Beatrice Domond pro for FA very soon

[No Wave Comply]

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i’m not going read all this arguing, but i want to chime in and say it’s really funny her shoe has an “impact waffle” because i think the furthest drop i’ve ever seen her do is of a curb

[close]

Does this three stair ollie mean nothing to you?

[close]

She just shut down all the haters with that 5-0 shuv

[close]

That she couldn't control the landing of, and had to jump off!

Y'all acting like you didn't see that kickflip to hill bomb though.

[shockpadsandwristguards]

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where's the video at? shouldn't it drop today cant find the flyer anymore

[close]

my bad. first female soty incoming

[lightnet]

Well atleast Im actually gonna watch this part, thats better than most people can do nowdays.

[GAY]

Well atleast Im actually gonna watch this part, thats better than most people can do nowdays.

GOTEEEEEEEEM

[lightnet]

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Well atleast Im actually gonna watch this part, thats better than most people can do nowdays.

[close]

GOTEEEEEEEEM

Can you stop hitting on me please

[Urtripping]

The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

[tadej Pog]

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where's the video at? shouldn't it drop today cant find the flyer anymore

[close]

[close]

my bad. first female soty incoming

If she hangs out with Luie Eliot and Garry Rogers, its possible.

[GAY]

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Well atleast Im actually gonna watch this part, thats better than most people can do nowdays.

[close]

GOTEEEEEEEEM

[close]

Can you stop hitting on me please

Send me your photo. That will undoubtedly fix everything.

[Banned from the room]

I can't find the shade post to quote but Aiden Mackie? Mackio or whatever.

He's one of my favorite skaters. He and Nik Stain are the truth in my opinion.

They both are fakie Manny beasts and having a good fakie Manny holds a lot of weight in my world.
Andrects too. If you got good ones you rule.

Kids skating dirt hills in fakie Manny. Grinding up garden pipes onto huge dirt banks. His dad's probably hella proud. I know I am. I feel like skating is finally moving in the right direction with this kid.

Fa should up the pay.

[Bumba]

The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

This is the most faded take ever. Let me speak as a person of colour.

1) Is the lack of repsentation to do with racism or skill? I know the reason I've never been sponsored is because of my skill level and not the colour of my skin. You're also talking about an activity that has for the longest time been male centric and also more popular in countries that are predominantly white so the top of the pyramid will reflect that to some extent.

2) Why do you say that I automatically connect to someone of the same skin colour? To me that's insulting. I remember when Samuel Jackson said something along the lines of "we will only beat racism when we stop talking about race" and it's so true. When I look at a skater I'm not analysing their skin colour or if they look like me. I look at the tricks they're doing and sometimes that inspires me and sometimes it doesn't. As a street skated if I see an Indian skater shredding vert then I'm not going to be as inspired as watching a white guy (or whatever colour) skating the obstacles I want to personally skate.

3) Inclusion is a great thing but at what cost. At what point are we just filling token spots that need to be filled? BA isn't pro because he's gay, he pro because he fuckin rips and that's the way it should be. Inclusion begins at ground level, not pro level. If we're in a world where a person who's a different colour, sexuality, or gender can't go to their local park out of fear or uneasiness then there's an issue. I know 99.99% of skaters don't have an issue with anyone turning up to their local that's a different colour, sexuality or gender.

4) On your last paragraph you says it does nothing to harm skating which I agree with to some point but I find it's such a kick in the teeth to the other people that grinded their asses off to get a pro board. The perfect example of this is look at Brayan Albarenga. The guy is a generational talent and he can (seemingly) barely get flowed boards.

Sorry for the essay

[Urtripping]

@Bumba   To answer 1): the lack of representation is due to a lack of involvement (and yeah, therefore skill) which stems from both institutional and direct racism/exclusion. I don't think skating was a very welcoming place for POC until the Late 80s at the earliest, probably. The fact that it's been predominantly male and white is exactly why I think it's sick that Beatrice, a non white male, is being supported regardless of her skill. It's another step forward.

