Sprite Step-Off Update: ZTA and AKA to share 1st place

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

That's because a hot/controversial topic will bring up a whole lot of feelings and people who don't usually discuss these issues will take the opportunity to speak out. That's why I keep saying that the issues people have with the Sprite stepshow is not about the stepshow really at all.

For me, I think the core issue is that we too often assume the role of being a victim (always coming up with excuses, placing blame, and being in denial), instead of being a victor (taking ownership for our actions, being held accountable to such actions, and being made responsible for such actions). The poor sportsmanship expressed resulting from the Step Off (and even this discussion to some degree) makes this assertion very clear.

Personally, I am tired of being associated with those always wanting to be a victim. I'm seeking to be a victor, and I will associate with those who are victors, even if that means going against the grain. I wonder if that is why the Millenial generation has the so-called "we are the world" mentality. I wonder if Rhoyal had inquired to the students for exactly why they held the belief system that they do/did. We've come quite a ways from where we were 50-60 years ago, and people still aren't grateful for what progress has been made. That bothers me.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

For me, I think the core issue is that we too often assume the role of being a victim (always coming up with excuses, placing blame, and being in denial), instead of being a victor (taking ownership for our actions, being held accountable to such actions, and being made responsible for such actions). The poor sportsmanship expressed resulting from the Step Off (and even this discussion to some degree) makes this assertion very clear.

Personally, I am tired of being associated with those always wanting to be a victim. I'm seeking to be a victor, and I will associate with those who are victors, even if that means going against the grain. I wonder if that is why the Millenial generation has the so-called "we are the world" mentality. I wonder if Rhoyal had inquired to the students for exactly why they held the belief system that they do/did. We've come quite a ways from where we were 50-60 years ago, and people still aren't grateful for what progress has been made. That bothers me.

Grateful? We should not have had to go through it in the first place.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Grateful? We should not have had to go through it in the first place.

Granted, but that's a moot point.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

For me, I think the core issue is that we too often assume the role of being a victim (always coming up with excuses, placing blame, and being in denial), instead of being a victor (taking ownership for our actions, being held accountable to such actions, and being made responsible for such actions). The poor sportsmanship expressed resulting from the Step Off (and even this discussion to some degree) makes this assertion very clear.

Personally, I am tired of being associated with those always wanting to be a victim. I'm seeking to be a victor, and I will associate with those who are victors, even if that means going against the grain. I wonder if that is why the Millenial generation has the so-called "we are the world" mentality. I wonder if Rhoyal had inquired to the students for exactly why they held the belief system that they do/did. We've come quite a ways from where we were 50-60 years ago, and people still aren't grateful for what progress has been made. That bothers me.

I'm pretty sure your comments are appropriate for some argument related to the topic of Black culture today but IMHO your comments here just do not fit this discussion. I try to look at things from all sides whether I agree with things or not but I think you are so far on one side and so unwilling to see other sides, that you can't recognize when valid and legitimate points are made on other sides, points that have nothing to do with anyone playing the victim.

While I'm sure that some of the Sprite step off feelings (as displayed on other sites) stem from an "inherited" feeling of victimization, I certainly wouldn't conclude that those involved in this discussion here on gc (as well as many on other sites) are on some "victim" stuff because I'm certainly not. I'm very clear and very aware of this topic of victimization in the black community and the kind of person I am just doesn't allow me to play the victim in any way as I strive for excellence in everything that I do. My entire educational career (from grade school on) has been rooted in my experience at both predominately white and black learning institutions. Playing the victim is certainly not the way I excelled in both situations.

As for the kids that I work with from the inner city, they feel the way they do because they don't know anything about their heritage and don't know how beautiful they are. It's not their fault and I'm not blaming them. They are not being taught at home to love themselves and that's obvious by the things they say and do and the little value they place on their education.

Again, while I understand the whole "victim" argument, it is not appropriate in this discussion. We can certainly be concerned about the issues we're raising, disagree with you, and not be playing the victim.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

I'm pretty sure your comments are appropriate for some argument related to the topic of Black culture today but IMHO your comments here just do not fit this discussion. I try to look at things from all sides whether I agree with things or not but I think you are so far on one side and so unwilling to see other sides, that you can't recognize when valid and legitimate points are made on other sides, points that have nothing to do with anyone playing the victim.

