Skating for Self Expression

Written by Ahmad Sahli

Shari3 Thqafeh (Cultural Street in Shmesani) is a very unique street. I go there almost daily, and this street means a lot to me and many other people. Skateboarders, rollerbladers, foreigners, tourists, art galleries, families – there’s something special about it that gives it reason to be named “culture street.”

To some it may be overlooked as just another business area, but for Ammanis it means much more.

I’m one of the skateboarders often seen there; I can’t go more than two days without going to Culture Street. Skateboarding is an activity that is growing quickly in Amman, mainly influenced by the overall development and growth of Amman as a society, and its increasing exposure to a Western lifestyle. Despite this perceived acceptance of Western culture, pedestrians and Ammani citizens in general still look down on skateboarding, some even relating it to Satanism.We relate it to art. The purpose of this post is to simply clarify any misconceptions about us, or at least give a better understanding of what skateboarding is about for us. To many we might seem as mischievous teenagers with nothing better to do, but there’s more to what we do and why we do it.We all come from different backgrounds, from the Jordanian orphan who seeks stability in life through skating, to the foreigners who share their style and experiences acquired from their home countries.

We all have a story as to why we started skateboarding, why we still skate, and why we love it. I can definitely say it’s one of the most diverse scenes of Amman, and it brings people together regardless of their class, religion or nationality.

We’re all skaters and that’s all that matters. It’s our method of self-expression. I really can’t describe with words the feelings sparked in me just from writing this post.

Skateboarding to me (and to many others) is more than just an activity, hobby, or sport. It’s a mentality, a lifestyle, and a love. Every day towards the end of my school day I sit eager in class waiting to get home so I can go for a skate; whether it’s alone or with friends. The wind hitting my face, the wind going through my hair whilst bombing a hill (skating down it) is priceless.

The diversity and talent coming from Jordan’s skate scene opens new doors, luring coverage from the rest of the skateboarding world, to the point of professional skateboarders from various countries visiting Jordan, and others looking into supporting the scene with skate shops and skate parks.

My fellow skaters and I enjoy the camaraderie of our group as we continue our struggle against the rejection by the population, forever pushing our skateboards towards progress. I have great respect for those skateboarding in Jordan, as they act as pioneers for generations to come.

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