When I watched United Skates, I was very thrilled to see how the movie would tackle rollerskating as a theme in today’s world.
I thought it would feature enjoy skating with their friends in such tough conditions, but it turned out to be really sad. The hints of racism in some parts of the movie made me sad and the roller rinks closing so quickly made me disappointed as it really seems like an underappreciated and underrated sport.
The film ‘United Skates’ was great. I sat down and watched it with my friend Tolani on her computer. The over policing of the skating rink shows how the bar is on the floor. These communities continue to be over-policed in even the most seemingly innocent of places. This and the closing of the shops breaks my heart and greatly saddens me. Kids and adults deserve places to go and hangout and have fun.
-It has also been crazy to me the large amount of renewed interest in roller skating because of the pandemic, but also the rising popularity of skating due to tik tok and other social media platforms. It makes me want to start skating around.
–After the film, we discussed the film and how we felt about it. I learned that GRF Ferra also is from Atlanta and grew up roller skating. What a small world!! A lot of my birthday parties as a kid were at roller rinks. I love roller skating and feel for those who can no longer experience this.
Prior to watching this movie, I knew of the significance the skating subculture had in the black community and really enjoyed learning more about the subculture and sense of community that was found within the pastime. The film showcased a history and culture often ignored, and how black-owned roller rinks are being bulldozed and rezoned, and how these communal centers are in danger. Documentaries like this are really vital in highlighting histories that are sadly often not shared.
While watching the film, however, I was surprised and in awe at how rich the culture surrounding roller skating was. It was both amazing to see how the Black community was able to express and enjoy themselves through roller skating, and heartbreaking to see how this culture that I was only just finding out about is also on the verge of extinction. The culture itself is a wonderful mixture, of sport and dance set to infectious music that is an inseparable part of it all. Everyone was also so incredibly dedicated to sustaining the culture, going as far as traveling hundreds (if not thousands) of miles to participate in an event.
The United Skates had me feeling a roller coaster of emotions. Prior to watching the film, the word roller skating meant nothing to me; unfortunately, I don’t know how to roller skate and the only thing that the activity made me think of was a friend’s birthday party that was at a roller rink back when I was in elementary school. Needless to say, I knew nothing of the history behind roller skating or the rich culture in skating. Initially while watching the film I couldn’t help but smile. The environment of the rinks was so lively and welcoming that it really reminded me of home. I come from a large family who loves to dance. So, for me, summer weekends growing up were filled with barbeque nights at my cousins and family friends’ houses where all my aunts, uncles, and older cousins gathered to drink and dance all night to various genres of Latin American music. Therefore, watching the joy and fun that the black community had when they gathered to roller skate gave me such a nostalgic feeling of my childhood.
However, as the movie progressed and the blatant discrimination against the African American community tore through the lives of the rinks across the country, I grew both angry and sad. While the film ended on an optimistic note about the revival of some of these rinks, I couldn’t help but feel especially emotional for the communities and everything they’ve lost. However, I’m glad to have been able to watch the film and now spread awareness to those around me about this rich culture and history that unfortunately only continues to live on for many as past memories.
I liked the United Skates movie because I have never thought that roller skating has close relation to the Black culture. I thought that it was intriguing to find out about how skating arenas work as place of refuge for the close by local area. It was disheartening to catch wind of a portion of the monetary battles and terminations a few arenas were going through on the grounds that it seemed like the presence of these sorts of public venues were essential to the imperativeness of individuals.
For the first week back in Rose Scholars, I attended the Friday Movie Night and watched United Skates. I was initially intrigued by the film reading the description because in my hometown both roller rinks had closed. As I watched the film I was amazed at the devotion the people in the film had for their hobby and the sense of community the roller rinks provided. I had no idea of the magnitude of the activity. Despite the unfortunate reality that is facing the people in that community as the rinks are being shut down around the country, it was inspirational to see people coming together from across the country to attend National Skate Parties to keep the traditions alive. I think my favorite part of the film was the section where they were showing all of the customized roller skates. As a kid, I had very basic department store skates, and I would never have guessed that people customized skates like the ones shown in the film.
I really enjoyed watching “United Skates” this week. I had no idea how closely connected roller skating was to Black culture. I found it interesting to learn about how skating rinks function as safe space for the nearby community. It was saddening to hear about some of the financial struggles and closures some rinks were going through because it seemed like the presence of these types of community centers were crucial to the vitality of the people. The dedication some people had for skating was inspiring; one person drove 6 hours to get to the rink they wanted and another went to the rink after a fifteen hour shift. I liked the section on Chicago a lot since I’m from Chicago! It was cool to learn about JB (James Brown) skating and moves like the “low shuffle” and “big wheel.” Overall, skating looks like a lot of fun! This documentary definitely makes me want to try it out sometime. I loved watching the intro sequence and watching people freestyle. I like to dance and watching these scenes felt like watching an amazing dance routine. Also, the custom skates were awesome; it was cool that you could take any shoes like Tims and make them skates.
