateboarding" he conceded that skateboarding is so much more than what it seems skateboarding is a critical and creative act, rather than a form of subcultural recreation.(Green, Croggon, Pg.136) Skateboarding--- a culture, a job, a hobby, a livelihood, a philosophy, a lifestyle---to so many, it is so many things; but simplistic is one thing skateboarding is not. Though I have partaken in skateboarding, on and off, for many years, it must be acknowledged that my opinions should be taken nonchalantly, as they are only evident to give context to the reader. In every possible way, my aim is to give an objective inquiry into skateboarding culture to better understand the shadowed materials frequently questioned as I would partake in the sports various activities. In particular there is one underlying question: with so many negative aspects of skateboarding culture---bias and extreme prejudice, injury and frustrated anger,

misunderstandings and law breaking instances, depletion of funds (money) and lack of care or empathy from others, etc.--- are there any long term benefits that outweigh the negative and immediately brief periods of creative enlightenment? The only way to fully understand whether each item of inquiry is negative in its entirety is to breakdown everything to see if there are any positives that outweigh their adverse contingencies, as pertaining to interviews and rational thinking. The two skateboarders I interviewed were Dillon Hacket (24 years old) and Devin Laczo (15 years old); Devin is still partaking in skateboarding and has been doing so for three years; Dillon has long since ridden a board, however five years ago he invested six years of his life into the recreational activity; hopefully, both individuals can give some give some insight into a before and after look of skateboarding culture. In the context of inquiry and developmental exploration into the understanding and formularized idea of the basis of a discourse community, it is essential I break down the complexities of each question involved in the unperceived relation of its fortuitously mysterious nature. By distinguishing truth and certainty from falsified lie and cumbersome deception, my perception, along with the readers perception, will hopefully be changed and/or strengthened. Bias and Extreme Prejudice It is often times a question of many skateboarders, as to why they are being restricted from doing what they love. Upon asking both Dillon and Devin about their thoughts on bias and prejudice towards skateboarders, both gave some form of grievance and copious frustration. Devin stated, as he shook his head, Is happiness not more important than a few dirty rails and waxed ledges? and later on, as I conferred with Devin on the same topic, he simply stated Yeah yeah, I understand that you dont want us skating on your propertybut what you dont understand is your property is making us feel so good right now. I mean, were not hurting anyone; I dont

understand why they cant just let us skate? For most skateboarders in todays society, it seems they feel harassed (depending on where they live) by authority because they withhold them from their skateboarding culture. Although Dillon has long since skateboarded, or even been near anyone who does, he seems to understand where their attitude and frustrations lie, telling me, Man, they just need to leave those kids alone; its good for them to be outside doing what they love, instead of getting on drugs or doing stupid s***; hell I know when I skated, I acted like a dumb***, but man I couldve been a lot f****** worse; skating gave me freedoms***, every kid needs that, especially when going through puberty I remember, when I skated, they treated us like felons; like outlaws--- people that we werent. And I know theyre probably still doing that bull**** with these kids today. Skating isnt a crime, Im tired of people acting like it is. Though many adults or authoritative figures believe they are setting an example to protect the property from being damaged, what they do not understand is for a lot of skateboarders, especially younger generations, it is possible the impression left on them sets up a repulsive nature against authoritative figure heads later on in life. However, in most cases, if the individual gives up on skateboarding later on, the molding and accepting of authority will eventually turn to respect and understanding (all depending on how impressionable each individual is, as set by younger ages). In the article An Ethnographic Study of the Skateboarding Culture by Linda Moore (Senior Director of Business Administration at ESPN Productions Inc.) the understanding of the ideologies and individuals of skateboarding culture is considered a benefit for the future By understanding the culture of skateboarding, today's leaders are in a better position to understand tomorrow's leaders and develop communication styles to improve interaction between generations. (Moore, Pg. 1) but because the majority of authoritative figures see

