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Trucks and Fins is a huge present to the whole skate community - not just for the skating people, but also for shops, builders and schools. Super easy to use and can't believe how complete it is.
Pascal Lieleg aka Official Bowlshit
Collectivist culture and the skate communities of Southeast Asia & Latin America
In this episode Bros around the globe shows us how skateboarding helps us understand the different cultures around the world.
In this blog you’ll get an idea about the influence of the collectivist culture in Southeast Asia and Latin America on the local skateboarding scene. Here’s an example: “In Asian and Latin countries, you will find old and young skaters both new and experienced supporting one another in the park or plaza.”
Skateboarding is often associated with individualism or rebellion and may seem like an unlikely realm to find traces of collectivism. But the skateboarding community is a melting pot of cultures and people from all walks of life. More alike than different, every skater can relate to those memorable days on their boards, and the ones they’d rather forget. The good ones that remind us of why we skate and the shitty ones that leave us frustrated, questioning why we continue to put ourselves in pain. No matter where you are from, the common denominator remains: skaters are all searching for that next line or trick that keeps the stoke tank filled and has us coming back for more.
Throughout my travels around the world, I’ve observed a special influence on skating that stands out, particularly in Latin American and Southeast Asian countries: the heritage of collectivistic culture. With its emphasis on interconnectedness, harmony, and mutual support, Asian and Latin collectivism has found its way into the skateboarding world, creating a unique blend of individual expression and community spirit. For this installment of the skate and travel blog series, we will explore the principles of collectivist cultures and how they manifest in the skateboarding community, fostering a tight-knit and supportive community.
Collectivistic culture is deeply rooted in traditions and values that prioritize the group over the individual. It emphasizes interdependence, cooperation, and maintaining harmonious relationships within the community. Key aspects of this culture embody themselves in the Latin American and Southeast Asian skate world, including a sense of duty, respect for authority, strong family ties, and the pursuit of collective goals.
Regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or social background, skateboarders unite under a common passion for the lifestyle, fostering a deep sense of belonging
The skateboarding community is renowned for its inclusivity and acceptance of diverse backgrounds. Asian and Latin collectivism further strengthens this unity and community by encouraging skateboarders to look beyond their differences and embrace a shared identity. Regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or social background, skateboarders unite under a common passion for the lifestyle, fostering a deep sense of belonging. This collectivism first revealed itself to me in Southeast Asia while traveling through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, and then in Latin countries by way of Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Central America, and Mexico.
Whether it be by local skaters organizing charity events, mentoring aspiring shredders, or working on local skatepark projects, they always keep the country’s entire skate scene in mind.
Collectivist culture places a strong emphasis on respect for authority and intergenerational relationships. These values find expression in the skateboarding community through mentorship and guidance. Experienced skateboarders often take on the role of mentors, sharing their knowledge and skills with younger generations. This fosters a supportive atmosphere where beginners can learn from the wisdom of those who came before them, guiding them in both technical expertise and the community's values. With the OGs passing the torch, it assures skating's future is in the right hands, and tricks, styles, skate parks, and skate spots are respected. In Asian and Latin countries, you will find old and young skaters both new and experienced supporting one another in the park or plaza. Not to say it doesn’t happen in other parts of the world, but for these cultures in particular, it’s simply in their blood.
In a collectivistic culture, collaboration and unified progression take precedence over individual achievement. In Asian and Latin lands, they want to be proud of skaters from their countries and how the rest of the skate world views them. This mindset has influenced the skateboarding community, where skateboarders often collaborate on DIY projects, filming video parts, or organizing events. By pooling their resources and skills, they not only create sick edits and put down steezy tricks to share with the world but also strengthen their bonds and uplift the community.
First and foremost, Asian and Latin collectivism emphasizes a sense of responsibility towards their skateboard family. This value is embodied within the skateboarding community through various initiatives that give back. Whether it be by local skaters organizing charity events, mentoring aspiring shredders, or working on local skatepark projects, they always keep the country’s entire skate scene in mind. By engaging in these movements and initiatives local skaters reinforce the notion that their success is intertwined with the well-being of the community, and they actively contribute to its growth and development.
After traveling to these regions with my board in an attempt to meet skaters from all around the world, the influence of Asian and Latin collectivistic culture on their skateboarding community is undeniable. It adds depth to the individualistic nature of the sport, creating a unique blend of self-expression and communal harmony. Through the principles of unity, mentorship, collaboration, and social responsibility, collectivist culture infuses the skateboarding community with a strong sense of interconnectedness and mutual support. As the skateboarding world continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural influences that shape its vibrant and inclusive character.