Again, while I understand the whole "victim" argument, it is not appropriate in this discussion. We can certainly be concerned about the issues we're raising, disagree with you, and not be playing the victim.

Then why are we discussing why a black GLO lost a stepshow (the basis for your original question)? If what you say is true, what difference does it make? Why can't we be a good sport about it and keep it moving?

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

Then why are we discussing why a black GLO lost a stepshow (the basis for your original question)? If what you say is true, what difference does it make? Why can't we be a good sport about it and keep it moving?

You know, a person can get exhausted just talking to you. I am tired and do not wish to go back to the beginning. If you care to, go back and read the posts and find the one where we moved on from the stepshow to a larger issue/question that I posed about the Black community. You are still on the stepshow and I am no longer thinking about the stepshow. At this point you may also be tired so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Log off and come back again tomorrow when you can remember the main point of this discussion.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

You know, a person can get exhausted just talking to you. I am tired and do not wish to go back to the beginning. If you care to, go back and read the posts and find the one where we moved on from the stepshow to a larger issue/question that I posed about the Black community. You are still on the stepshow and I am no longer thinking about the stepshow. At this point you may also be tired so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Log off and come back again tomorrow when you can remember the main point of this discussion.

Smart move. Discussions with him always end up circular. They'll make you dizzy.

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

Log off and come back again tomorrow when you can remember the main point of this discussion.

I have a new signature! It applies in so many threads!

[xp2k]

Without regard to history, or culture or whatever, I'd say Zeta won it fair and square. Their routine "borrowed" heavily, but I have a hard time saying they werent entertaining. They were semi-emotionless robots, yes, but they did put a lot into their routine. Sprite should have just left it at that and this probably would have died down by now.

Sprite marketed this show to D9 orgs for participation, but surely they want as many people in the general public as possible to see this...and the general public doesnt care about which org traditionally does what...they just want tosee something exciting...and for 95% of the people who've never been to a step show before...the ZTA show was exciting...more so because they didnt think white girls could do it.

Sprite could care less about D9 history if its going to impede their marketing campaign...and thats one of the prices you pay when you lie down with corporations...they only see the $$$...

I loved the the AKA (Tau chapter) routine...but the most talked about move in their routine has been done by the IU Red Steppers for decades. Doesnt make AKA copycats.

Sprite messed it up this time, but it doesnt mean they cant do a better job next time. And they are giving away a lot of scholarship money.

D9 groups dont need the exposure...but until the final result of this competition, I'm sure most people enjoyed themselves.

I hope Sprite hosts another step show next year and I hope they invite everyone...black, white, asian, latino, martian...whatever...let everybody be involved, and make sure everyone is original.

I'm sure next year participants will up their game more. I know part of the problem this year was that Sprite didnt do a good job of letting people know the competition was going to happen. Some of the routines I saw that were at the regionals were hardly impressive.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by xp2k

Without regard to history, or culture or whatever, I'd say Zeta won it fair and square. Their routine "borrowed" heavily, but I have a hard time saying they werent entertaining. They were semi-emotionless robots, yes, but they did put a lot into their routine. Sprite should have just left it at that and this probably would have died down by now.

Sprite marketed this show to D9 orgs for participation, but surely they want as many people in the general public as possible to see this...and the general public doesnt care about which org traditionally does what...they just want tosee something exciting...and for 95% of the people who've never been to a step show before...the ZTA show was exciting...more so because they didnt think white girls could do it.

Sprite could care less about D9 history if its going to impede their marketing campaign...and thats one of the prices you pay when you lie down with corporations...they only see the $$$...

I loved the the AKA (Tau chapter) routine...but the most talked about move in their routine has been done by the IU Red Steppers for decades. Doesnt make AKA copycats.

Sprite messed it up this time, but it doesnt mean they cant do a better job next time. And they are giving away a lot of scholarship money.

D9 groups dont need the exposure...but until the final result of this competition, I'm sure most people enjoyed themselves.

I hope Sprite hosts another step show next year and I hope they invite everyone...black, white, asian, latino, martian...whatever...let everybody be involved, and make sure everyone is original.

I'm sure next year participants will up their game more. I know part of the problem this year was that Sprite didnt do a good job of letting people know the competition was going to happen. Some of the routines I saw that were at the regionals were hardly impressive.

Hmm you say "Zeta" won fair and square, but yet several things you said after that contradicts your point.