skaters as social deviance (Moore, Pg. 1) and want nothing to do with them, this seems highly unlikely. As I slowly walked towards a group of unknown fellow skateboarders that live in my neighbor, to try and acquire a wider variety of interviews, I couldnt help but absorb the sight of sweat driven youths--- sandpaper weathered shoes, friction shredded tight jeans, and rippling scarred scabbing elbows. It is no wonder so many give criticism to these skateboarding adrenaline junkies; at first glance they all seemed like youthful tyrants; only out to cause havoc, as they yelled and called out to each other like crazed possessed children; they skateboarded tirelessly in the middle of the road, only moving at the long echo of a bellowing horn of a car trying to pass by. Even I, a fellow adrenaline junkie, felt myself prejudging these youthful folk for their inconsideration to oncoming traffic and their disheveled hobo clothing (in the sense it seemed they put on anything that was relatively clean, even if it did not match, or I dare say fit). For the majority of amateur skateboarders, it seems the image they pronounce, when they are with associated skateboarders, is that of a careless, pretentious, childlike nature. Often times the clothes they wear highlight a want for comfort over a taste for expensive high fashion; with the constant pounding of falls and injury, tricks and learning, tattered clothing seems an essential part for the average amateur skateboarder. In an attempt to spore a response from the skateboarders before me, I announced, as I walked by, the question of whether or not they cared about the oncoming cars; basically, I told them to get out of the road, before their simple injuries were turned to perilous morbidity. In a reply, from the majority of the young boys (which I did not expect) in a flurry of squandered sounds, I was told to (putting it simply) f*** off; for trying to acknowledge their safety, and in the same request prohibit their skateboarding; I was greeted by profane language and symbolism (middle

fingers) as they made their way gallantly away on their boards. It was in that instance that the realization of the lack of respect that came from skateboarders, because of the negativity brought on them from others trying to prohibit their essential self-creativity and (as Dillon had said earlier) freedom, hit me exultantly. In these skateboarders minds, skateboarding, the natural high of adrenaline and coalition of spirit, is more important in that very instance than anything else (apart from food, drink, and sleep); later my realization would be confirmed by Devin as I asked him about why he skateboarded for such a long period during the day or after school (sometimes five-six hours, or until he would be called home) he told me, when Im skating, nothing else matters; its just me and my skateboard. Skateboarders, it seems, only live in the now, and think nothing of the future consequences when they are skateboarding; other times, they are only thinking of when they can go out and skateboard. What is bias and prejudice to them, when they can just get back to skateboarding and forget in a few minutes any displeasurable experience presented by an ongoing pedestrian. It seems, as long as theyre skating, they are predestined to eradicate all other opposition; whether this will help them in the long run is a different story. It may seem that the development of a good work ethic could be acquired from the disciplinary usage of skateboarding, but because of the lack of respect for authority because of predetermined bias and prejudice and lack of respect toward them, it would seem that the two cancel each other out; aligning with the old saying you have to give respect, to earn it; also with the fact, that many people see skateboarders (apart from professionals who partake in it for their occupation) skating as a recreational activity, the idea of learned work ethic tying into skateboarding seems exceedingly improbable. Obviously, as within any society or culture, it depends on the individual--- the people skateboarders develop relationships with at a young age will compose an

outcome of the individuals attitude later in life. Because skateboarding has no structuralized leadership, the moral and ethical aspects that an athlete might get from coaches in another sport, are almost totally neglected, and in this sense the learnt aspect of respect for authority (which is taught by authoritative figures) will not be brought about in younger aged generation (unless by older skateboarders who were educated in that manner or considerate educating parents and/or teachers, which is not always the case). The chaotic mannerisms and characteristics of a skateboarder, in this sense, seems entirely more likely, because of its almost entirely exclusive individualistic example, which left uncontrolled, can lead to disastrous consequences (law breaking and deviant behavior). In terms of whether the skateboarder will be affected by the bias and prejudice from others, for any beneficial reason is again highly doubtful; in all actuality, it is more likely negativity will only be brought upon their life in the society outside their skateboarding mindset and culture. Injury and Frustrated Anger The inevitability of injury during skateboarding is one hundred percent. Like any sport (extreme or otherwise) with time there is danger, and with danger comes a higher risk of the individual in the specific dangerous situation getting hurt; it is no different than a man playing Russian roulette by himself: there is a bullet in the gun, though he may not get a probe through his temporal lobe the first go around, eventually, with time, he will get a bullet in the brain. It all goes along with Murphys Law, especially with the variable of time. With plenty of stories of injury to embellish the facts of skateboarding, two prime examples of injury with time (and yet increased proficiency) are professional skateboarders Shuriken Shannon and Torey Pudwill (as described in separate issues of Skateboarder Magazine). Shuriken Shannon gives an example of the demanding nature, and a level of thinking that may make no sense to an outside source