2): Colorblindess does not do much good for anyone, regardless of what Sam Jackson says. This has been argued by black academics, civil rights leaders, and many more. Humans are also wired to be social and connect with each other through shared culture, that's literally how we're wired, so it makes sense that seeing someone who you associate with your culture doing something novel will help you connect with that activity. That's just logical, really. Again, I'm stoked you found skating despite skating being predominantly white, but your experience does not trump human nature, and I'm sorry if that insults you. Genuinely. I am sincerely not arguing "the only way black girls will ever skate is if Beatrice has a career." I'm saying it helps you get into an unfamiliar hobby by seeing someone familiar participate. Case in point, I'm pretty sure it was Jerry Hsu that mentioned being stoked to see an Asian pro (can't remember the name) in his epicly latered. He got extra stoked because it was so uncommon. I could be totally misremembering that, but I don't think you'd have to look hard for other examples. I'm sure many white women credit Elissa and other women for getting them into skating, or at least playing a significant role in their attraction to it. I don't think that's an insulting statement, I'm sorry...

3): you ask the perfect question: "at what cost?" What is the cost? Is there a real cost we should actually be concerned about? The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work other black females (and female skaters in general) have had to put in. But again, that is assuming that one black girl having a career erases history. I fully believe that it opens doors... jt doesn't shut them (past or present). Also, if almost 100% of skaters don't have an issue with black girls at their local, why do so many have an issue with one with her name on a board? In my opinion, "because she's not good enough" is a "faded take."

4) I am still waiting for someone to actually explain how Beatrice having a career takes away from others' opportunities. I mean, unless you're arguing that there are only so many spots available for POC in skating... Again, in my view it's completely the opposite: the more we normalize seeing and celebrating black female skaters, the more we'll see them in skating. This diversity benefits all POC in skating, unless we assume there is a quota and only a certain number of them are allowed to be pro. Now THAT'S tokenism.

I'm sorry for the essay too, but it's not something that's easy to discuss for me personally and it takes time to articulate (I'm just a bad fucking writer I guess), but it's a worthy discussion. I wish it could have been more clear and civil, but this is slap.

Edit: lastly, I think the argument that "she sets a bad example for young black skaters" is a weak one, too. I think it's weak due to the lack of faith it has in black girls who see her and decide to skate. You think that after they get into skating, they won't push themselves further than 5050 front shuvs just because that's what Beatrice does? Talk about insulting...

[Slikk]

The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work of other black females and female skaters in general

why is it this hard to understand

slikk slikk

[Urtripping]

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The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work of other black females and female skaters in general

[close]

why is it this hard to understand

slikk slikk

Hey I know better than to enter a discussion with you in good faith. I'm good on that.

Edit: I'll actually give you a reponse: because Elissa Steamer herself has been stoked on Beatrice. Show me where Samarria has expressed being bummed about her having a career and I'll think about it. I see that you crossed out female/black female skaters though, this discussion isn't about your sorry skating dude.

[Bumba]

@Bumba   To answer 1): the lack of representation is due to a lack of involvement (and yeah, therefore skill) which stems from both institutional and direct racism/exclusion. I don't think skating was a very welcoming place for POC until the Late 80s at the earliest, probably. The fact that it's been predominantly male and white is exactly why I think it's sick that Beatrice, a non white male, is being supported regardless of her skill. It's another step forward.

2): Colorblindess does not do much good for anyone, regardless of what Sam Jackson says. This has been argued by black academics, civil rights leaders, and many more. Humans are also wired to be social and connect with each other through shared culture, that's literally how we're wired, so it makes sense that seeing someone who you associate with your culture doing something novel will help you connect with that activity. That's just logical, really. Again, I'm stoked you found skating despite skating being predominantly white, but your experience does not trump human nature, and I'm sorry if that insults you. Genuinely. I am sincerely not arguing "the only way black girls will ever skate is if Beatrice has a career." I'm saying it helps you get into an unfamiliar hobby by seeing someone familiar participate. Case in point, I'm pretty sure it was Jerry Hsu that mentioned being stoked to see an Asian pro (can't remember the name) in his epicly latered. He got extra stoked because it was so uncommon. I could be totally misremembering that, but I don't think you'd have to look hard for other examples. I'm sure many white women credit Elissa and other women for getting them into skating, or at least playing a significant role in their attraction to it. I don't think that's an insulting statement, I'm sorry...

3): you ask the perfect question: "at what cost?" What is the cost? Is there a real cost we should actually be concerned about? The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work other black females (and female skaters in general) have had to put in. But again, that is assuming that one black girl having a career erases history. I fully believe that it opens doors... jt doesn't shut them (past or present). Also, if almost 100% of skaters don't have an issue with black girls at their local, why do so many have an issue with one with her name on a board? In my opinion, "because she's not good enough" is a "faded take."

