Topic: Parkour Being Blamed for Teens Death...

[Chris Seaton]

I really don't know what to think about all this.  I really don't. 

I agree with everyone who has said that this is a time when we need to take a collective breather, chill out, and let the family grieve.  We don't do the living who are attempting to get over the loss of a fallen one any justice with angry words, harsh options, or being defensive about the art.  Just give them their time and let them mourn the loss of a young son. 

The problems are with the media.  Like it or not, Parkour is becoming something that is taking off in a major way around the country.  I do not wish to be the eternal pessimist about the media, but after stuff like MTV's Ultimate Parkour Challenge appeared on TV I said to myself "this is going to get really bad when someone finally gets injured seriously or killed and Parkour is mentioned at any point."  Lo and behold, my worst fears come true.  KCRA, looking for something to spice up a story, decided to hook Parkour into their piece on Kenny's death.  In doing so, they pervert the art and everything it stands for just to get a few more hits on their website for the article and videos. 

I would humbly suggest that every traceur here for a few moments today or sometime this week take a few moments and send positive vibes to Kenny and his family at this point.  If the media attempts to contact you, simply refrain from comment or state that you send your condolences to a family in grief.  Don't give them the ammunition they want by being defensive; as Mr. Chess said we will have our day when all of this cools down.  The moment is still very hot and this is still enough in the spotlight where one ill chosen word can cause problems for us all.

Finally, let this be a moment when we can all unite as the shining community that we are.  One of the things that I love so much about APK, one of the reasons I have our Glyph inked on my flesh for life, is because we stand for something positive--strength, discipline, perseverance, and the transcendence of obstacles that most people choose to let stand in their way.  We can do the same thing here and transcend the obstacles that we have placed in our path with regards to how we react to the death of a fallen brother.  I choose to send my sorrows out and the condolences to a family in grief, not react or look in anger. I invite you all to do the same. 

[A-SkyfiOriginal]

I'm sorry for the kid dieing. My condolences to the family.

But What I am a little mad about in the broadcast is that it looked like one of the kids that were talking knew quite a bit. Notice that he started off "in a way it can be leathle bu...*cut off*"
They didn't give him a chance at all to continue and explain whatever he was going to disscuss ( at 1:04). I'm sorry, that just made me a little mad...

[Meshach]

How about this...

I am walking next to a cliff and I fall off.

The news wouldn't report that "Walking may be to blame.".

See my point?

[Andy Keller]

I'm sorry for the kid dieing. My condolences to the family.

But What I am a little mad about in the broadcast is that it looked like one of the kids that were talking knew quite a bit. Notice that he started off "in a way it can be leathle bu...*cut off*"
They didn't give him a chance at all to continue and explain whatever he was going to disscuss ( at 1:04). I'm sorry, that just made me a little mad...

I think we all noticed that one... kinda sucks.

One thing about the news feature, though, is that it was almost too negative about parkour. A lot of people share the general view that news stations always try to stretch things a little [or a lot] to get more of a reaction. Many people who have seen or will see the video will go into it with that knowledge. They'll take everything with a grain of salt.

It's inevitable, however, to get a few fussy people out of it.

[WQ F]

Yes, I also send my condolence to the kid's family, but that news video did sort of get to me -- labeling us as mere 'thrill seekers' and basically calling us reckless and mindless.

Agreed. This news story is completely sensational and used purely to insult parkour. They did not even acknowledge the loss of his life or praise him for something good he did. They quoted "very good kid" and "genius" on purpose as if to sarcastically insult the kid. That is not cool. Their sole purpose was to discourage people from participating in parkour by instilling fear using false information.
I am especially disgusted with that lady in the car saying that kid should not expect to do these things and not get seriously hurt or die. Clearly she has not read anything about parkour. To be honest, when I first heard about parkour, my impression was that it was reckless and not for me. But I took the time to lurk around here and grew to love it. My parents also though it looked uncivilized and dangerous at first, but now they understand and support it.
The reporters even suggested that there are many more parkour related injuries and death that aren't reported. The parkour clips they showed aren't even that dangerous. I don't think a vault over a 3 ft railing or a ~7 ft drop could injure someone who has been training for years.

[Andy Keller]

Guys, can we not derail this? I'm going to keep a keen eye on this one.

[Shawn Meilicke]

yes, lets keep this serious (just read that as i was clicking "post")

i just want to let everyone know what i said is something i would definitely say to peoples faces. maybe if i was talking to Mrs. Ta i wouldnt have been speaking so negatively about the news aspect, and it would be more-so focused on her loss; my post, however, was not directed towards her. yes, i realize she could read it and she has every right to, but my post was directed towards our community and the media im which case i think most of you could easily agree with my comments.


again, i give condolences to the family, your son/sibling will be missed.

[Eli "Keylime" Coutch]

Personally, and this is just wishful thinking, I don't think it was training related. Sure he was on a garage, but who knows why. If he was doing flips, I assume he knows what he was doing. Infact most newbies know not to be on roofs. My guess is he was up there for another reason. With friends on a walk, getting out of someone else's car, drugs, I don't know, and I really hope it wasn't anything bad. I just don't think a smart* person like him would be up there.*I called him smart because they said he was in the video.

[Dan Elric]

Personally, and this is just wishful thinking, I don't think it was training related. Sure he was on a garage, but who knows why. If he was doing flips, I assume he knows what he was doing. Infact most newbies know not to be on roofs. My guess is he was up there for another reason. With friends on a walk, getting out of someone else's car, drugs, I don't know, and I really hope it wasn't anything bad. I just don't think a smart* person like him would be up there.*I called him smart because they said he was in the video.

Excellent, use their own logic against him.

Really though.  I'm all sad that he died D:

[Trevor McDowell]

If parkour is a factor in his death, it is not a physical factor that could openly control his actions. He took a risk and with risks come consequences. Risks are always there for people to take, and if no one was there to take them, what would we learn?

[M2.]

FYI I removed three posts about Trolls which don't belong in this thread. - M2

[trACEur]

Props to APK for posting this on the front page. Let me suggest that anyone that runs a community website should consider doing the same (with the same amount of info on emphasis of safety of course!!!)

[Shawn Meilicke]

Props to APK for posting this on the front page. Let me suggest that anyone that runs a community website should consider doing the same (with the same amount of info on emphasis of safety of course!!!)

ill PM cloud about it (he runs chicagoparkour.com)

[Jesse Wharton]

My heart sunk when I read the article, I have no Idea if parkour was involved or not and frankly I don't care. The fact is that a kid died and that makes me sadder than any news story could. We also have to keep in mind that people only are so hard on parkour because they are ignorant and do not understand it because its new to them and scares them. If a sports player got killed playing lets say soccer, there would not be many people trying to get it banned, because it is comfortable and familliar with them. Since people are not comfortable with parkour they will blame it. However being ignorant and saying something as accusing as that bitch in the car did just shows stupidity. For the most part though let people get to know parkour and show them what it is truly about so we don't have accidents like this for much longer. Again kenny rest in peace and my deep condolences to the family.

[BearMills]

I saw this yesterday and is a very sad story. