So you're not among the 70% of American women who watch skating, eh? (One of my few ventures into the majority.) I see your point about spending more time on practice than on schoolwork, but you could say that about many extracurricular activities. I generally feel that most sports (professional team sports in particular) are a waste of time and resources. But in this instance I am impressed by their skill, and admire their determination. And I would think that dedicating oneself to improving until they reach the level of world-class competition is at least as worthwhile as working at McDonald's. I don't agree that it's just for the well-off either, a pair of skates aren't really more than a pair of sneakers these days. It's more a matter of coming from a supportive home and having a family that will stand behind you - which may be more common among the well-off, but I don't think it's an absolute. Most of the American champions have been middle-class.
I do agree about the pandering, though - and I don't like what that says about societal trends.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2006-02-16 06:05 am (UTC)I do agree about the pandering, though - and I don't like what that says about societal trends.