4) I am still waiting for someone to actually explain how Beatrice having a career takes away from others' opportunities. I mean, unless you're arguing that there are only so many spots available for POC in skating... Again, in my view it's completely the opposite: the more we normalize seeing and celebrating black female skaters, the more we'll see them in skating. This diversity benefits all POC in skating, unless we assume there is a quota and only a certain number of them are allowed to be pro. Now THAT'S tokenism.

I'm sorry for the essay too, but it's not something that's easy to discuss for me personally and it takes time to articulate (I'm just a bad fucking writer I guess), but it's a worthy discussion. I wish it could have been more clear and civil, but this is slap.

Edit: lastly, I think the argument that "she sets a bad example for young black skaters" is a weak one, too. I think it's weak due to the lack of faith it has in black girls who see her and decide to skate. You think that after they get into skating, they won't push themselves further than 5050 front shuvs just because that's what Beatrice does? Talk about insulting...

The people that are coming up these days are in their early to mid 20s. They would have been born around the millennium and started skating maybe around the 2010s. Why are you comparing that era to the late 80s where racism was a huge issue throughout society. The world was very different by 2010. If we look back this was 3 years after Fully Flared dropped. I'd have a hard time believing that people of colour or females were getting hounded out of skateparks in around 2010.

I can't speak of other countries but I didn't just grow up just surrounded by Indian people. You may find this hard to believe but people of colour do mix with other races. I started skating because my white friend as school came up to me and was like "I learnt how to ollie!". I was like "wtf is an ollie" and then got into THPS games. I never once thought "hey where's the guy that looks like me?". I thought "these guys are the coolest people I've ever seen and I want to be just like them". I'm an Indian guy in the mid 2000s wanting to be Chad Muska. Imagine that. That's how it went. Also maybe I come from a time when skating was more tied to punk but I always just thought "I want to skate and I don't give a fuck what other people think about me. I just need to do this amazing thing".

You said "I'm sure many white women credit Elissa and other women for getting them into skating" but why are you even talking like that? It's so backwards in my opinion. You talk as if black women can't be inspired Elissa. Fuck there's probably black guys that are inspired by Elissa.

You fuckin know full well why people have an issue with Beatrice being pro but you're race baiting and it's disgusting. I've got to be real here. People have an issue because she has the ability of a 14 year old kid down the local park. You've got women saying this, you've got people of colour saying this but still you're pushing though this narrative of "hmm why are people questioning Beatrice being pro? They must just hate black women. It's the only way I can make sense of this"

Why are you quoting me as saying "she sets a bad example for young black skaters" when I never said anything even remotely like that.

[Slikk]

Hey I know better than to enter a discussion with you in good faith. I'm good on that.

Edit: I'll actually give you a reponse: because Elissa Steamer herself has been stoked on Beatrice. Show me where Samarria has expressed being bummed about her having a career and I'll think about it. I see that you crossed out female/black female skaters though, this discussion isn't about your sorry skating dude.

i think you and bd both at least pretend to not engage w online niggas only to continue spewing dookie.

if you know better, don’t care, etc then ignore me. kinda funny yall keep responding, it’s something to do while pooping at work

slikk slikk

[el bong]

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The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

[close]

This is the most faded take ever. Let me speak as a person of colour.

1) Is the lack of repsentation to do with racism or skill? I know the reason I've never been sponsored is because of my skill level and not the colour of my skin. You're also talking about an activity that has for the longest time been male centric and also more popular in countries that are predominantly white so the top of the pyramid will reflect that to some extent.

2) Why do you say that I automatically connect to someone of the same skin colour? To me that's insulting. I remember when Samuel Jackson said something along the lines of "we will only beat racism when we stop talking about race" and it's so true. When I look at a skater I'm not analysing their skin colour or if they look like me. I look at the tricks they're doing and sometimes that inspires me and sometimes it doesn't. As a street skated if I see an Indian skater shredding vert then I'm not going to be as inspired as watching a white guy (or whatever colour) skating the obstacles I want to personally skate.

3) Inclusion is a great thing but at what cost. At what point are we just filling token spots that need to be filled? BA isn't pro because he's gay, he pro because he fuckin rips and that's the way it should be. Inclusion begins at ground level, not pro level. If we're in a world where a person who's a different colour, sexuality, or gender can't go to their local park out of fear or uneasiness then there's an issue. I know 99.99% of skaters don't have an issue with anyone turning up to their local that's a different colour, sexuality or gender.

4) On your last paragraph you says it does nothing to harm skating which I agree with to some point but I find it's such a kick in the teeth to the other people that grinded their asses off to get a pro board. The perfect example of this is look at Brayan Albarenga. The guy is a generational talent and he can (seemingly) barely get flowed boards.

