"... here's a hug"
One time, maybe a year and a half ago, I was at lunch with Arto Saari and Clifford. We were casually discussing the come-up of a certain footwear mega-corporation in skateboarding and pondering the many reasons their slow-but-sure success, despite armadas of haters, became a reality. Never short on epic quotes, or metaphor for that matter, Arto blurted out, "You hate us? Here's a hug," as a part of their formula.
We had a laugh. And I'll never forget that quote, not only because of Arto's delivery, but because it's entirely true.
As of late I've been witnessing, firsthand, the same philosophy working for a certain professional skateboarder who's faced armadas of haters in the last few years. His lack of bitterness, his willingness to just move forward, have a good time and do what he sets out to do, blocking out the hate, regardless of who is around or what's going on, is actually really surprising and refreshing.
It's amazing sometimes... the things you can learn about life from skateboarding, as long as you're willing to shut up and listen to it.
(6) responses to: "... here's a hug"
t said:
people have hated on arto? i thought that was impossible, there's nothing to hate about him
Willem Vleugels said:
I don't think Brink's referring to Arto. Arto doesn't have a reality show. Reading this makes me realize more than ever we need to skate for fun. Even when blocking out the haters isn't always that simple.
cheers from Europe.
dave said:
i don't think they were hating on arto. they were hating on etnies, and someone else.
jared said:
dave, you my friend are a retard.
they were definately not hating on etnies. Rob brink does all the blogging for etnies and is wearing a pair of etnies right now. arto used to be the head of the etnies team roster. they were talking about nike. and then he began to defend ryan sheckler.
Benni said:
A german famous rap star once said: "If you don´t have haters, you´re not a star."
boosh said:
i think he said that because he's a german rapper, and if you arnt getting hated on for that than you arnt doing it right.
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