bbc.com
Cornwall Skate Expo Showcases Age Inclusivity in Skateboarding
The Surf Skate Expo in Cornwall featured 68-year-old skateboarding legend Tony Alva, highlighting skateboarding's inclusivity across age groups and genders, with anecdotal evidence from participants and researchers.
- What is the primary impact of the Cornwall Surf Skate Expo on perceptions of skateboarding?
- The Expo challenged ageist stereotypes by showcasing 68-year-old Tony Alva skateboarding, demonstrating that the sport is accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages. This was further supported by interviews with participants like 51-year-old Jon Bishop, who started skateboarding during lockdown and found a welcoming community.
- How does the skateboarding community foster inclusivity, and what are its broader implications?
- The skateboarding community's inclusivity is characterized by its welcoming environment for all ages and skill levels, as exemplified by the Expo's diverse participants. This fosters a supportive atmosphere where people of different ages and backgrounds can learn and enjoy the sport together, challenging traditional age-related limitations in sports.
- What are the future implications of the observed increase in older women and men participating in skateboarding?
- The rising participation of women and men over 35 in skateboarding indicates a broader societal shift toward embracing physical activities later in life and challenging gender stereotypes. This trend suggests an increasing acceptance of age diversity in sports and potentially a significant growth in the sport's overall participation and market.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of skateboarding, focusing on its inclusive nature and the benefits for older adults. The headline and introduction immediately establish this positive tone. While it mentions challenges, like injuries and learning curves, these are presented within a context of overall enjoyment and community. The focus on success stories and the positive quotes from participants reinforces this optimistic perspective. However, potential downsides or limitations of skateboarding, such as physical risks or financial costs, are not explicitly addressed, potentially presenting an incomplete picture.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and encouraging. Terms like "hunky-dory," "fabulous," and "historic" convey enthusiasm. While descriptive words are used, they are mostly neutral. However, the phrase "toxic" used to describe surfing culture could be considered loaded and should be replaced with a more neutral description, perhaps focusing on the observed differences in community atmosphere between surfing and skateboarding.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of potential drawbacks or challenges associated with skateboarding, such as physical injuries, the cost of equipment and access to skateparks, or the potential for exclusion based on skill level. While space constraints may be a factor, acknowledging these aspects would provide a more balanced perspective. The article also doesn't discuss the broader societal context surrounding skateboarding, such as its commercialization or its relationship with urban planning.
Gender Bias
The article makes a point of highlighting the increased participation of women in skateboarding, noting a shift towards a 50/50 gender split. It also points out the positive celebration of older women in the sport, contrasting it with the sometimes negative perception of older men pursuing activities perceived as a midlife crisis. This demonstrates a sensitivity to gender dynamics within the sport. However, more diverse representation in the quoted sources might further strengthen the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the physical and mental health benefits of skateboarding for people of all ages. It emphasizes the inclusive nature of the skateboarding community, the stress-relieving aspects of the sport, and the positive impact on mental well-being. Research cited in the article supports these claims, showing skateboarding improves physical and psychological health. The increase in women participating in skateboarding also suggests a positive impact on gender equality in health and well-being.