I went into the documentary expecting a summarized history on the history of roller skating or something of the like– what I did not expect was to learn that there is an entire culture formed around the activity, a group of people who have been able to come together under one roof to strengthen their bonds, forget their differences. Roller skating rinks have been, to my surprise, a popular gathering place for namely the African American community. Roller skating rinks became one of the few places where people who were shoved aside by society could come together without fear, listening to music that was absent from the mainstream. Even the infamous Bloods and Crips gangs considered the rinks neutral territory. It was incredible to see how groups from different groups brought their own styles and moves, showing off for all to see as if they were one huge family. It is upsetting to think of the circumstances under which they came together, yet inspiring how they made it a culture of their own.
One of the most disturbing parts of the documentary was the innate racism that was so clearly present, even if it was not voiced outright; on Adult Nights, police were a common sight, even though owners insisted problems never occurred in the rinks. It was sad in a way I didn’t expect to see many of the rinks–people’s livelihoods– shut down one by one, rejected by communities that wanted to cultivate a certain image. The documentary ended off on a hopeful note, pointing out the continued efforts to revive roller skating. I am glad I became aware of this community who’s struggle has gone long unknown, and I hope that they will continue to fight, grow, and thrive once again in the future.
A hidden aspect of African-American culture is brought to light by the documentary “United Skates”: a film that spectacles the importance of skating in the Black community in a country where skating rinks are rapidly shutting down. The film’s emphasis is on black owned skating rinks and the effect on the corresponding community. Prior to the film, I was unaware of the link between roller skating and racial discrimination. When members of the African-American community faced discrimination in their cultural endeavors, many turned to skating rinks to follow their pursuits. Notably, hip hop, albeit culturally popularized in the modern music industry, was initially stigmatized and stereotyped. These artists found support and a safe haven in black owned rinks where they were able to hold their performances. The film has emotional parallels between the present and the past and the old and the young. Then the emphasis switches to resilience as a connection between then and now: with a father holding his son and saying to get back up when you fall (on the rink but regardless). Black owned rinks are disappearing all across the nation, and the financial strain is starting to trickle into the current rinks. A brief montage shows all the rinks that have been shut down nationwide. The film ends cautiously optimistic: a cultural stronghold existing but on the whim of extinction.
The film United Skates shows the importance of roller rinks in the African American community. The documentary followed various families all across the country as they explained what skating meant to them. Before this movie, I was unaware of the rich, beautiful history behind skating. I learned so much from watching it. For example, I learned that since hip hop and black culture was often pushed away, many artists performed in rinks. A powerful and strong sense of community was cultivated in rinks. It was beautiful to see how much skating meant to people. It was mesmerizing to see everyone move in synch to the rhythms of the music. At the same time, it was heartbreaking to see so many black skaters face discrimination. The documentary showed how rinks would segregate white and black skaters. And even as segregation became outlawed, rinks were subjected to searches and were heavily surveilled. It made me so angry to see that racial injustice is pervasive even in places that are considered safe spaces. Additionally, it was really sad to see how many rinks were closed down to rising rents and other issues. Even with the heartbreaking aspects of the film, the documentary ended on a positive note, showing that no matter the challenges that may appear, skating will be everlasting and passed down for generations because of the unity and love of the community. I loved watching this film. I really hope rinks are able to open again and that people are able to express and enjoy themselves without facing bias and discrimination.
I watched “United Skates” for this week’s Friday Film session. It was a very moving and informative experience. First off, I thought the movie was so beautifully done. I went through so many emotions, from smiling to almost tearing up. Second, I’m so glad I watched it and I learned so much about roller skating and its connection to African-American culture. I was really surprised that I honestly didn’t know anything about it or have heard of this part of the culture until watching the film.
It was interesting to learn that roller-skating was so tied to music in the African-American community and that many of the big names that we know now started as roller-skating rink performers. It was beautiful to see people showing off their moves and to see roller-skating becoming an activity where gangs put their differences aside, African-American people came together like a family, and everyone could have a good time and relax from the stress in their lives, but heart-breaking that rinks were one-by-one closing down and people having the one constant happiness in their lives stripped away: I felt so angry and that it was unfair that racism and gentrification mostly caused all of this, even when officials heard their pleas, they still worked against them. I almost shed tears when Buddy Love of Rink City Skate announced that they would be closing during their annual skate party, and watching everyone’s emotions and seeing everyone feel heartbroken once again. I’m glad the movie ended on a good note and that they’re still fighting to keep the adult nights tradition and culture alive. I also noticed they got an Emmy nomination, and so glad and hope that it will trigger more discussion and awareness to preserve the African-American roller-skating culture.
