As we previously reported, pro skater Nora Vasconcellos recently released her long awaited video part “Gilda” through Thrasher Magazine.
READ MORE: Pro Skater Nora Vasconcellos Strikes Back With Insane “Gilda” Part After Gifted Hater Diss
A new video part usually comes with plenty of opinions.
Skateboarders are going to love some tricks, question others and argue about everything from the skating to the filming.
But the reaction to Nora’s latest part quickly became much more personal, with comments and reaction videos going after Nora herself.
A lot of the discussion also comes from the ongoing beef between Nora and YouTube skater Joa “Gifted Hater” Field.
The two have publicly clashed before, with Nora previously calling out the YouTuber.
You can read the full story below.
READ MORE: Pro Skater Nora Vasconcellos Goes Off on Gifted Hater & Says He is Homophobic/Sexist
After “Gilda” dropped, the Gifties continued attacking Nora online. The response eventually prompted Alex White, Chair of the Board at Skate Like a Girl and brand manager at Tacky Joy Factory, to speak out.
White criticized the way the conversation around Nora had developed and said she felt there was a lack of support from people within skateboarding who could have spoken up.
She also questioned the way women and queer skaters have been treated as skateboarding has grown, pointing to a contrast between the acceptance many received in earlier years and the hostility now being seen online.
White specifically addressed the role that creators with large audiences can have when their content leads followers toward a particular person.
Her argument was that someone with a large platform should take responsibility for what happens when their audience turns that attention into online harassment.
She also brought up Donald Trump and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as an example of how she views the relationship between influential figures, their audiences and the consequences that can follow from public statements.
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The issue is not simply about whether someone likes Nora’s skating or has criticism of “Gilda.”
White believes there is a difference between discussing a professional skater’s video part and turning that criticism into personal attacks.
White has been involved in skateboarding for decades and said she felt compelled to defend Nora because of their friendship and Nora’s influence on younger girls entering skateboarding.
Her broader concern is about the kind of environment skateboarding is creating for younger skaters.
She wants kids, particularly young girls, to feel welcome in skateboarding rather than seeing personal attacks and online harassment as an unavoidable part of being involved.
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The situation also shows how much the conversation around skateboarding has changed.
A video part can now spread across YouTube, Instagram and other platforms within hours, with reaction channels and comment sections creating an entirely separate discussion around the skater.
The release of Nora's part has become about much more than the footage itself.
The skating is being discussed alongside her previous conflict with Joa and the reaction from his audience.
White Posted:
"In skateboarding you expect a certain amount of criticism and critique when a new video part drops. Enter @noravexplora long awaited new part on @thrashermag “Gilda”. The comments section and reaction videos to the Gilda are a brutal and personal attack on Nora’s character and worth. This is not “part of the territory” for being a pro, this online hate is the result of skateboarding becoming a more hostile environment. Having been in this shit for the better part of 30 years I felt compelled to give my take and stand up for my friend Nora who has paved the way for so many young girls in skateboarding. I want skateboarding to be a place where kids feel like they belong. This ain’t it."