who may not understand why anyone would continue in a sport after the severity of such wounds I locked up [] flew to the bottom, and hit these brick things on the ground [] I looked at my elbow, and there was a two-inch split and I could see my bone. (Skateboarder Magazine, Shannon, Pg.44) and also professional skateboarder Torey Pudwill experienced increasing severe injuries because of his many years learning to skateboard and trying to become better with increased level of difficult in tricks I've had so many consecutive hip slams, any time 1 fall on my hip it swells up like there's a baby in there [] I remember waking up in the hospital with a concussion [] My humrus (above the elbow) snapped completely, leaving my arm dangling. (Skateboarder Magazine, Pudwill, Pg.38) In both accounts it gives a sense of the many hardships and barriers pro-skateboarders have had to go through in order to get where they are today, but it still does not answer the question of why so many skateboarders go through so much turmoil when there is a very slim chance they will ever become professional and actually make enough money to live and be successfully happy even with all the risk. In trying to understand why anyone would willingly wound themselves or risk the injury to continue on with an extreme sport, it was necessary to dive into what adrenaline is and its effects on those who participate in extreme sports like skateboarding. In the article Function of Adrenaline in Extreme Sports author Dorde Stefanovic, discusses the relationship between extreme sports, adrenaline, and the individuals who risk their lives and injury in an attempt to access the thrill of a near death experience and the naturally administered internal drug. In an essential standpoint, to start off with, adrenaline must be defined; adrenaline, as described in Stefanovics article, is a released chemical hormone that sends a signal to the rest of the body so that it may direct a surge of energy throughout the main muscles (legs, arms, and instinctive brain functions, effectively and efficiently), increasing oxygen by increased blood flow in the

moments when the body feels most at risk of danger, Extreme conditions in which a sport/motor activity takes place, inciting extremely strong emotions in people, serve as stimuli for increased adrenaline secretion[]In crisis situations, the brain is overloaded with information and has only a moment to respond. (Stefanovic, Pg.312, 313) These extremely strong emotions and increased blood flow although effective in life and death situation can also hinder discreet motor skills (Stefanovic, Pg.314) which gives reason to why so many skateboarders seem to act with unequivocally erratic emotions with the highest of elated highs when all is going well and the lowest lows of outrageous anger when things go terribly wrong (injury, not landing a trick, failure to do what you had set out to do). In a sense adrenaline is like a drug, and because of the wonderful feeling that is received while getting an adrenaline shock (Stefanovic, Pg.314) would be seemingly very addicting, like being under the influence of a lower grade cocaine. Though adrenaline is an absolute necessity in the moments of when it is needed in time of crisis, in everyday life, the lacking of motor skills and muscles can be considered hazardous, and in the long term it would not seem prevalent or at all rational that any positive outcome could arise from this chemical that hampers total cognitive thinking. In any such way, any exercise is better than none, but in every definition there is a difference between extreme sport and variable exercise (safety being the overbearing variable). I cannot say that the high amounts of adrenaline that are administered to the body are entirely bad (possibilities of heart or brain issues), however we should not disregard the fact that underlying this idea is man's motor activity that is essential for his existence (Stefanovic, Pg.315) there are no visibly positive effects that could lead to a sanction of benefit in the long term. Law Breaking and the Depletion of Funds

