- Joined
- Jul 27, 2003
By patriotism I mean by it's most common and simplest definition...love and support of one's country. Not necessarily the policys of the politicians of that country. And yes IMO every citizen should love and support their country. I am not pro war BUT I have several close friends who have husbands in the middle east right now. These are men that I love and respect and I am supportive of THEM and their families for the sacrifices they are making. Hey, if these "vol.unteer" soldiers weren't doing the job it could very well come down to the draft being reinstated and females being drafted along with the men. Personally, I believe that if men are drafted women should be too. So we owe these guys and their families, big time.
The military is one aspect of life and if a skater wants to use a military theme that is their choice. I don't see Mike's program as support of the present war but as a representation of a historical moment in our country (The Civil War). But, if when hearing the music or seeing the uniform I feel pride because I feel that I am lucky enough to live in the best country in the world, and for those few minutes feel a closer bond with my fellow citizens who are having the same experience that I am then good for me and good for Mike for providing me/us with that experience. If we want to remove this type of thing from sport then let the athletes compete as individuals, alphabetically, or by hair color (sorry Irina L. you may have to compete alone LOL). But take away the flags and take away the playing of the national anthems of the winners. Why not hoist up pictures of the winners and play their favorite songs instead? When those flags are raised and those anthems played those who share that nationality feel a connection to each other and pride in the accomplishment of their fellow citizen. Can't this connection extend also to a program ?
Mike does not skate with a balletic style as say Abt or Plush sometimes do. Although I haven't seen him in person he seems to have a more compact, muscular as opposed to long limbed body type. As for female skaters I would make the same comment about Surya, Yoshie, and even Irina. The more balletic style programs do not look as good done by them as by skaters who are longer limbed. Male skaters seem to choose mostly from ballet, opera, military, movie, or historical themes for their LPs with the occasional circus or rock thrown in. Most American male skaters are not trained in ballet or to appreciate it from an early age like the Russians are. I think that culturally skating is more sport and less art for some of our guys. The artistry usually comes after the jumps for some. So IMO if a skater does not choose a balletic type of program obviously it narrows down what is left to choose from. I think that this program may just work for Mike. Judges don't seem to like the rock themed programs. This is something new for him. Military themed programs have been well received by judges in the past. Nothing sexist or homophobic at all more a comment on what looks best as far as body type and what one's (specifically MW's) personal choice of skating style......seems to be IMO.
Piel
The military is one aspect of life and if a skater wants to use a military theme that is their choice. I don't see Mike's program as support of the present war but as a representation of a historical moment in our country (The Civil War). But, if when hearing the music or seeing the uniform I feel pride because I feel that I am lucky enough to live in the best country in the world, and for those few minutes feel a closer bond with my fellow citizens who are having the same experience that I am then good for me and good for Mike for providing me/us with that experience. If we want to remove this type of thing from sport then let the athletes compete as individuals, alphabetically, or by hair color (sorry Irina L. you may have to compete alone LOL). But take away the flags and take away the playing of the national anthems of the winners. Why not hoist up pictures of the winners and play their favorite songs instead? When those flags are raised and those anthems played those who share that nationality feel a connection to each other and pride in the accomplishment of their fellow citizen. Can't this connection extend also to a program ?
Mike does not skate with a balletic style as say Abt or Plush sometimes do. Although I haven't seen him in person he seems to have a more compact, muscular as opposed to long limbed body type. As for female skaters I would make the same comment about Surya, Yoshie, and even Irina. The more balletic style programs do not look as good done by them as by skaters who are longer limbed. Male skaters seem to choose mostly from ballet, opera, military, movie, or historical themes for their LPs with the occasional circus or rock thrown in. Most American male skaters are not trained in ballet or to appreciate it from an early age like the Russians are. I think that culturally skating is more sport and less art for some of our guys. The artistry usually comes after the jumps for some. So IMO if a skater does not choose a balletic type of program obviously it narrows down what is left to choose from. I think that this program may just work for Mike. Judges don't seem to like the rock themed programs. This is something new for him. Military themed programs have been well received by judges in the past. Nothing sexist or homophobic at all more a comment on what looks best as far as body type and what one's (specifically MW's) personal choice of skating style......seems to be IMO.
Piel