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RST Op-Ed
Critic responds
The Roller Skating Today (RST) “Black
Rinks” page is, (as far as we know), the most complete and comprehensive
listing of skating rinks owned and/or managed by Black women and men.
The most visited feature on RST, it currently lists 20 Black owned rinks
along with three that are under Black management. The most recent
additions to the list include Treo Roller Rink in Louisville, Kentucky,
and D'Light Skate N Palace in Temple Hills, Maryland. Recently, a
site visitor named Renee took offense to the listing which she found to
be “racist.” In a brief email message, she wrote:
“For a race that screams about racism continually don't you think this is racist? I do. If I were to start an association of "White owned/managed" rinks the ACLU and Jesse Jackson would have a field day in the media and courts. So if you don't have any problem with me referring to "White owned/managed" rinks I suggest you stop segregating the races in what is supposed to be family oriented entertainment.”
In the TV industry, there is a channel called Black Entertainment Television (BET) and although the station has its share of programming critics, its purpose is to provide entertainment, news, views and shows which target, and are of particular interest to, a Black audience. This audience is not catered to by the mainstream industry and even the NAACP, in their annual TV Diversity Reports, has found that the television world has a long way to go in overcoming its long history of being – in act, even if not in name – “White Entertainment Television.” When you think about it, there would never have been a need for a BET had Black people not been under represented, negatively portrayed or excluded from decision making in the industry. Another example is the large number of Black newspapers in the country. There would be no need or market for them if news of interest to Blacks was more prominently and regularly featured in the nation's major publications, which – like the TV industry - primarily target a White audience or consumer. The same examples can be applied to the growing audience for Spanish language TV and radio stations and newspapers all over America. In the same way, RST is somewhat like an Ebony Magazine of roller skating sites with news, features and a focus that is targeted toward the world of Black Skaters. Is that a crime? No it isn't as there are any number of sites to choose from which have more of a multi-cultural or mainstream focus, if that is what a reader desires. No one is forced to visit, like or read RST's features but it is somewhat arrogant for one dissenter to expect, just because they personally hold a negative view, that the site focus and purpose (much enjoyed by others) should be changed or done away with. Variety is the spice of life and even though some view RST's focus as “racist,” others may view Renee's position as one exemplary of the White-privilege mentality that still permeates this society. Some in the majority population seem unable to appreciate the value, uniqueness and right for non-Whites to express themselves culturally, ethnically – and in a way they have determined for themselves - within a society that has, for hundreds of years, been primarily governed by (and for the benefit of) Caucasians. Renee, erroneously viewed RST's LISTING of black owned/managed rinks as an ASSOCIATION, which it is not, and suggested that RST stop “segregating the races,” as though RST is responsible for the bias, discrimination and segregation that has long gone on in this country and in the roller skating world. Only a few years ago, RST interviewed Harry Mayo, manager of Hoover
Skate Arena in Dayton, Ohio, and he stated that racism is still alive and
well in what Renee calls “family oriented entertainment.” The following
is an excerpt from RST's Sept./Oct.
2003 feature about that family operated rink:
Racism in the Skate World:
“......Blacks began skating at GSC in the late 1960s........ one of the two rinks at that time which allowed [them] to skate. The other place was called River Rink which was built specifically for Blacks. That is the place Gizz first skated indoors as a teenager but unfortunately the rink ended up closing due to violence and fighting. Were it not for sites like RST, it is doubtful that this type of roller skating history would be known or recorded, as it is not what mainstream roller skating sites choose to focus on. This history also proves that not everyone in the roller skating world is, or was, interested in integration with Black skaters or providing a “family oriented” skating atmosphere that would include them. Renee and other RST critics, in looking at the facts, will have to admit that it is incorrect to label this site or any of its features as “racist” or guilty of causing segregation, when racism, segregation and discrimination in the skating world existed long before RST started in 2002 and is still existent today – not from this site - but from a number of White rink owners, operators, managers and skaters across the nation. We encourage Renee to take her campaign against racism and segregation to where it rightfully belongs instead of becoming offended because a site dares to have a LISTING, (not an association), of Black owned and managed rinks, and dares to have a Black focus which is rarely afforded in the overall skating industry. RST continues to salute and encourage support for the relatively few Black owned and managed rinks which are like needles in a haystack when compared with the hundreds of rinks in America, most owned by members of the majority population. Visit the RST “Black Rinks” listing and our past Rink of the Month features. - Adeeba Folami - Posted 02/08/07 Visit the Skater's Lounge found on RST's sister site and share your feedback, suggestions, advice or critique in the " Critic Calls Skate Site "Racist" discussion.
Critic Responds NOTE: In a message dated Feb. 19, Renee responded to the above op-ed by persisting in her assertion that RST is racist. She wrote: It's very clear you do support the continuation of racism, just look at the pictures from how many years ago that are attached to your email. Get over it. I did not cause racism and you most likely were not even around during those times. It is absolutely amazing how people from other countries come to America to WORK and make a better life for their families. Yet, blacks have been America for how long and the only excuse they have for not being successful and wanted is racism. It's not our problem that the black community has such a hard time supporting their families. Maybe they should put effort into the things they want for their families and themselves instead of blaming white people for holding them back. Rebuttal from Youth Leader Site visitor Kirreck Williams was led to RST after doing an online search for Black owned skating rinks. As a youth advisor for a group which sponsors trips for students to Historically Black Colleges & Universities, he was looking for a Black rink to support in the Atlanta area where the group could take a break from business and enjoy some recreation. During his RST visit, he took time to read Renee's statements which disturbed him to the point of issuing the following rebuttal: Why are you even addressing or giving Renee a voice on your vehicle? This is the new rhetoric of the right-wing zealots, proclaim others racist to divert their own racist agenda. Renee's own ideology speaks for itself by capitalizing 'WORK' in her barrage, to insinutate the obviously false stereotype that most Black people don't. What Renee also conveniently leaves out of her idiotic manifesto is that those very same people who come over, all primarily spend money in their own community among themselves. That's how strong communities are built in America, has been that way since the great European immigration. Posted 03/22/07 |
