U.S. Ladies [#19]: Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

[attyfan]

So, her politics should have nothing to do with her skating, but you you no longer have positive feelings about her skating because she likes Trump? WOW!

Why do you think the two are mutually exclusive? Many people have positive or negative feelings about skaters for reasons that have nothing to do with their skating, such as educational pursuits, charitable work, or other off ice behavior (a lot of people have negative feelings about Tonya Harding for off ice behavior that has nothing to do with her skating).

 

[AxelAnnie]

Why do you think the two are mutually exclusive? Many people have positive or negative feelings about skaters for reasons that have nothing to do with their skating, such as educational pursuits, charitable work, or other off ice behavior (a lot of people have negative feelings about Tonya Harding for off ice behavior that has nothing to do with her skating).

I agree with what you are saying. I was responding to the IMO lack of logic in someone else's comment.

 

[skatfan]

Or because she is skating to a Christian hymn.

Some of us who like this song (like check out its history before judging) are not conservative, embrace the strangers among us, and include all genders in our communities.

 

[alchemy void]

Honestly, it's so unfortunate people are basing their opinions on skaters based on their politics. There are many good people who support Trump, Clinton, or whomever. This is just contributing to the increasing divisiveness in this country. Just my opinion.

Yup. I’m conservative-ish and a Christian who’d love to punch Trump in the face... I’m on the center right in American politics, but I left the GOP after the primary. I couldn’t vote for someone like that. Ever... but I know and love lots of people who voted for him, or for Clinton. I don’t think any less of them, not would I terminate a friendship, cut out family, or judge someone on their politics unless they were really unhinged. I don’t think less of Courtney.

I totally understand what you’re saying here, and I agree with you. Ideally, I shouldn’t think any less of Hicks because of her political beliefs, or appreciate her skating any less (I love power skaters and have been one of her bigger cheerleaders the past quad).

However, I think it is significantly easier to separate a person (skater in this case) from their political beliefs, or think any less of them, when you aren’t directly affected by those political beliefs. For example, if your best friend is trans or you are a DREAMER, it’s probably going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to look the other way and not let that person’s political beliefs cloud your perception of them, as opposed to an upper middle class white male.

I understand the perspective of those who CAN separate the skater from their political views: I really wish I could do that! But I would also ask and hope there is a level of understanding and perspective from the other side as to why some folks simply CANNOT separate the two. Those liked tweets and political views hit way too close to home for me, and others.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I do think this is possible, that someone can be very active on social media for publicity purposes without realizing how much information is gleaned from liked tweets. It appears Courtney asked someone privately why she disliked her, was told it was because of her political leanings, and then calmly tried to explain her feelings about Trump, privately. I would not have engaged the person at all, that seems very immature, but I have more of a problem with someone thinking it's ok to reveal the private messages. I do not share what appear to be Courtney's political leanings, but IMO she's entitled to her own opinions and as a skating fan, I'm ok with that as long as she is not broadcasting them, and I don't consider private messages and "likes" to be broadcasting. I was happy she was having a good start to her season and will continue to follow her. If she starts praising Trump on her open IG, I'll rethink that.

Hesitant to dip my foot into the water here as its somewhat off topic... but it does baffle me how someone can support trumps or his views. She has gay friends and gay coaches (as do most people) and if a presidency or group were attacking my friends I would so go to bat for them. (Like how Anne Hathaway's family does for their gay brother. They left the church and everything because of what they say about lgbtq people). For me physical life is not all about me and whats best for me but about all of us collectively.

I lean lib but I would NOT support a liberal president who mocked ANY disabled person, grabbed my sister by the p*ssy, etc etc etc etc you know the deal. For me it just common sense. Dignity for mankind.

Its OK that she is conservative or repub if thats what she chooses... its just we should draw a line somewhere.. for the VERY VERY obvious reasons. its no longer about supporting conservative views but now promoting racism, homophobia and dividing people into groups.

TBH 4 years later and Im still VERY insulted by Jeremy Abbott. I still have a hard time to watch any of his programs b/c of the words out of his mouth. And no excuses for not being educated on whats going on in the world at his age.

