Canadian b-boy Phil Wizard (Philip Kim) took gold in the first Olympic men’s breaking tournament Saturday.
“I never thought I’d be here in my life,” the 27-year-old said, wiping away tears. He spent the last few sleepless nights “tossing and turning” because he was “stressed out of my mind.”
“I cried yesterday because I was so scared to do this, and, I’m just happy. I’m just happy,” he said.
Hometown favorite French b-boy Dany Dann (Danis Civil) won silver, and American b-boy Victor (Victor Montalvo) took the bronze after taking out Japanese b-boy Shigekix (Shigeyuki Nakarai). These Olympic medals may be the last for breaking, at least for some time — the dance form is not in the lineup of sports for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Why is exclusion worse than cultural appropriation? I’m excluded from the traditions of the first nations people where I live because I’m not first nations, is that a bad thing?
Most sports are not as recent as break and do not have the same cultural significance. Break was developed by an oppressed people who have historically had their artistic creations repackaged and sold without their involvement. I have no idea whether breaks inclusion in the games is cultural appropriation but I don’t feel like you are giving the proper context to the conversation.
So then they should never have the chance to perform their sports at the Olympics or on an international stage? Representation matters. It wasn’t just white ladies break dancing at the Olympics.
Whats your argument? Everyone should have their sport at the Olympics even if it’s problematic?
You’re not engaging with the conversation, you’re just saying people will be disappointed if break isn’t an olympic sport.
I’m saying people won’t be represented. Not just disappointed. Representation is important. That’s my argument. I said it very clearly. Representation isn’t problematic and my argument is literally that I think representation is more important than the risk of cultural appropriation and exclusion. Tucking away minorities to save them from cultural appropriation isn’t it. Its infantalizing. Also, we can fight for inclusion and representation and still call out cultural appropriation when it occurs.