Pro skateboarder Bastien Salabanzi recently shared a long and emotional message online where he explained why he is shifting away from posting skateboarding content and focusing more on speaking about what he sees happening in the world.
He said he feels a responsibility to speak up and do his part in trying to make things better.
In his own words, he believes people need to wake up and pay attention to what he described as ongoing cruelty and violence happening in different places around the world.
He said that he is not comfortable staying silent anymore.
Salabanzi mentioned that he used to mainly share skateboarding content on his page, but that has changed for him.
The 40-year-old said he can no longer continue posting the same kind of content while, in his view, children are suffering and not coming home safely from school in different parts of the world.
He added that he wants children everywhere to have safety, opportunities, and dreams similar to what he wants for his own children.
He also said he is willing to travel anywhere if it helps him contribute in some way. According to him, if there is a chance to inspire young people, support them, or encourage them through skateboarding or music, he would be ready to go and be part of that effort without hesitation.
A strong part of his message was directed at his followers.
He said that if people do not like what he is saying, they are free to unfollow him.
He explained that for him, speaking out is not just a choice but something he feels he has to do, describing it as a duty and a personal responsibility.
The Delta Skateboards pro skater also commented on people in leadership roles, saying that many are limited in what they can do or are occupied with other matters.
At the same time, he suggested that some who do have the ability to help are not doing enough.
In a more intense part of his statement, he spoke about injustice and mentioned criminals acting without consequences while ordinary people continue their daily routines.
He expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of accountability in society.
He also mentioned support for Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon, saying that if people want future generations to live freely and equally, more action is needed from everyday people rather than waiting on others.
He ended his message by urging people to focus less on personal distractions and technology and more on real-world issues that affect lives.