Firstly, I just want to say that I do not think die-hard Mao fans are the most unbiased interpreters of Mai's words, just as die-hard YuNa fans may not be, either. Fluent/native Japanese speakers exist who are also YuNa fans and have interpreted what Mai says, without inserting any of their "personal touches", I should say. Although one could fairly say that interpretation always involves some level of subjectivity and, to that extent, some bias from the interpreter by the nature of its job.
Saying "Maybe the judges like her" is far different from saying "Maybe the judges like her
skating." The former, which is what Mai
actually said, implies judge favoritism
to me. Is my interpretation not acceptable at any level? Is it completely unreasonable for me, or other YuNa fans, to take the less positive view? I doubt any of us are losing sleep over it because the show will not change how skaters skate at actual competitions in the future. But, we're figure skating fans who talk about irrelevant stuff all the time on skating forums...because it's fun for us and I don't think it's either kind or acceptable to suggest we have some personality defects/hallucinations/vicarious persecution complex just because we don't agree with one person's translation.
I admit I have come to not like Mai from what I can see and understand in her participation in this show (please? am I allowed to have my own point of view without having some kind of illness?) Citing one's own experience as a competitor, and then stating that you don't know why YuNa scores so high (claiming ignorance) is implying something along the lines of "although I am familiar with the scoring methods and standards for figure skating, there is nothing in YuNa's skating that I can identify that justifies how she scores so high relative to the others. Nothing to do with athleticism, or artistic merit. It's just so mysterious...hmm, in matters like this perhaps it's best to just say 'No comment!' hehehhehee..."
The fact that these comments were said after clips of YuNa's NRW outing...with her popped 3-jump combo...and her falling on the 2T attached to her successful 3S...her only mistakes and nothing else (no clips of her renowned 3Lz-3T, or artistic flourishes, etc.) then landing in 1st place... I mean, what is the average viewer supposed to think? It's exactly the sort of thing that fans the flames of bot-wars.
None of this in any way changes my respect and affection for Mao. Mao has always been a class act.
Perhaps there is a cultural difference here?
Because if I had a baby sister or an older sister (which I don't), I'd expect her to be on my side
In the US I have it on the authority of NBC News that we love nepotism
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Why-We-Love-Nepotism-159072785.html
Or as Mayor Daley of Chicago said:
It may be cultural and individual, doris.
I, along with jaylee, think it's more honest and honorable to not knee-jerk jump to sibling defense every single time. I love my brother, and I will tell him if I think he is getting a bit pudgy and should start exercising regularly again because I care about him improving himself or keeping his health. Furthermore, putting in a word of praise or two towards a rival--at the least to try to explain why they are scored highly as many non-fans can grudgingly admit on general figure skating boards--does NOT automatically mean we're putting down our siblings, right? At least when mature adults are speaking...
The only thing which bothers me is that she's skipping 4CC...
I'm curious why it bothers you if you are not particularly vested in YuNa's skating and competitive successes? I am just going by your self-proclamation of not being a YuNa fan. As a YuNa fan who delights in seeing her skate every single time, it's interesting that it does not bother me but that it bothers you so I'm interested to know.
I'm also not sure what Yuna has to gain by skipping out on 4CC.
I don't think YuNa's promised participation in the Special Olympics around the same time is a small responsibility to shrug off and, while I agree that more competitive practice for YuNa would be better for her for the upcoming Worlds, I admire that she takes her duties seriously and does not just put herself first. Unlike other skaters who may just wish to chase glory for themselves (nothing wrong with that), YuNa has shown that she also has charitable interests and an extra 4CC outing (that may or may not bump up her Worlds 2013 showing) is probably not going to make or break her career.
Well, like the others, not aware of the Special Olympics commitment. Of course, it makes sense she wouldn't be at 4CC then. My opinion previously came without having that knowledge, so thanks for everyone for providing that info.
)
