I consider skateboarding an art form, a lifestyle and a sport. 'Action sport' would be the least offensive categorization.
Interpretation
Skateboarding is not just a physical activity, but a form of artistic expression and a way of life.
In this quote, Tony Hawk emphasizes that skateboarding transcends traditional definitions and embodies creativity, a unique lifestyle, and athletic prowess. He suggests that reducing it to merely an 'action sport' underestimates its artistic and cultural significance, highlighting the depth and personal connection many have with skateboarding.
In practice
Using this quote in a presentation about the cultural impact of skateboarding.
The pro skaters I know are responsible members of society. Many of them are fathers, homeowners, world travelers and successful entrepreneurs. Their hairdos and tattoos are simply part of our culture, even when they raise eyebrows during PTA meetings.
I believe that people should take pride in what they do, even if it is scorned or misunderstood by the public at large.
If I can stand up when I'm 80, I'll be happy to cruise around on a skateboard. If I feel like my skills are fading, I just won't do it publicly.
When I started skating, it was such a small community. You didn't aspire to be rich or famous or make a career out of it because that wasn't something anyone had done yet.
My definition of success is doing what you love. I feel many people do things because they feel they have to, and are hesitant to risk following their passion.
Skateistan's not just about skating. Itβs giving people life skills and hope for the future.
So when I realised I could sing for a living - do what I loved and be paid for it - I thought, 'This is unbelievable. Unbelievable!' And that feeling has never left me.
I remember the first time I went out on the street to shoot pictures. I was in downtown Philadelphia, and I just took a walk and started making contact with people and photographing them, and I thought, 'I love this. This is what I want to do forever.' There was never another question.
This much we know: Journalism is not a precise science. It's, on its best day, is a crude art. We make mistakes; I make mistakes. With more than 50 years as a journalist, I have at least had the opportunity to blow more stories, make more mistakes than maybe anybody in television.
That song helped make me a world citizen. It allowed me to live, work and sing in any city on the globe. It changed my whole life.
The number of people who read a poem is not as important as how the poem affects those who read it.
When I see an artist whose work I like at a party - I'm old now, so I can do this - I go right over and tell them how much I like their work. Instantly, I'm on their side. The act of saying it takes away the competition. The act of saying it makes me not hate them anymore, because they're good.
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