R16 Is It A Matter Of Race,heritage,or Favortism

[nemesis-1]

R16,is it a matter of race,heritage,or favortism?

ive come to find out recently that there will be two teams representing at R16 this year that havent before.
Team puerto rico, and team phillipines. which sounds great, two country that dont get that much exposure getting some shine.

now the issue i want to bring to light is that, the decision to put these two countries in the forfront wasnt based on exposure but from what was told to me by dizzy (supernatruals) who has some what an involvment in this years event that, it was based on what they felt two races of people who have contributed to bboying the most.

i feel like whos to say what culture or race of people have the most influence in this dance.

but to make things seem even more odd,the puerto rician team is comprised up of americans from the USA, and not of native puerto rico, i spoke to kidglyde lastnight who put the team together. he told me that theres one member that is a native from puerto rico on the team. i also explain my disagreence with the team and why, we failed to see eye to eye. he felt like it was an oppurtuinty to represent his heritage and ethnic background.

i felt like it was some what favortism and illresponsible(not on kidglydes part), it sends the wrong messege.
scence we uniting under hiphop and hiphop is my culture buy default being from the bronx would it be cool of me to make an all african american team. still i think that sends the wrong messege.

the point im trying to make is that what about those who are hiphop,and dont have another heritage to saythey wanna represent. hiphop is all they know.

reprsenting your ethnicity is cool and you should, but in this situation at what cost?
if it was native P.R.uniting under there flag, it would be a symbal of nationalism
but in this case its people uniting under ethnicity. representing a nation that they are no longer a native or apart of.

so i pose this question is R16 a matter of race, heritage,or favortism?

please all are welcome to reply, with maturity and overstanding.

NEMESIS
BREAKS KRU
"EVERYONES DOING THAT NEWYORK SHIT"

[Bas]

good question, i see what you are trying to say here and i do get your point

but on the other hand i also understand what kidglyde ment, you stay peurto rican if thats your heritage should it mather where you are in the world???

mmm this is a though one, but like you said if it was completely fair a team from peurto rico should only have peurto ricans from puerto rico lol

too bad the world isn't fair. maybe its also for the better, youll probably get a stronger team this way

[Bboy Takeshi]

They should've atleast got Stylistic Tribe to rep Puerto Rico. Well.. I think they're from Puerto Rico, I may be wrong.

I get what Nemesis is coming from though. It would be like sending a "Mexico" team to R16 but making it consist of Hispanic Bboys who live in the United States. That's pretty wack, in my opinion. Sure you're repping your ancestor's or your parent's country, but it doesn't change the fact those bboys are still from the USA.

It wouldn't be a big deal if it was a jam here in the states. But you're at an international event repping a country you don't even live in. Plus, the other 15 crews at R16 will be repping their own country. So that's not fair for the Puerto Rican bboys that actually live in Puerto Rico.

I say send Stylistc Tribe to rep Puerto Rico. But it's probably too late for decision making, and I'm just a nobody expressing my opinion anyways.

[stellargiggs]

From the R16 website:


Country
Puerto Rico

City

Members
Kid Glyde, Sweet Lu, Gravity, Bebe, Spaghetty, Bebo, Samo
El Nino

Bio
As breaking evolved in the late 70s, Latinos were at the forefront of the dance by adding dynamics and various spin combinations. Especially Boricuas, or Puerto Ricans that were migrating to New York City around this time. Famous Crews that were very influential to our dance and how it is known today, such as Rocksteady Crew, Dynamic Rockers and the NYC Breakers, were predominately Puerto Rican. Using kung-fu movies and traditional Afro-Caribbean dances, such as mambo, salsa, and other drum-associated dances as their inspiration, many Boricuas invented the intricate spins, turns, techniques and steps that were soon implemented into the world of breaking. Even today, Boricuas continue to elevate the dance, pushing boundaries and taking the dance to new heights. Puerto Ricans still make up a large portion of the bboy community and various well-known crews. These crews represent the true essence of Puerto Rican culture in the form of passionate expression through dance and still make a significant impact on the world of breaking. Now with the new generation of Dynamic Rockers and other well-known crews that have helped to evolve the dance, such as Ground Zero, Ground FX, United Outcasts, X Fenz, FloorLords and Stylistic Tribe, this All-Star team has gathered to show their influence, passion, creativity and above all their integrity for the dance. The Puerto Rico All Stars consist of a few elite bboys who still carry the traditions of their Puerto Rican heritage. Bebe and El Nino are both Spy Award winners; an award given to influential bboys who are innovators to the dance and who have been in the scene for at least 10 years. Samo is an up and coming bboy who brings to the game his aggressive approach and ability to integrate all aspects of the dance and other dances in his style of bboying. Whether he is doing a freeze, power moves, footwork, steps or top rocks, it will be sure to be on beat. Bebo, an underrated bboy beast, has been storming the East Coast since 2001. He is still a dominant force, traveling around the country and abroad making those before him tremble. Kid Glyde, winner of Rocksteady's Anniversary 'Against the Grain' battle for 2 years in a row, brings raw NYC attitude to the dance floor. Gravity and Sweet Lu are 2 of today's newest talents and have made major breakthroughs in the scene in the last few years and they are the ones to watch out for in the years to come. Gravity brings intense energy and powerful moves while Sweet Lu shows the control and dynamics of the ultimate bboy. Last, but definitely not least, is Spaghetty. A bboy from the island of Puerto Rico, he delivers a vast arsenal of back bending and flexible moves to the dance floor. With all 8 bboys united, they will be representing their country's pride and glory. Meeting united, they are a force to be reckoned with.





Country
Philippines

City
Manila

Members
Reveal, Free, Jeromeskee, Reflex, Sam-One, Jolo, Dyzee, Lil Boba

Bio
"Project P-Noise, is a project crew that consists of 3 members of the winning crew in the Philippines and 5 world international Filipino bboys, who have come together for R16 2010 World Finals to give pride, honor and inspiration to the bboys of the Philippines who many come from poor social economic conditions and could never have an opportunity to travel or battle amongst their heroes. This will be the first time there has ever been a team Philippines at an international event, although many international renown bboys are of Philippine descent.

[Hell's Angel]

Can't believe they're going through with this, but Team African American FTW.

Kmel, Machine, Kirk, Morris, Twixx, Bizzy Brooks, Kareem, Killa Kelvin, Nemesis.

[IamCROS1]

I think ya'll really looking to far into it. I mean I just see it as it is basically a cool twist on making a team. Theres no guideline stating that crews gotta be from a certain ethnitcity or nationality to be in R16. They just pick crews from different countries to show the world bboying at its finest. You look into it to in depth like this and your just taking away the fun from it all.

But hey thats just my opinion. And like they always say. If you dont like the way a jam is done dont go and do one on your own. Throwing a jam like R16 is a difficult task and I just appreciate it for what it is.

peace
CROS1

[95ZOO]

i think nemesis is really right on that one, it s wrong period..

they should do a usa team..

i would hate r16 having a french team with just other dudes from the states that have french backgrounds ( mr freeze etc ) think about it.
it's like nobody from the country gets the opportunity , but other people get to rep for you.

[traqjay87]

Pure opinions on this thread, from what was said and what is going to be. Time to state the facts:

-We are all human and come from the same place, no matter what you believe, (Biblical beliefs, evolution, aliens from from another planet, ect.) Haha I've heard it all.

-When someone makes a team based on heritage and what kind of blood you have, and that team wasn't even born in the country they rep and don't live in it....this is bound to cause controversy. There are going to be people that don't like it and no matter what people say, "Its mad wrong yo, that just aint right" or "Thats discrimination", it's not going to make a difference on how people think on how people feel towards the situation.

Now for my opinion:

I personally feel people take too much pride into where they are from, which is not entirely their fault, because we live in a crazy world divided by countries, cultures, ect. and its human nature to "be part of something".

Both teams are dope, some of my favorite bboys are in each squad. But to avoid controversy, why not call the teams Philippino American, or Puerto Rican American. I assume other crews there are going to rep the the country they LIVE in, just put the word American in there and that will make eeeeeeveryone happy.