 

[Willin]

TBH the biggest concern about Courtney's tweets is if they blow up. Right now it's just this board (haven't seen anything on GS) and a couple twitter users, so I don't think too many more people will learn about the controversy unless she gets on the Olympic team and reporters are digging for a story. But, if more people do find out, she may become sponsor unfriendly. Not because she's conservative, but rather because the tweets can be construed as controversial (ie. transphobic and xenophobic things). There's a reason Gracie was so popular with the sponsors. Whether your controversial issue is liberal or conservative, sponsors don't want it because they risk enraging someone by supporting you - you see that right now with NFL players on the liberal side of things.

If the tweets do blow up, I'd also be concerned about Courtney at Nationals because of potential negative fan behavior. Bay Area fans might be upset because some of the tweets refer to two major demographics in the Bay Area - the LGBT community and immigrants.

 

[Tinami Amori]

TBH the biggest concern about Courtney's tweets is if they blow up.

If the tweets do blow up, I'd also be concerned about Courtney at Nationals because of potential negative fan behavior. Bay Area fans might be upset because some of the tweets refer to two major demographics in the Bay Area - the LGBT community and immigrants.

So.... you're concerned about Courtney's safety because rabid Antifa and Left will attack her and vandalize her house and family? not a wrong assumption given how they behave fully believing they have the right....

We have, for example, Courtney who outed her self as "pro-conservative" and Ashley who outed her self as "pro-left". Should there be a concern for Ashley's "safety from negative fan behavior"? you did not mention that...

Given they are both now associated with a "party", and given that countries like Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Poland elected Centre-right/Right-wing presidents/PMs; Italy reviving "Forza Italia" and "Nothern League"; UK, Japan, etc are electing Conservative PMs/Presidents; and that Russia, China are not fans of Dems, and all listed are on the list of Int'l selected judges, would not it be logical to send Courtney to Olys if it is a toss up between her and Ashley, for example? ..

Its OK that she is conservative or repub if thats what she chooses... its just we should draw a line somewhere.. for the VERY VERY obvious reasons. its no longer about supporting conservative views but now promoting racism, homophobia and dividing people into groups.

Bull! it's a Lefty invention that voting for Trump or Conservatives is due to "racism and homophobia". Data and people's testimony show otherwise. There are many more issues, related strictly to economy, taxes, foreign affairs, various rights and laws that have nothing to do with "LGBTQ" or "racism". If you bought that Lefty labeling "crap" does not mean it's true.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I know, it's tough to find a perfect answer, especially when skating is such an early-peak sport and puberty can wreak havoc...but with teams and cost-cutting, you might also retain more late bloomers who drop out due to funds running out

Not to mention all of those gorgeous ice dancers who grow too tall, some of whom we get to see for a while in solo dance, but many not.

But so is "Hallelujah

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/leonardcohen/hallelujah.html

I don't remember singing this in Hebrew School, but it might have made it more interesting.

 

[Vagabond]

I agree with what you are saying. I was responding to the IMO lack of logic in someone else's comment.

You "Liked" my post #771, but you also "liked" Tinami's post to which I was responding.

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

 

[Willin]

So.... you're concerned about Courtney's safety because rabid Antifa and Left will attack her and vandalize her house and family? not a wrong assumption given how they behave fully believing they have the right....

We have, for example, Courtney who outed her self as "pro-conservative" and Ashley who outed her self as "pro-left". Should there be a concern for Ashley's "safety from negative fan behavior"? you did not mention that...

Where did I ever say that? I meant booing or possible heckling outside the arena. The violent protesters in Berkeley are not liberal - they are anarchists that just like to stir things up and vandalize things. Unless there's media attention to be gained or people to troll with violence (liberal or conservative), they won't care about a single skater.

If Ashley was competing in the deep south, sure. But the location is San Jose, a very liberal city where most people probably agree with her politically. It should also be noted that she hasn't been very political on social media lately, likely because of sponsor pressure. Even political things she tweets are neutral - ie. after Vegas she said "we have to be better", not anything about gun control.