Sorry for the essay

It does absolutely no harm to skating, nor to other pro's. Nor does it negate or cancel anyone's merit or skill.

Jockish-gatekeeping and meritocracy outcries happen often with other people as well, not only because of their race, gender or 'core-ness' (i.e. tiktok/youtuber skater).

Beatrice receives support and recognition by a lot of skaters, some black, some women, some core, some not so core, some upcoming and some legends. Legends and up-comers that are more 'core', and that have 'busted their ass' 'working hard to get where they are', and still, they support a figure like Beatrice.

[sle_epy]

The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

I think at this point it's more impactful for women to see other women skating well (of any color), than it is for men seeing other men skateboard who also are the same color as them.

Which is why it's lame that Beatrice is the woman that other women see and she is the defacto standard for women outside of skating, regardless of the color of their skin. If it's a skin color representation thing than there are far more skilled women of color for girls to look up to. Urtripping isn't totally wrong with their take tho.

I just think that if it's about representation than show us the best, and give that person a platform. If it has to include race, find a better black female skater that respects the art and culture and puts out fucking street parts. Not a past her prime, kinda sometimes skater, who's also a model, that thinks she's going to be some sort of an icon and is using skating to get there.

Ultimately, she sets the bar extremely low for female pro skaters of any color and fuels the discussion that women will never be as good as men and therefore do not deserve the same level of respect as male professional skateboarders. That's the damage she's doing whether you think so or not and it will have a ripple effect for years.

She does not deserve the same amount of respect as any pro skater tho, male female, trans, whatever. She just fucking sucks.

[Frank and Fred]

@Bumba   To answer 1): the lack of representation is due to a lack of involvement (and yeah, therefore skill) which stems from both institutional and direct racism/exclusion. I don't think skating was a very welcoming place for POC until the Late 80s at the earliest, probably. The fact that it's been predominantly male and white is exactly why I think it's sick that Beatrice, a non white male, is being supported regardless of her skill. It's another step forward.

2): Colorblindess does not do much good for anyone, regardless of what Sam Jackson says. This has been argued by black academics, civil rights leaders, and many more. Humans are also wired to be social and connect with each other through shared culture, that's literally how we're wired, so it makes sense that seeing someone who you associate with your culture doing something novel will help you connect with that activity. That's just logical, really. Again, I'm stoked you found skating despite skating being predominantly white, but your experience does not trump human nature, and I'm sorry if that insults you. Genuinely. I am sincerely not arguing "the only way black girls will ever skate is if Beatrice has a career." I'm saying it helps you get into an unfamiliar hobby by seeing someone familiar participate. Case in point, I'm pretty sure it was Jerry Hsu that mentioned being stoked to see an Asian pro (can't remember the name) in his epicly latered. He got extra stoked because it was so uncommon. I could be totally misremembering that, but I don't think you'd have to look hard for other examples. I'm sure many white women credit Elissa and other women for getting them into skating, or at least playing a significant role in their attraction to it. I don't think that's an insulting statement, I'm sorry...

3): you ask the perfect question: "at what cost?" What is the cost? Is there a real cost we should actually be concerned about? The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work other black females (and female skaters in general) have had to put in. But again, that is assuming that one black girl having a career erases history. I fully believe that it opens doors... jt doesn't shut them (past or present). Also, if almost 100% of skaters don't have an issue with black girls at their local, why do so many have an issue with one with her name on a board? In my opinion, "because she's not good enough" is a "faded take."

4) I am still waiting for someone to actually explain how Beatrice having a career takes away from others' opportunities. I mean, unless you're arguing that there are only so many spots available for POC in skating... Again, in my view it's completely the opposite: the more we normalize seeing and celebrating black female skaters, the more we'll see them in skating. This diversity benefits all POC in skating, unless we assume there is a quota and only a certain number of them are allowed to be pro. Now THAT'S tokenism.

I'm sorry for the essay too, but it's not something that's easy to discuss for me personally and it takes time to articulate (I'm just a bad fucking writer I guess), but it's a worthy discussion. I wish it could have been more clear and civil, but this is slap.

Edit: lastly, I think the argument that "she sets a bad example for young black skaters" is a weak one, too. I think it's weak due to the lack of faith it has in black girls who see her and decide to skate. You think that after they get into skating, they won't push themselves further than 5050 front shuvs just because that's what Beatrice does? Talk about insulting...

Well said.
End thread.

