When factors that influence selection, judging, medaling are openly discussed, it becomes edifying to all. That is why it is never good to censor or close threads unless they have no value. I learn so much from everyone here. bless you all!
In another thread I started about beauty-one for men-one for women, the women's thread got lots of responses. Beauty interests everyone and everyone has an opinion. One person, who clearly prefers threads about scoring and the mathematics involved thought it was "trite." But au contraire, beauty, body type,etc clearly matter and are scored under presentation even though no one says it. "The total package" term gets thrown around every competition, though Scott is the only one who routinely comments on the woman's physical beauty. We all know he worships Alissa as the feminine ideal.
While it seems likely, given doris' analysis that something "else" is affecting the selection of Dornbush over Armin, we cannot say for sure. But that is why I asked for opinions on how much the "masculine" ideal of the male skater is changing, and how you see this impacting who gets "promoted" by their federation. Of course it might vary from country to country/culturally etc, but we are speaking of these American males at present.
It is unfortunate that tiny bodies are prized in womens skating and that larger women-wether they are caucasian or african are not appreciated. Rachael is not fat, but Tv adds 10 pounds and she is routinely ripped for not being "ripped."
My mother who is not a skater but a long time fan and quite astute for her age, has noted that the men "seem smaller." I think the poster who said they want to promote Ricky because of his last two years and his "looks" has hit the honest nail. He is "perceived" as heterosexual and more masculine than several skaters, and perception is everything. If Orser/Boitano had skated to Swan Lake with feathery, sequinned costumes, they would never have had the careers they did. It was not accepted back then. Rudy is the first male skater I recall who skated with femininity and ballet hands that became national champion. Obviously we have come a long way from the 'ideal" of Dick Button as US champion to Brian Boitano to Johnny Weir. So there is a great deal of accptance of differences within the skating community, but with dwindling $$ coming into the sport, all things are looked at by these committees. Without all the information given here and certain posts in particular, I couldn't come to this conclusion. I can't say it is a fact, but it really looks like they want (they meaning the powers of USFSA) our male champions to be "acceptable" and marketable to the many people who watched in the 90's, early 2000s. That is not saying people wouldn't get behind Armin, but maybe 'Ricky' is erceived as marketable with plenty of potential, "the total package" term they use all the time when discussing a skater. They are trying to find an audience again, and survive. And how can they without stars? i am surprised we don't hear of USFSA begging Evan to compete. I hope they did, and I am sorry he has not competed these last two years. I think he could be on the podium again in Sochi if he had continued. It is tough to think he could get gold in Sochi, but a clean, powerful Lysacek would not be ignored when patrick falls twice in a program. I always thought Evan was capable of medaling in Sochi because he was in good shape with great health. I am not aware of any knee issues, but correct me if I am unaware.
We would see more black kids skating when and if there are more scholarship programs but economically this is unlikely. Debi Thomas was truly someone who made it against many odds given her talent, a sacrificing mother, and the time period she skated in. To get to the top now you need money, luck, talent, hugely supportive family( and good looks help, lol) male and female.
There isn't a lot of homophobia anymore, but I think the deciders are trying to find the next single guy with the potential and the television appeal to take the place of Evan Lysacek since his return is looking less likely. Ricky Dornbush appears to be who they feel can be groomed to that point. It will be a while before Nathan Chen competes seniors. This kid looks to win an Olympic medal if luck stays with him. I pray we are in peacetime to see these next two Winter games happen. I think if Rippon were more consistent, they would be choosing him.
I think the sport is obviously the most open it has been maybe due to the insistence of skaters like Galindo and Weir to push the envelope and be who they are. And people see so much in entertainment in the last 20 years that they did not see before. The Brians skated in military looking costumes, the era of the stand up soldier look.Remember that? Look at their styles, costumes, everything in the 80's. Anything goes was not the adage then. So diversity is here in obvious ways in 2012. The question is, will FS survive as more than a niche sport in the next 20 years?
There could have been a fabulous black or latina champion by now, or another pair with the humble beginnings of Tai and Randy, but unless you have rich, or highly sacrificial parents, we are never going to see that happen. Rudy, Debi, Tai and Randy (can't think of poor ice dancers, but there must be some who made it to nationals level) really were phenoms in more ways than talent. With no money in the sport at the highest levels of achievement now, not many parents will make these sacrifices, and who can blame them. And we do no hear about "affirmative action" much anymore in any areas of endevour. We are not progressing as women or minorities, in fact the opposite is happening in this country.
It is always amazing to remember, and remind people that an act of violence brought skating and skaters to the masses and gave that 90's group of skaters who made it huge opportunities/ financial rewards. So I think often when I see someone at the nationals who really is not a very memorable skater, that there are tons of talented kids/athletes out there who just can't continue in the sport, because they don't have the good fortune to have the money or totally devoted parents.
That is why I treasure the skating that finds its way into the public domain that is Youtube and I hope we can preserve these great performances from great athlete/artists because the glory days are sadly, over. At least here in America. This is the century of Asia in sports and all ways. I find myself wishing someone like Oprah loved the sport, but she has no affinity for dance, or athletics in general .At least she never spoke of this or put her money there, even for minorities in Chicago. One rich person could bring forth a minority program to give poor kids a chance. A pair of ice skates is sadly not enough, like a basketball and city parl. One skating program in Chicago could bring forth a whole group of black skaters. I wish these mega rich billionaires would do more than own 8 luxury homes. (Yes I know of her African leadership Academy).
Well, those are just meandering thoughts and wishes. It really would be easy for this to happen, as Yuna is making this happen in S. Korea, one rich girl doing good, paying back. It seems that there should be more people in FS like Mike Weiss, as there are many skaters who have far more money. Maybe MK with all her everything and her two rinks will think about poor LA kids and start something to bring forth minority champions. Scott Hamilton does so many benefits in his life, but just one ongoing program from a few rich skaters could bring forth those minority champions that we don't seem to see anymore, outside the Asian community.
Who knows who reads these forums? Edit to wish list-a program for poor kids in LA to skate at East West Palace. Are you listening Kwan family?