I knew nothing about the roller skating culture in African American communities prior to watching United Skates. Although I enjoy ice skating and have skated in Cornell’s Lynah Rink twice, I am quite unfamiliar with the sport of roller skating. Watching United Skates introduced me to communities linked by a shared passion for skating, and together, they comprise a “World on Wheels,” keeping the culture alive.
In case you don’t know, World on Wheels is actually a roller rink in LA. It is featured in the movie as a family-owned business that has gone through the ups and downs of roller skating over the past few decades. Quoting Los Angeles Times, “World on Wheels was born in 1981 at the height of the roller skating craze.” It was shut down in 2013 due to financial woes, but thanks to collective efforts, it reopened in 2017.
The film caught my attention from the very start with the catchy music and fancy dance moves performed by skaters, and soon it intrigued me with how much roller skating venues matters to the communities they serve. It is a way of expression, people can wear whatever shoe they want to show off their personalities; it is a lifestyle, releasing all the stress accumulated during daytime; and more importantly, it is a culture, roller rinks in different regions popularize different moves, and might play very different music in the background. With hip hop and rap artists going on roller rink tours, roller rinks have become music venues to some extent.
What struck me the most, however, is the determination exhibited by skating lovers. As venues close down one by one, they drive for hours and even fly across the country only to gather for a skating event. Small regional communities become a huge national community. Skaters come from vastly different geographical regions, but they all share the same passion and the same determination to keep skating alive. They have demonstrated with the resurrection of World on Wheels that together, they can maintain that precious cultural heritage.
Sadly, World on Wheels wasn’t safe from the economic downturn in this ongoing pandemic — it has shut down again in 2020 and the its future is uncertain. While it must have been heartbreaking for local skaters to hear, I firmly believe that their determination will prevail again; and with platforms like TikTok popularizing roller skating, roller skating culture will not lose its vitality.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-01-06/world-on-wheels-skating-rink-closed-covid-nipsey-hussle
Prior to watching the documentary, I was unaware of how rollerskating culture is a big part of the black culture and found the documentary both sad but heartwarming at different times. While watching the documentary, I really felt the documentary reflected the saying of how in times of crisis, people unite. It was sad to see how many rinks where pressured, forced, and on the brink of closing due to a decline in popularity and the discrimination against these hangouts. However, it was also heartwarming to see many people across the country unite in Rich City Skate to skate their hearts out as the mission to preserve the rollerskating culture was on the line. Although the rollerskating industry has been decline in recent years, I think filming a documentary such as United Skates is a great first step in bringing awareness about how vital the rollerskating culture is to the black community and, hopefully, make rollerskating a popular activity again for future generations to come.
From police security at events attended mostly by African American skaters, to the rules at many rinks that ban certain elements integral to the skating subculture, such as customized skates, United Skates makes it clear from the start that the outside community has taken a hostile stance toward the African American skating subculture. It was especially striking to see the lengths to which cities were willing to go in order to eliminate a subculture they did not fully understand – most commonly, cities would refuse to renew the lease of the skating rink and then rezone it as a commercial or residential building in order to prevent it from ever becoming a rink again.
In our commercialized, online world, the few community spaces that remain are increasingly devalued. For many, and particularly for those with power, the potential for profit is more important than the reality of the community fostered in those spaces. Marginalized communities and subcultures are most impacted by this trend because those in power are not generally those with a deep understanding of these communities. Therefore, protests against the removal of these community spaces generally fall on deaf ears, as many decision makers never understood their value in the first place.
It was frustrating and heartbreaking to watch the demise of so many roller rinks at the hands of people who did not understand them in the least. While the ending of United Skates gave me a glimmer of hope, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am concerned for the future of these rinks. Hopefully, as the movie suggests, the community will persist in spite of these challenges; otherwise, something valuable is at risk of being lost.
I went to the screening of United Skates not knowing anything about skating, and left with a new understanding of how roller skating can be the foundation of a culture and community. I was most intrigued by the national skating parties, where people from all over the country come together to share their unique regional skating styles and to just have fun. I admire the passion that people have to travel so many miles to skate together, and I would absolutely love to participate in something like this if I knew how to skate. It was also heartbreaking to see how many skating rinks were heavily policed and how there was discrimination through policing how big skate wheels could be, which made me realize how subtle discrimination can be. However, the film did end on a more positive note, where it showed a roller skating rink going back in business. While the pandemic is probably hurting roller skating rink businesses, I am inspired by this film to go to my local rink (if it is still around) after covid to try skating!