http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeqHj3Nj2c
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Parkour
This weekend my roommate showed me this video of Parkour. I recall my cousin showing me this video of his extremely agile friend hopping, flipping, and running; he was doing tricks that seemed impossible to me. After visiting youtube, I realized how much this phenomenon has really taken off and has evolved into its own youth subculture. Unlike many subcultures, in which ideals and clothing style define membership, these members have to be in amazing physical shape and be willing to perform feats that seemingly defy gravitational boundaries. I watch these videos in amazement, wondering how an initial interest in this type of act was formed. How do you practice this without the fear of injury or death? It may just be the fact that I am firmly aware of my physical limits and realize that participation in this subculture would literally be the death of me. Below I've posted a link on this phenomenon: Enjoy!
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I think it's really interesting to think about how certain subcultures take off. You're right that this one really flourished, even The Office spoofed it last season. Also, the video game Mirrors Edge completely simulates a parkour experience--maybe something you could look into without fear of death! I feel the same way you do about a lot of extreme sports which all seem to have a cult following. Skateboarding, bmx biking, even breakdancing to an extent, I wonder how people get involved, overcome their fears, and ultimately gain status, become accepted, and generate rewarding relationships with other people through participation. The process seems so complex yet it happens every day, all around us!
ReplyDeleteI agree that in reading Brianna's post I immediately thought of other subcultures that place emphasis on a specific physical ability, break dancing especially came to mind. It seems like in a subculture like this it's easier to draw lines between poseurs and authentic members because only through consistent dedication can one perform the subculture with a commanding, confident presence. I wonder if we can draw a parallel between the time it takes to habitualize mastery of a physical technique and the time it takes to habitualize mastery of an outlook and way of being.
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