Jamey,
I totally agree with your synopsis of the current dialogue relative to
your beautifully created performance. You have recognized ordinary people
who experienced or did extraordinary deeds. It would not offend me if
similar ordinary people from around the world were remembered. Your
routine did not not present a message of retaliatory harm to any person or
place. It rather, very artistically, created yet another way to recognize
that we are all just people caught in the web of separatism, nationalism and
hate. If we really want to keep politics out of competition, then let’s do
away with the categorizing of participants by country; introduce all riders
as riders of the world; do away with nationalistic olympics/similar-events,
and have such events be skilled based and only skilled based regardless of
national origin.
Is Memorial Day an offensive political statement or a recognition of
ordinary human beings caught in the cycle of the cruelty in the world caused
by the very few (20/80 rule – 20% of the people cause 80% of the problems).
The dialogue on this thread has been a great exercise in the expression of
freedom of speech, but yet another example of how those very people who want
a nonpolitical event are so quick to interpret things as offensively
political. I have come away from this event with an immense respect for the
challenges and the art of diplomatic communication. What is said and its
intent often takes a back seat to how it is perceived.
There will always be rebuttals to expressed feelings and beliefs, regardless
of the intent of such expressions. We are all intelligent enough (I think)
to know when something is an expression of harm. I believe that is where
the line is drawn. Pride in self, genuine respect for others and one’s
affiliations; i.e.: school, unicycle team,
pro-basketball/football/soccer/other; are all a part of the experience of
life and a necessary part it as shown in Maslow’s hierarchy. Should we view
cheerleaders as vehicles for the passing of political views or an exciting
(possibly) creative, and positive way to spread the joy and energy of the
moment.
There is no such thing as “constructive criticism”; but rather it truly is a
“constrictive crudicism”. Jamey, however well intentioned we all tried to
be in the dialogue on this thread, I can only imagine how it must have
raised some strong emotions of shame, guilt, confusion, and/or frustration
in you.
Your routine creations have been beautiful and your presentations inspiring.
I thank you for bringing me moments of joy and wonder with your performances
throughout the years.
Keep on riding on!!
at1pe_uni