In any such sense of the word, the breaking of laws must be transcribed under the listings of anarchy. Though passion may be misconstrued by law enforcers for some form of aggression, it is never a good idea to hold true the ideals of a criminal in any such way. When citizens violate the law, they face prison, charges, injunctions, reimbursements, and any number of other unpleasant consequences; all of which costs money, which, for the average amateur skateboarder, is in short supply. Though it is often times illusively presented through astounding tales from other skateboarders, as being exceptionally brave and courageous, in its entirety, it is an exceptionally idiotic thing to do; in every such way, breaking the law will never get you anywhere in the future. In every such way, without an instigated thought of becoming a professional skateboarding, and actually fulfilling your goal of becoming professional, depletion of funds in quantitated numbers will be incessant as long as an individual participates. This was made evident, when I finally ended the short interview with Dillon; I asked him why he stopped skateboarding. With a quarter-pipe grin on his face as he got up to leave, he replied back to me Not enough time, man; not enough time, not enough money. Even in Devins case, when I asked about how the costs of skateboarding affect him, he announced to me that paying for shoes and boards is not cheap, and other than injuring himself, not having enough money is the one thing that restricts him from always participating in what he loves to do I might spend like sixty bucks on a new pair of shoes, and then turn around and have to pay like fifty bucks for a board cuz I broke my old one on a kickflip down a ten-set. It makes no sense, why they charge so much only because of a stupid brand; it just pisses me off, you know. I just want skate, and any time I break something or need something, I never have any money. Its not cheap. Upon comparing the costs of skateboarding equipment and resources on the websites www.ccs.com, www.skateamerica.com,

and www.skatewarehouse.com, I would discover, in attempt to find the least costly skateboarding attire, that the cheapest new basic blank skateboard sold (out of the three websites) would run for $19.99 (not including tax and shipping) at www.skateamerica.com; the cheapest shoes shown would cost $24.99 (without tax and shipping), on sale at both www.skatewarehouse.com and www.skateamercia.com; and every other part essential to the mobility and effectiveness (trucks, bearings, bolts, grip-tape, wheels, etc.) of skateboarding ranged from $1.89 to $129.99 on all three. Though costs were not as large as Devin had said, with everything together added up over a long period of time, it would indeed be a cumbersome total. In many situations, money puts an indefinite strain on the pursuit of happiness for the present and the future; skateboarding is no different, in this retrospect. Conclusion Though confidence and self-expression is a vital part of human life and culture, it does not mean that entirely needs to come from one specific source like skateboarding. In its entirety from rational thought and evidential proof it would seem skateboarding is more of nuisance and a mentally prohibiting physical activity that spares no individual of incident and consequential underlay. With time, the injuries once thought to have been healed will continue to be sore, and aches and pains from previously strained muscles and weakened bones will become more unmistakable with each increasing day of age. With the extensive costs of skateboarding leaving funds continuously depleted and the discovery of cheap parts and shoes subsistently unlikely, many find the domineering impact too much. There is a theme throughout this inquiry into this discourse community: though there is positivity in the short-term moments of skateboarding, unless you become an economically self-sustaining professional skateboarder, the negative aspects of skateboarding will outweigh the positive benefits in the expansion of time into the

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future, in every stratified outcome. Annotated Bibliography 1. Moore, L. "An Ethnographic Study Of The Skateboarding Culture." Sport Journal 12.4 (2009): CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. In an effort to progress the understanding of a wide spread ever-developing culture--skateboarding---this article informs the reader of an ethnographic study performed by observing professional skateboarders via competition film, to try and develop understanding, and build stronger relationships for politicians, adults, and scholars, with this seemingly distant culture. By separating each individual skateboarder in the competition into separate groups depending on their preferred terrain; by doing this the observer is able to see that though the skateboarders specification, favoritisms, and preferences are different, the identification of the many character similarities gives an overall understanding of the basis of their entire skateboarding culture. Some categories in this article go into the behavioral patterns of skateboarders throughout the videotaped competitions and the demographic characteristics of each skateboarding participant. Though there are many misconceptions and bias towards skateboarders, this article attempts to conclude: by understanding who these individuals are and what they attempt to do through their art can be insightful to all who try to understand and try to accept their seemingly progressively enlightening culture. 2. Croggon, Nicholas, and Charles Green. "Shaun Gladwell: Critique, Gesture, And Skateboarding." Australian & New Zealand Journal Of Art 11.1 (2011): 133-153. Art & Architecture Complete. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. In this article Shaun Gladwell: Critique, Gesture, And Skateboarding." the authors--Croggon and Green---try to explain and confer a definition of art, administered to video and subcategorized photography of skateboarding displayed and conformed by Gladwell: a once skateboarder turned professional artist. With progression through explaining Gladwells life, as it pertains to art, eventually the article continues onward to discuss the relevancy of skateboarding. Through visual and theoretically frame-worked artistically creative videos--Sydney: A Guide to Recent aqrchetecture, Kickflipper: Fragments of a Ballad, and Linework: A Road Movie--- Gladwell links the three movies, to give different perspectives of his artistry, along with trying to showcase skateboarding as an art-form and not simply a culture. Through argumentation and differentiation and theory, the authors and readers come to understand the contextual and creative art of skateboarding through Gladwells works as presented by the authors.