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

It drives me insane that "Hallelujah" is used on Christmas albums or treated as religious. I don't think anyone has ever actually read the words if they think it deserves to be classified that way.

 

[teacakes]

It drives me insane that "Hallelujah" is used on Christmas albums or treated as religious. I don't think anyone has ever actually read the words if they think it deserves to be classified that way.

When I hear Hallelujah I think Shrek.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Where did I ever say that? I meant booing or possible heckling outside the arena.

That's not acceptable either... and why would not be concerned that "conservative fans" boo Ashley?

I understand that given the behavior from the Left (not just in Berkeley) and the celebrities, violence and death threats against Courtney are not out of the question however...

 

[oleada]

When I hear Hallelujah I think Shrek.

I think of The OC

 

[Willin]

@Tinami Amori No, it's not acceptable, which is why I'm concerned it may happen.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Bull! it's a Lefty invention that voting for Trump or Conservatives is due to "racism and homophobia". Data and people's testimony show otherwise. There are many more issues, related strictly to economy, taxes, foreign affairs, various rights and laws that have nothing to do with "LGBTQ" or "racism". If you bought that Lefty labeling "crap" does not mean it's true.

LMAOOOOOOOOO

Yeah, Trump didn't and hasn't divided us into groups... LMAOOOO. You COMEDY!

I loved when my African American friends were attacked by Trumpets last June. BRB gotta go grab my neighbor by the p*ssy

You bought what you bought and I settled for reason and sanity

Girl Bye.

Someone PM me when this thread goes back more to USA ladies. xo

 

[Mayra]

Not really sure how off topic this really is(admins will decide as the topic progresses I'm sure ).

But IMO like it or not, Americans live in a very political and divided country and those same politics drip into sports. You only have to look at what is happening in football and Kaepernick to see the impact political speech and action has on sports. Ashley and Adam have been very political in their twitter feeds, and interviews and those been discussed at length here on the board.

I think when you speak up about politics you should expect to get feedback( good and bad) because free speech goes both ways.

A gem liked by Hicks...

https://twitter.com/benshapiro/status/922512735413211136


Frankly I wish I hadn't looked because I have no room for ignorance, transphobia and hate in my life and that includes skaters and people I support and follow. I wish her no ill will, but will I support and cheer for an athlete like this because they can do a lutz on an outside edge? Not a chance. Courtney Hicks has become my refrigerator break.

JMO

 

[Carolla5501]

Folks get back to skating.

And Hicks has always been my fridge break. I just don't really like her skating style. Not sure why.

 

[Tinami Amori]

@Tinami Amori No, it's not acceptable, which is why I'm concerned it may happen.

Why is a concern about Courtney, and not Ashley (she made her political lean clear)?

 

[Coco]

@Tinami Amori the song Hallelujah is about orgasms, more or less.

 

[Tinami Amori]

@Tinami Amori the song Hallelujah is about orgasms, more or less.

tell that to foreigners....

 

[Vagabond]

@Tinami Amori the song Hallelujah is about orgasms, more or less.

So is the Song of Songs, and it's in the Bible.

 

[Tinami Amori]

So is the Song of Songs, and it's in the Bible.

I just remembered "some skater" skated to a song with "Jesus" in it.... and found it, it was in a show - Ryan Jahnke "Come to Jesus"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BOyk6lktC0

 

[Cleo1782]

I do think this is possible, that someone can be very active on social media for publicity purposes without realizing how much information is gleaned from liked tweets. It appears Courtney asked someone privately why she disliked her, was told it was because of her political leanings, and then calmly tried to explain her feelings about Trump, privately. I would not have engaged the person at all, that seems very immature, but I have more of a problem with someone thinking it's ok to reveal the private messages. I do not share what appear to be Courtney's political leanings, but IMO she's entitled to her own opinions and as a skating fan, I'm ok with that as long as she is not broadcasting them, and I don't consider private messages and "likes" to be broadcasting. I was happy she was having a good start to her season and will continue to follow her. If she starts praising Trump on her open IG, I'll rethink that.