[nemesis-1]

From the R16 website:


Country
Puerto Rico

City

Members
Kid Glyde, Sweet Lu, Gravity, Bebe, Spaghetty, Bebo, Samo
El Nino

Bio
As breaking evolved in the late 70s, Latinos were at the forefront of the dance by adding dynamics and various spin combinations. Especially Boricuas, or Puerto Ricans that were migrating to New York City around this time. Famous Crews that were very influential to our dance and how it is known today, such as Rocksteady Crew, Dynamic Rockers and the NYC Breakers, were predominately Puerto Rican. Using kung-fu movies and traditional Afro-Caribbean dances, such as mambo, salsa, and other drum-associated dances as their inspiration, many Boricuas invented the intricate spins, turns, techniques and steps that were soon implemented into the world of breaking. Even today, Boricuas continue to elevate the dance, pushing boundaries and taking the dance to new heights. Puerto Ricans still make up a large portion of the bboy community and various well-known crews. These crews represent the true essence of Puerto Rican culture in the form of passionate expression through dance and still make a significant impact on the world of breaking. Now with the new generation of Dynamic Rockers and other well-known crews that have helped to evolve the dance, such as Ground Zero, Ground FX, United Outcasts, X Fenz, FloorLords and Stylistic Tribe, this All-Star team has gathered to show their influence, passion, creativity and above all their integrity for the dance. The Puerto Rico All Stars consist of a few elite bboys who still carry the traditions of their Puerto Rican heritage. Bebe and El Nino are both Spy Award winners; an award given to influential bboys who are innovators to the dance and who have been in the scene for at least 10 years. Samo is an up and coming bboy who brings to the game his aggressive approach and ability to integrate all aspects of the dance and other dances in his style of bboying. Whether he is doing a freeze, power moves, footwork, steps or top rocks, it will be sure to be on beat. Bebo, an underrated bboy beast, has been storming the East Coast since 2001. He is still a dominant force, traveling around the country and abroad making those before him tremble. Kid Glyde, winner of Rocksteady's Anniversary 'Against the Grain' battle for 2 years in a row, brings raw NYC attitude to the dance floor. Gravity and Sweet Lu are 2 of today's newest talents and have made major breakthroughs in the scene in the last few years and they are the ones to watch out for in the years to come. Gravity brings intense energy and powerful moves while Sweet Lu shows the control and dynamics of the ultimate bboy. Last, but definitely not least, is Spaghetty. A bboy from the island of Puerto Rico, he delivers a vast arsenal of back bending and flexible moves to the dance floor. With all 8 bboys united, they will be representing their country's pride and glory. Meeting united, they are a force to be reckoned with.





Country
Philippines

City
Manila

Members
Reveal, Free, Jeromeskee, Reflex, Sam-One, Jolo, Dyzee, Lil Boba

Bio
"Project P-Noise, is a project crew that consists of 3 members of the winning crew in the Philippines and 5 world international Filipino bboys, who have come together for R16 2010 World Finals to give pride, honor and inspiration to the bboys of the Philippines who many come from poor social economic conditions and could never have an opportunity to travel or battle amongst their heroes. This will be the first time there has ever been a team Philippines at an international event, although many international renown bboys are of Philippine descent.

wow and this is the point im trying to make. i guess this is the reason that you are saying that these to groups should be put in the forfront. this is what i mean it sends this kind of messege.

what about the african american who built this house of bboying, all the other cultures just added the furniture. this is our culture which we created because we couldnt participate in other social places, and no where to go, the hispanics of newyork or newyoricans have addopted this culture also by living here amongst us, and coming together as one.

from an american stand point it becomes and ethnic issue, and a disrespect to to the african americans who created this dance, charlie rock,sun dance, pow wow,RIP FROSTY FREEZE, WAYNE BLIZZZ,GREGO, SPYVY,DOUG,FAST BREAK,FLIPROCK. THE NAMES IVE HI LIGHTED ARE THE PEOPLE I WAS ABLE TO SEE DANCE AND GET DOWN AND SOME ARE STILL GETTING DOWN, WAYNE BLIZZ IS A JUDGE WILL BE A JUDGE AT EVO5. new generation that have influence this dance, kmel,megus,nemesis,machine,twixx,kurt,morris,iron monkey,and many other i can mention.