[The night listener]

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The most compelling argument I've read here is that Beatrice cutting corners kind of negates all the hard work of other black females and female skaters in general

[close]

why is it this hard to understand

slikk slikk

[close]

Hey I know better than to enter a discussion with you in good faith. I'm good on that.

Edit: I'll actually give you a reponse: because Elissa Steamer herself has been stoked on Beatrice. Show me where Samarria has expressed being bummed about her having a career and I'll think about it. I see that you crossed out female/black female skaters though, this discussion isn't about your sorry skating dude.

It's not about his sorry skating it's about Beatrice's sorry skating. Early 80s huh. So 40 years and this is egotistical person is who you think deserves anything.

[lightnet]

You guys are on some wierdo shit.

[Bumba]

Expand Quote

The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

[close]

I think at this point it's more impactful for women to see other women skating well (of any color), than it is for men seeing other men skateboard who also are the same color as them.

Which is why it's lame that Beatrice is the woman that other women see and she is the defacto standard for women outside of skating, regardless of the color of their skin. If it's a skin color representation thing than there are far more skilled women of color for girls to look up to. Urtripping isn't totally wrong with their take tho.

I just think that if it's about representation than show us the best, and give that person a platform. If it has to include race, find a better black female skater that respects the art and culture and puts out fucking street parts. Not a past her prime, kinda sometimes skater, who's also a model, that thinks she's going to be some sort of an icon and is using skating to get there.

Nailed it. I think people are looking past that fact that she's 28. What were getting right now is prime pro Beatrice. The part that's coming out for Vans could very well be the pinnacle of her ability. I guess we'll have to see the standard of skating when that drops

[ThomasShitt]

bumba on point 100%. dudes are heavily race baiting and need to look at themselves not others.

[Urtripping]

@Bumba I'll do the same as I did before.

1) the effects of decades of racism in skating and over a hundred years of institutional racism didn't disappear at the millennium (speaking about America as an American). The fact that nobody can name more than two pro black skaters that are female illustrates this. There is still an overwhelming majority if skaters (pro or not) that are white. Don't have numbers for you, but I'm damn sure. I'm not equating the present to the past, I'm trying to factor in the past's legacy.

2) you may find this hard to believe, but I'm a teacher at a school where I'm the racial minority, so yes... I understand being around racial diversity. Here, you seem to be so hung up on the idea that I'm arguing that representation is absolutely necessary to inspire others. I've already explained how I'm not doing that, so I won't do it again.

3) I'm talking  like that because I've heard female skaters openly and proudly state how Elissa has opened doors for them and other women in the industry. I don't understand how that's backward. Also, see 2).

4) I'm not saying people hate black women. I might be saying I think it's overkill and that there is some bias at play when some folks choose to target and denigrate a black woman across social media platforms because she got some vans colorways for the first time when they've been giving them out to men forever. Like I said before... "she's not good enough" ignores so much context.

5) I edited that in because others have said it, not you. Didn't mean to imply you'd said it, just wanted to get in front of it/respond to said others.

@Slikk but I did engage you dude and you had nothing to say, as usual.

[sle_epy]

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The amount of people who think skateboarding is a completely post-racial, colorblind institution is crazy to me. It's definitely a progressive space, but how many Black women have ever been in photos, videos, on teams? Can any of you name any other black female pros outside of the two mentioned in this thread already without googling names? If lack of representation or inclusion doesn't matter at all, then why aren't there more black female skaters? They all think Gino's style is overrated and he just doesn't get them stoked?

 I'm honestly curious what some of you think about this. Outside of actual outreach with programs like skate after school, representation is a MAJOR form of exposure to skating. You see your physical appearance, Parts of your culture, someone recognizable in an activity, you're more likely you are to connect to it. Please, if im wrong here, offer a coherent explanation, anyone.

I'm stoked that there are black skaters in this thread who've been inspired by a diverse group of people. But I dont think that negates all need for representation. If we want to champion skating as this place that welcomes all, then we wouldn't have posts like we have in this thread. And I'm not saying don't critique her or her skating, but it's been more than that. At least in my opinion...

I know that Beatrice didn't do things "the right way," and that she's not really all that skilled when compared to the dominant demographic in skating. These are valid critiques. I've already said that her style isnt all that great in my opinion. Do I think Samarria is the one who has proven herself in traditional fashion "more worthy" of a shoe deal? You fuckin bet. But somehow, I'm just not all that mad at that Beatrice has this career when considering the bigger picture, and I think it does nothing to harm skateboarding.