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3. "Torey Pudwill." Skateboarder 22.1 (2012): 38. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. "There Was A Two-Inch Split And I Could See My Bone." Skateboarder 19.6 (2010): 44. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. In the article on Torey Pudwill and the article "There Was A Two-Inch Split And I Could See My Bone the magazine Skateboarder interviews professional skateboarders---Torey Pudwill and Shuriken Shannon---to discuss their many injuries they had obtained over their many years of skateboarding. In an anatomy fashion the article discusses the several injuries, from those less severe to the menacingly severe stomach turning injuries to give a sense of hardship and contextualize the barriers these pro-skateboarders had to go through to get where they are today. Also it showcases the sheer commitment to this extremely dangerous sport, giving a new understanding to what many individuals go through in this culture (starting out strictly as a passion or hobby, bu then some progress on to a lifestyle). These articles demonstrate a pivotal role in commitment and an indomitable spirit for many skateboarders around the world. 4. Griffin, Cara. "Skate Meets Street." Sgb 40.2 (2007): 17-20. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. In this article Skate Meets Street the author, Griffin, attempts to discuss the infiltration of the developing categories of other cultures and established businesses (ex.Vans Footwear) into the culture of skateboarding. With the many influencing and fluctuating trends Griffin tries to inform the reader about, the effects and developing industries, with the core consumers: skateboarders. By discussing the specific styles of many skateboarders, Griffin gives identity to the many buyers, who relate and become infatuated by products and the professionals who outsource and promote them to the market. Within the natural evolution of industry, brands of skateboarding culture are what influence so many skateboarders to progress in their sport, therefore spreading the creative, self-expressive, and free flowing nature of skateboarding. Overall this article discusses culture, supply and demand, consumerism, and the adaption of business to try and benefit from the ever-moving trends of skateboarding. 5. Stefanovi, ore, and Violeta iljak. "Function Of Adrenaline In Extreme Sports." Proceedings Of The Faculty Of Physical Education, University Of Banja Luka 2 (2010): 312315. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. In this article Function Of Adrenaline In Extreme Sports." the author, Stefanovic, discusses the relationship between extreme sports, adrenaline, and the individuals who risk their lives and serious injury in an attempt to access the thrill of this naturally administered internal drug. There is a broadened discussion of psychological, sociological, and physiological understanding, to try and give an explanation to this death-defying culture. Stefanovic discusses the many risk factors involved in these illustriously dangerous sports, discussing

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the reasoning of why, and defining the categories of the adrenaline pumping sports; he attempts to clarify misconceptions and give explanation to the reader so they may understand. 6. Hacket, Dillon, and Devin Laczo. Personal interview. 5 April. 2013. In both interviews, I tried to make a connection that would open my paper up so that it would be more accessible to the people reading. The questions mainly consisted of judgments and bias towards skateboarding culture, and there thoughts and feelings on the matter; one being from a retired perspective (Dillon), and the other a connective standpoint because he still partakes in skateboarding (Devin). I wanted to ask them about the effects of money and the try to develop and understanding of skateboarding as to decide whether in entirety it was more so negative then positive.

Appendix A Interview Questions for Skateboarders 1. What are your thoughts on the bias and prejudice brought towards skateboarders? Are you frustrated that people show such little empathy or care for skateboarders? Do you think it is right that these Authoritative figures never let skateboarders just skate, without either prohibiting it or having some hostile words to say about it? 2. (For skateboarders that still participate) How much time do you spend skateboarding? Why do you invest so much time into skateboarding? What do you get out of it? 3. How does money affect your situation, in trying to skateboard? 4. (For skateboarders who no longer participate) What made you stop? Is it anything to do with money? 5. Is skateboarding worth all the negative aspects that are tied into it?

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