Skating and politics are two very different things. All that matters is what is done on ice. Dislike her personal beliefs? Fine. But unless she is doing something doing something illegal or horribly unjust she has a right to her feelings. I certainly don't agree with them but it's her right.

 

[el henry]

I was very interested to see the conversation here. Someone did bring up Courtney’s views on GS, but in a backhanded way that may have alienated some of the posters who may have been inclined to support the poster’s (anti-Courtney) remarks. Also, folks just looked at Courtney’s tweets and not her likes.

After reading the GS post, I did read Courtney’s likes, and I was sorry I did. The tweets she liked were vile and completely antithetical to everything I believe. And I am not a good enough or pure enough person to separate knowing this from my feelings about a skater.

Also, those views that she “liked” make me sad and upset when they are cloaked under the guise of “Christianity”. Those views not the Christian faith that I proclaim every week in the Nicene Creed, not the Christian faith for which I spend hours in volunteer work each week for my Church, and not the Christian faith I celebrate when I sing Amazing Grace, and I know all four stanzas by heart.

I watch Courtney because I love Rohene Ward and she skates Rohene’s programs. I don’t see how she can work with Rohene given some of her “likes”. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing.

And if someone doesn’t like Ashley’s or Adam’s views and chooses not to watch them, that wouldn’t bother me at all. That’s the risk they run as well.....

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Honestly, it's so unfortunate people are basing their opinions on skaters based on their politics. There are many good people who support Trump, Clinton, or whomever. This is just contributing to the increasing divisiveness in this country. Just my opinion.

Politics is one thing. 'Liking' racist tweets, anti-immigrant tweets, homophobic tweets etc. is something entirely on another level imo. I never rooted for her as I disliked her skating but this year I admired the strides that Hicks is trying to make towards improved presentation, etc. to go along with her powerful jumps. Now I dislike her as a person and I for sure won't be rooting for her to make the Olympic team.

Back OT I hope the U.S. ladies skate great at COC and NHK in the coming weeks. Good luck to Amber, Angela, and I dearly hope Ashley, Karen, Mirai, and Mariah all have worked out the kinks in their programs, and that four will have great skates at their next respective GPs.

 

[Cleo1782]

I was very interested to see the conversation here. Someone did bring up Courtney’s views on GS, but in a backhanded way that may have alienated some of the posters who may have been inclined to support the poster’s (anti-Courtney) remarks. Also, folks just looked at Courtney’s tweets and not her likes.

After reading the GS post, I did read Courtney’s likes, and I was sorry I did. The tweets she liked were vile and completely antithetical to everything I believe. And I am not a good enough or pure enough person to separate knowing this from my feelings about a skater.

Also, those views that she “liked” make me sad and upset when they are cloaked under the guise of “Christianity”. Those views not the Christian faith that I proclaim every week in the Nicene Creed, not the Christian faith for which I spend hours in volunteer work each week for my Church, and not the Christian faith I celebrate when I sing Amazing Grace, and I know all four stanzas by heart.

I watch Courtney because I love Rohene Ward and she skates Rohene’s programs. I don’t see how she can work with Rohene given some of her “likes”. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing.

And if someone doesn’t like Ashley’s or Adam’s views and chooses not to watch them, that wouldn’t bother me at all. That’s the risk they run as well.....

Not just Rohene, but Jere Michael and Alex Chang for several years... Just saying...

 

[topaz]

I hadn't heard of Hick's "liking" Trump. I'll overlook her political ignorance because she's probably not very politically active or astute.

I admit it's very hard not to look at some people's political leanings and not think about how that reflects on them personally. Charlie White is conservative but Charlie appears to be a very nice person as Courtney does.

Back to US ladies I think each of the contenders for the US title know exactly what they need to do, the problem is allowing their nerves to sabotage their programs. Ashley appears to need a "rival" to push her beyond her nerves and her body. I think Ashley's body is tired of the pondering and maybe she needs to "rest" for a week.

 

[Aerobicidal]

If Charlie White is conservative, I'm the Pope.

 

[Vagabond]

Aren't you?