Ever since its rebirth in the mid 1970’s, skateboarding has been seen as a rebellious activity. Even today kids with skateboards are bogusly identified as criminals in every way. In the late 70’s/early 80’s, the hatred one experienced by carrying a board with wheels on it was intense. Skateboarding was anything but a cute hobby, as it required an intense commitment. The potential for getting one’s ass kicked was high. The rebellious nature of skateboarding had obvious appeals on American punk, as witnessed by bands across the country. The Big Boys, a Texas punk-funk band who heartily endorsed skating, typified skateboarding’s celebration of the individual with their riotous and often danceable songs. Tom Groholski, the skater featured in the photograph, is a truly dedicated skater who has skated through all of skating’s up and down periods. As quoted in a Thrasher interview, Tom claims, “As soon as I skate, I’m in my own world… I skate for myself.” This activity (perhaps some would say sport, I would not) embodies the best aspects of American individualism, but America has always had a problem with actually celebrating their supposed ideas when found in people who are not for the status quo. But in any event, Tom, and hundreds if not thousands others, will continue to skate and typify one of the Big Boys’ slogans: “Skate or Die”.
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