Hatin' in Park City

So this may be my first meaningful blog. I think it should be read by everyone, whether they are into snowboarding or not. I am sure most people can relate to it in one way or another.

Two days ago in Park City there was a video premiere at the town lift on main street called the Park City Movie. It was a free movie premiere that was meant to scratch the itch that some of us have about this upcoming winter. Most of the pros that were in the movie including Scotty Arnold, Aaron Bittner and Shaun White were in attendance. The movie was good. My only complaint about the film was that the park and pipe were shut down to the public too much for the production; but thats a different topic for a different day.

Well back to the story. Every time Shaun White's name came on the screen, a face shot of him popped up or he was snowboarding, the crowd started booing. It wasn't joking booing or anything in jest. It was just rude. It was border line embarrassing to be part of that crowd. Occasionally you would hear someone yell don't be jealous, or stop hating. But it seemed like 90% of the crowd was anti-Shaun White. 

The way I see it...

You may like his style, you may not. You may think he gets too much credit or you just may be jealous. But the bottom line is that he is a talented athlete and arguably the best competition snowboarder ever. He brings more outside publicity to a sport that only about 4% of Americans do than probably every other snowboarder combine. The kid makes more money sliding sideways and skating a year then most people will make in 20. That is everyone's dream. To turn a hobby into a living, to do something they love. Why would anyone hate on that?

I am sure there are athletes, if you will, that get a lot of attention in other sports that are not liked by some core people. But whats the point? I can't name a surfer, skater or any other person off the top of my head, but in the snowboard world its Shaun.

Think about it if it wasn't for Shaun White many people wouldn't be snowboarding. He even brings some acceptance to a sport. Where someone might say "Oh you are a snowboarder!" Rather than, "Oh you are a snowboard bum..." 

I am beginning to rant and I can do that for hours. But remember what your mother told you. If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything.

Keep it real,

Cheever