The Pro-Active Skater

Dateline: 06/16/00

Ask your average skater what is most pertinent in the world of skating and s/he will let you know immediately and in no uncertain terms that skateboarding is not a crime.

While basketball players have their courts and baseball players their fields, skateboarders are left with naught and will invariably turn to the streets which are prime ground for carving, grinding or just skatin' around yet are inextricably wrapped up in a barrage of laws signifying freedom is not for the skater. "You, non-person with wood on wheels, should not be here amongst the civilized inhabitants."

This understandable leap to the street via a blatantly obvious hindrance leads quite clearly to tensions between law enforcement, property owners and the inauspicious skater.

Why is skateboarding a crime? Skaters skate in the street. Why do they skate in the street? There are no decent parks in which to skate. Why are there no parks? Because skaters, as we all know, are criminals. The logic is cyclic, flawed and steadfastly unyielding. But there it is.

So what's the inner-city athlete to do?

First off, know that your sport is a legitimate one. It's your society and you have a place in it. But know also, that discernment is for nothing if you don't take a pro-active stance and do something about securing your rights.

Has the wholesome establishment put in place a set of laws that violate your civil liberties? Well, I don't know --do you? You sure can't fend for yourself if you can't make a case. So study, then make one and when you do, don't back down.

Next, go make yourself heard. Post a flyer, put up a web page, hold a protest, contact the media, call the government, because what you have is zilch if people aren't aware of your argument. Educate the public, it is your social responsibility and if things aren't going your way, be aware that you played a part in making them the way they are. In this world, you're either a part of the solution or a part of the problem and there is no in between. You must take a stand.

You want to practice urban art? Skate your mind. Know all your rights. Educate yourself with vehemence and then act on that knowledge. Information is power folks and all the whining in the world isn't going to solve a piddling little thing.

A note to you kids out there. People have you scammed bad. They've been telling you from birth that this isn't your life. You're life is on hold and will be until somehow, magically, in that 18th year of consciousness you morph into a real person and then suddenly your actions will count. Well, I'm here to tell you that it just ain't so. You want to change the world? Change it now. Change it by any means and change it today because if you don't they will steal your tomorrow. Get out there now and do something.