Oh, sorry wallylutz, my brain was thinking worlds in Nice, I don't think i have even seen a 4CC in years, it's not on my radar, ooops, big oops, I plead exhaustion and the initial racist charges. It is always nice when someone points out your brain is switched off. Gee, thanks.
As for the other theory, i absolutely believe the USFSA is in a losing battle finding male single skaters who 1)are hetero or 2) look hetero. USFSA had a tough time trying to contain Weir's outrgeousness. People are getting more accepting of all this as gay marriage becomes legal, and Johnny has a huge fan base in the sport despite a lot of outrageous behavior that still does not play well in Peoria. The ice princess should be feminine, not the prince according to the unspoken rule. Times are changing, but there is no way to deny that skating is dissed in many circles as a sport for men who like sequins. Armin is a much better skater , I think, than Ricky, and despite a couple really good skates, i don't think he is all that special. Adam Rippon is the guy I think is special. His skating reminds me of Johnny Weir's except even better. While I find his skating beautiful and I think he will be the best, I am glad he focuses us on the skating, not making his orientation a side issue. I may be old fashioned, but I think my tolerance level for awful costumes and over the top mannerisms is mainstream. Prickly subject, but it remains an issue for men in the sport.
I wonder where Evan is and why the USFSA has not given him what he wants? The matinee idol good looks, and masculine manner who won the gold is not on the scene-he is not really even doing Disson shows is he? I asked in another thread, where is Evan this season and why IS he been so absent from competing AND showskating? He has two years left to his reign before maybe Patrick takes the crown. He does not seem concerned about making hay while he can.
The fact that Johnny just married a man is no big deal in a sport with so many gay skaters, coaches, choreographers, but it does not sell well with everyone. My nonskating fan friends with religious background were quite turned off, and even SOI would not hire him. So it is an issue still.
Armin is definitely a better skater and it seems logical to use nationals placements were I picking. I personally do not find Ricky the scion of hetero masculinity, but it is obvious that Evan was promoted for more than just his skating skills. I think Jeremy and Adam when on are better all around skaters, but Evan has the look, the height. What ever his orientation is, it is not obvious. They do want more masculine as an image, and years of watching the very slow "out" process, and what is "allowed" makes their attitude very easy to assess. I never thought I'd see Ryan B a national champion. I hated his skating last year. They loved this guy for what, trying? Or is there more about his look and off ice persona they were rewarding?
While race does not matter anymore, the need to sell this sport as a "man's " sport is a factor in who seems to get promoted. They had room for Rudy, as he was special and inspirational but he fought long to be accepted for his presentation/costumes. JWeir was a great skater in his day, but it is an issue and I think it will remain an issue. Looks, image, package-very important in this sport, and always will be. The popularity/survival of the sport outside of the olympics has many factors, and this may be one, albeit a minor one in this day and age. How important is this thing, you long time observers, in individual success at the National mens level? I guess what I accept from the competitive ranks re costume, makeup etc is different than show skating, too. So I am mainly addressing my point to eligible male skaters, along with my query (no pun intended) as to what is the situation in 2012 re acceptance levels?
But then post #49 from stevlin sums up Dornbush's overall competitive record, and that might be exactly their thinking. (However, doris' theories are way more fun, LOL!)
Here's 5 quick movie plots. Anyone else like to suggest a few?