by no means im trying to make this a challenge my three first teachers in this dance are hispanic. but i know where i come from, and i know the origins of my culture and people.

like i said, what about those who have no other culture except this one,like african americans, the problem is that everyone looks at this as something you do and not something you live, then they can go home to mommy and daddy and be this other culture.it dont work like that for us, when we go home this is whats home the funk we listen to is brought up in our house from our parents and grand parents generation, not just when we go to jams. the mcing we listen to is on our block from our friends freestyling and dropping that beat, the only place you can witness that is in the hood natrually, where hihop lives with out choice.

THIS YEARS R16 COMPETETION IF THEY CONTINUE WILL SHOW A GREAT DISREPECT TO OTHER CULTURES WHO HAVE CONTIBUTED TO THIS DANCE(NOT JUST MY OWN) AND TO THE ISLAND OF PUERTO RICO.

[nemesis-1]

I think ya'll really looking to far into it. I mean I just see it as it is basically a cool twist on making a team. Theres no guideline stating that crews gotta be from a certain ethnitcity or nationality to be in R16. They just pick crews from different countries to show the world bboying at its finest. You look into it to in depth like this and your just taking away the fun from it all.

But hey thats just my opinion. And like they always say. If you dont like the way a jam is done dont go and do one on your own. Throwing a jam like R16 is a difficult task and I just appreciate it for what it is.

peace
CROS1

Yeah it would be just fun, if it wasnt an ethnic issue,and the reason why they chose these teams,because they feel like these people have a higher merit than others in this dance, and although "we are just having fun" it will send the wrong messege down the line.

"all because we are just having fun"

NEMESIS
BREAKSKRU
"EVERYONES DOING THAT NEWYORK SHIT"

[goodnews]

Yo! My first Post

I totally agree with nemesis. My perspective is this, I've lived in India for the past 8 years, and grew up in the New York area. I remember as an 'Indian-American', repping India in the states. But, yo, after having lived in India, I gotta say that people of Indian decent in America are not Indian. They are FAR FAR from India, and don't know the actual dynamics of what day to day life is like in India. Hence, if they were to make 'Team India' with just americans, I'd be appalled, anyway, whats wrong with us?

And Cros, I see what you're trying to say, but this is a big international event with decent amount of investments. I know kids here who's views are immensely motivated by events like this. I mean, if they're just having fun, then no need for a stage. Though, I don't wanna sound like I'm undermining the effort that goes into something like this, cus I have a lot fun watching.

That's just my 2 paise.

HeRa
Peace.

[EDSMASTER]

I need to get this off my chest CROS and I mean this with respect....

I think ya'll really looking to far into it. I mean I just see it as it is basically a cool twist on making a team. Theres no guideline stating that crews gotta be from a certain ethnitcity or nationality to be in R16. They just pick crews from different countries to show the world bboying at its finest. You look into it to in depth like this and your just taking away the fun from it all.

I think if R16 is going to present a score system to the public, it would be in their best financial interest to have guideliness across the board for all competitors to follow.

But hey thats just my opinion. And like they always say. If you dont like the way a jam is done dont go and do one on your own. Throwing a jam like R16 is a difficult task and I just appreciate it for what it is.

Throwing a Jam isnt easy, this is true Cros, but I have done Jams myself and I believe that this is a cheap excuse to avoid the real problems? You told me this same advice when I complained a decade ago about the judging of FSS and as a direct result I created the I.B.S.S.

You provided a Problem = I made a Solution!

Here we have a valid, intelligent issue by Nemesis were people of the same ethnic desent can represent a country they are not legal citzens to. I stand behind Nemesis 110% as this idea for any bboy competiton, even a battle in my garage for no cash prize is ridiculous and allows the politics to be seen clear as day!

If you would like me to provide a soultion this time around Cros, it may be in your best financial interest to ask since I put my money were my mouth is?