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I think at this point it's more impactful for women to see other women skating well (of any color), than it is for men seeing other men skateboard who also are the same color as them.

Which is why it's lame that Beatrice is the woman that other women see and she is the defacto standard for women outside of skating, regardless of the color of their skin. If it's a skin color representation thing than there are far more skilled women of color for girls to look up to. Urtripping isn't totally wrong with their take tho.

I just think that if it's about representation than show us the best, and give that person a platform. If it has to include race, find a better black female skater that respects the art and culture and puts out fucking street parts. Not a past her prime, kinda sometimes skater, who's also a model, that thinks she's going to be some sort of an icon and is using skating to get there.

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Nailed it. I think people are looking past that fact that she's 28. What were getting right now is prime pro Beatrice. The part that's coming out for Vans could very well be the pinnacle of her ability. I guess we'll have to see the standard of skating when that drops

I keep bringing that up, we aren't hating on a 16 year old girl or something. This is a grown ass almost 30 years old woman who just looks very young and acts it too. If I just read her social media stuff and whatever else I'd think she was 20 and very immature. Guess easy money keeps you young.

[sle_epy]

@Bumba I'll do the same as I did before.

1) the effects of decades of racism in skating and over a hundred years of institutional racism didn't disappear at the millennium (speaking about America as an American). The fact that nobody can name more than two pro black skaters that are female illustrates this. There is still an overwhelming majority if skaters (pro or not) that are white. Don't have numbers for you, but I'm damn sure. I'm not equating the present to the past, I'm trying to factor in the past's legacy.

2) you may find this hard to believe, but I'm a teacher at a school where I'm the racial minority, so yes... I understand being around racial diversity. Here, you seem to be so hung up on the idea that I'm arguing that representation is absolutely necessary to inspire others. I've already explained how I'm not doing that, so I won't do it again.

3) I'm talking  like that because I've heard female skaters openly and proudly state how Elissa has opened doors for them and other women in the industry. I don't understand how that's backward. Also, see 2).

4) I'm not saying people hate black women. I might be saying I think it's overkill and that there is some bias at play when some folks choose to target and denigrate a black woman across social media platforms because she got some vans colorways for the first time when they've been giving them out to men forever. Like I said before... "she's not good enough" ignores so much context.

5) I edited that in because others have said it, not you. Didn't mean to imply you'd said it, just wanted to get in front of it/respond to said others.

@Slikk but I did engage you dude and you had nothing to say, as usual.

Elissa opened the door for other women because she got put on for being good in the context of the time. She fits into the videos she's in, Beatrice's "parts" look like friend clips in a serious local homie video yet she gets treated like she could have a part sandwiched between Bam and Templeton in Jump Off a Building and no one would notice. Also fake steez is something Elissa never engaged in.

[camel filters]

Beatrice after reading this thread

[sle_epy]

Beatrice after reading this thread

The fake steez is just like on some other shit. If she were 14 it'd be forgiveable. She's almost 30, so it's not. She knows who she's trying to look like and what she's doing.

[Slikk]

@Slikk but I did engage you dude and you had nothing to say, as usual.

shes just whack do i gotta spell it for you on the chalk board, teach?? her tricks, attitude, lack of maturity are not ‘pro’ level. i fear for the youth in your classes, u r indeed trippin.

slikk slikk

[Urtripping]

@sle_epy I know she isn't good at skating haha, but just attacking her doesn't do much to sway me.

You said she is the defacto example for black females, why is that? She is one of two pros, the options are obviously limited. You also said it's more important for girls to see the best technically skilled skaters... but why, necessarily? Is it because she is a bad example in your opinion? If you think so, I am curious about what you think about this: "... I think the argument that 'she sets a bad example for young black skaters' is a weak one, too. I think it's weak due to the lack of faith it has in black girls who see her and decide to skate. You think that after they get into skating, they won't push themselves further than 5050 front shuvs just because that's what Beatrice does? Talk about insulting..."

Also, do Samarria, Rayssa, Nicole Haise, etc not have platforms? I still don't see how Beatrice having one takes away from them or from young female skaters who can see them, too. I'm still convinced she is not doing more harm than good here.

Edit: you might actually be able to correct me on how many Black female pros there are, being a woman in skating and being someone who knows her shit.

[sle_epy]

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@Slikk but I did engage you dude and you had nothing to say, as usual.

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shes just whack do i gotta spell it for you on the chalk board, teach?? her tricks, attitude, lack of maturity are not ‘pro’ level. i fear for the youth in your classes, u r indeed trippin.

slikk slikk