Should Pole Dancing be in the Olympics?
Some important points to consider...
With another Olympic season, the debate of whether or not pole dancing should be in the Olympics is a hot topic.
While some are actively pushing for the inclusion of pole and are fighting to achieve its official sport recognition, there are those of us who remain sceptical on why and how this is being done.
I've included some screenshots from a recent article I interviewed for, representing the Sxx Workers Union. This is from Brit Dawson's 'Opposite Poles' article on Slate. I'm presenting some of the key arguments against pole becoming an olympic sport/ it being introduced in the way that it is.
A word from me on how the organisation which is pushing for Olympic recognition is trying and failing to separate themselves from skrippers, which in turn is further stigmatising SW.
Cutie Whippingham on concerns of exclusion of SWers of colour and people who are gender non-conforming. However, she raises a valuable point on how Olympic recognition may open up further funding.
I'm not here to convince you if pole should be in the Olympics or not. But I think we should all be critical of HOW this movement is being driven, especially when considering the experiences of the founders of our love and the most marginalised folks in our community.
Taubin on SWer erasure and its harmful nature. Mia and myself on #NotASkripper and wh0rephobia. Taubin and myself commenting on how Olympic status could exacerbate current industry issues, such as: fatphobia, ableism and movement supremacy.
Will the Olympics suck the creativity out of pole? Arguments presented on skateboarding and its parallels to breakdancing by Alexis Sablone.