My Skateboard Tricks

?Skateboarding = Bad?

In a society where skateboarding is unheard of, whenever the word skateboarding
is mentioned, most people will right away have an image of teenage juvenile
delinquents illegally breaking the law or spray-painting the walls with
graffiti while the rest of them pulling skateboarding tricks in a dark alley
with deafening music rocking through the entire neighbourhood.

Okay, I admit that was over exaggerating a little but for those who are
convinced about skateboarding is equivalent to bad influences, the picture I
painted isn’t too far off from what they think. This is very much because of the fact that
skateboarding gained its popularity just the way punk music did and has always
captivated the heart of those hardcore, aggressive, slick and cool
anti-individuals.

But on the contrary, skateboarding is only as bad influence as you allow it to
be. The conception about skateboarding is a bad influence turning innocent
children into drug abusers or lawbreakers is completely untrue and unfounded.

In reality, this unique sport encompasses many admirable professional
skateboarders who are excellent role models for many people around the world
regardless of age to look up to. A fine example is Tony Hawk, who has invented
many aerial skateboard tricks, is a dedicated family man and has contributed
plenty of money to charity. In his autobiography, he described his life was
changed through skateboarding from a frustrated, unfocused and rage prone kid
to now as a household name. Another person is Rodney Mullen who is not just
friendly and humble but also a holder of a Masters Degree. Using his position,
Bob Burnquist has also helped the environment and inspired many people
worldwide when he overcame his asthma to skateboard. Even figure like Jereme
Rogers who fits the image of skateboarder gone astray with his shaved head,
tattoos and language is a man of religion who always speaks of his belief in
God granted him of his talent and skill.

With such honourable individuals as leading example, how could parents object
to their children learning skateboarding?

Yes, it’s true there are many other skaters out there whom are not good influence, but
let us not judge an entire orchard just because of a few rotten apples. To be
fair, even athletes, geeks, cheerleaders, conservative‘nice’little kids or even church-going individuals could very well led people gone
astray and down the wrong path. The major cause why skaters get a bad rap,
particularly those who hold strongly to the punk culture style, is because of
their appearance and their tough-as-nail character that lean toward
anti-establishment.

If you still worry about your children mixing with the wrong crowd, then there
are other alternative places that provide a secure and safe environment for
them to pick up skateboarding with comfort of mind. Many churches, associations
and organizations have their own skateboarding clubs as well as events for
skateboarders to partake in. Whatever the case maybe, always stick with people
you’re familiar with and avoid those who are known to less law-abiding individuals.

With a little rationale, a lot of untoward incidence can be prevented
altogether. After all, skateboarding is all about having fun, and not
law-breaking. As parents, you should give your children a little break, and
believe in them that they know what’s best and what’s not. Seeing them happily enjoying skateboarding is a wonderful experience and
who knows, you might even be tempted to try skateboarding yourself!