Respect our elders?

by Mercy Less March 7, 2012 - 11:57am

So, I was raised to respect my elders, and in my book, a 91 year old woman gets to say whatever she damned well pleases. However, here's a bit of a snapshot of how another generation sees things. For me, personally, the shocker was the fat shaming bit. It made me feel grateful for being part of an era with different body image ideals.

My intent here is not to start an internet shitstorm around a lady who deserves respect even if we don't have hers, by the way, so let's be gentle about comments. It's just a look at a different perspective. Will we all be this entitled and opinionated about the era we played derby in, one day? I know I can feel it creeping in on me personally every time I see a jam where no one is actually skating, or I hear another story about an aggressive skater coach fat shaming a skater (that's not *my* roller derby! *shakes old, gnarled fist*).

Article and audio on Roller Derby UK.

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Comments

Submitted by Raw Heidi on March 7, 2012 - 12:34pm

She says she doesn't follow it from the off so I wonder if she actually has seen any top level derby - WFTDA Champs for example. I don't know a lot of 91 year olds who access live streaming video online. And she talks about fighting being a part of the game too... I love a grouchy grandma and would love to meet this lady and let her know just how much modern day roller derby players really do care about the sport despite not being paid a penny, unlike her in her prime I would hazard a guess. Thanks for sharing.

Submitted by em dash on March 7, 2012 - 1:28pm

I was incredibly proud when my 92-year-old grandma watched me skate at ECDX last year from her computer in Pittsburgh. She chatted with my derby wife!

Here's what she thinks about modern roller derby:

My granddaughter, Em Dash, skates with the Gotham Girls. I've seen her skate 3 times. The first time I saw a game I knew absolutely nothing about Roller Derby. Blockers and Jammers meant nothing to me. I watched with dread thinking someone would surely be killed. That never happened, and the gals won and walked off the floor smiling.

The second game I attended I held my breath thinking someone would be injured. But no one was carried off the floor. Again the gals won and walked off the floor arm in arm smiling. By the third game I relaxed and enjoyed the game. The gals won by a big score.

After the bout, since it was my granddaughter's birthday, I was invited to the restaurant where they were having dinner. What a thrill it was to meet the team. I realized what a close knit group they are, supporting each other. Many firm friendships have been formed within the group. They enjoy what they do and give it their all. If I were younger I just might give Roller Derby a try!

Granny Dash

Submitted by Raw Heidi on March 7, 2012 - 4:14pm

I'm sure my dear old Gran would love it too if she was still about. Your grandma sounds brilliant Em Dash.

Submitted by Blackie Braless on March 7, 2012 - 2:48pm

Back in the 40s and 50s the average woman weighed 130-135lbs...so yeah, she probably does think we're all overweight.

I agree with Raw Heidi, I'm not sure she's actually watched the same derby I've been watching if she thinks "They don’t put the effort into skating, they’re not proud of what they’re doing...".