Mr. Greasy. Photo: Bandy
Haters are all around us, especially in skateboarding. Shit, I’m a hater sometimes. In skateboarding, everyone has their own unique style, and it’s easy to bag on others that are different from yourself or your particular crew. Go to youtube and type in Tony Hawk. Most of the comments will be straight hate—bet it doesn’t phase him though, cause he’s having fun, shredding hard, and is making more money than you. Downhill skateboarding specifically isn’t quite at the same level that street or park skating is, but I have a feeling that it will be someday. We need to get ready for this shit to blow up.
That said, during your time on a skateboard you are bound to encounter some people who aren’t down with the way you shred. I’m not claiming profound knowledge or wisdom on the subject, but I’ve run into my fair share of haters over the past couple years. Here are some of my views on the matter:
- DGK put it best: “I love haters.” Don’t get butthurt about what they say, let it be fuel to skate even harder.
- The more recognized you become as a skater the more hate you receive. Congratulate yourself and keep on keepin’ on.
- The crazy ol’ internet makes it easy for people who know nothing about skating to talk shit. Don’t take it too seriously.
- Like your 1st grade teacher said, respect others and they will respect you. Try to stay humble and respectful.
- Stay focused and keep killing it, don’t alter the way you do things because of shit talk.
With all the new faces getting involved in this corner of skateboarding there is a growing number of new voices and opinions on style, gear, and type of riding. I feel that skateboarding itself is expanding and maturing in general, and people need to stay true to their roots and ignore those that aren’t cool with how a person skates. Do your thing! Change what you do for yourself—not for sponsors, not for other people, and definitely not for the haters.
-Liam
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GENERAL DISCLIAMER: The statements, comments, and opinions expressed by Liam Morgan through Notes of a Greasy Young Man are those of “Mr. Greasy” himself, who is solely responsible for them, and they do not necessarily represent the views of Wheelbase LLC. Questions or comments regarding any information listed in this particular column can be addressed by contacting aliens, or channeling the spirit of Isaac Hayes.
Wheelbase Management
How do you feel about directly confronting hateful people, given the situation is a safe one? Encountering opposition, misunderstanding, hostility and hatred causes many people to become paralyzed when presented with an opportunity to respond. I think… I don’t think I can explain what I’m thinking as well as this guy:
“Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence.” -Hitchens
When confronted by hateful people, I feel like a Louis Pilloni sort of attitude thrown right in their face would cause them to be the ones who are paralyzed.
We are not really feeling the whole confrontation deal. 9 times out of ten that is exactly what haters want, and most of the time they don’t even know that’s what they want. Your Hitchens’ quote is rad, but limiting in that it promotes confrontation, albeit in opposition to unfairness or stupidity. An individual must tread carefully when actually confronting someone in real life (internet tough guys, aside) In real life, where the stakes can be life or death or truly effect you long-term, it seems more prudent to take more of a calm and deflective approach. We suggest not responding to negative and hateful energy with confrontation, but instead with positivity and a focus, not on their negativity output, but rather on your own positive output. Lead by example and allow them to be affected by the example. The world is made up of dark and light. Everything has it’s opposite. When you see darkness bring light. When haters hate go skate!
Well said dude, well said.
Das right! Yo, the word on the street is backflips! Can you confirm or disconfirm?
Definitely confirm, had a bad attempt a few months back so taking a bit to get back on the backflip horse. I’ll get it though, have no fear.
Can’t wait to see it. Be safe and get ‘er done!
referring to #3
Slandering others anonymously, that’s what the internet is for… That and porn.
Good stuff as usual man.
Yeah Stretch. Btw, saw a rad shot you shot of Danny Conner. We’ve been enjoying your pics dude. Stay shredding it!
<3
What about dudes that own skate brands in the “longboard” industry that never really rode long boards or never really skated but are jumping on the band wagon that never supported the brands until the last couple years? I think that’s why skater owned companies think “long boarding” is a joke… It’s not hate it’s fact.
Charlie Hustle
Yo Charlie,
Thanks for the comment.We’re pretty sure that you could say the same thing about Nike, Converse (see: Nike), Mountain Dew, Monster and a number of other brands and individuals who are involved with skateboarding in general that are not skaters. It’s a capitalist industry, and culture, so if there is money to be made, the dudes that want to make the money are gonna get involved, like it or not, no matter the size or shape of the boards. Bottom line for us is this: Some hate, we skate. Roll onward dude!