Exploited & Enslaved, Capitalism, Ethics & Artistry
Last week, we posted Jahmal Cole's thoughts on "The LA Clipper's situation, Jahmal gave a great explanation of how he felt and why. We asked Jahmal for his thoughts on the situation because he has a better understanding of the NBA. This week, we want to give our thoughts on the situation, but from our point of view (A Skater point of view). Granted, it's a lot easier to own a skateboarding company then a NBA franchise, but this is strictly about principle. It's hard to understand how most NBA “owners” don’t have expertise in the game, but control it. You can hire a director of basketball operations, but in the end, he's not the guy making the final decisions. The front office should be working for the players, not the other way around. Skateboarding had a period when most companies weren't owned by actual skaters, but this was remedied over time, which made the industry more stable and skater orientated. The popularity of skateboarding has corporate America making moves for the buy out. It’s our job to maintain a system of checks & balances when making these skate brands public and/or accepting other ones in. The skater owned business model may not generate as much revenue as the NBA's business model, but it keeps the industry from being exploited and enslaved. There has to be a balance between Capitalism, Ethics & Artistry, when dealing with actual people as the product. Donald Sterling would’ve needed an industry co-sign to get in the door, letting everyone know his brand was authentic and true to the culture. With that said…Props & Thanks to all skater owned companies for respecting the skater. BEEYATCH!
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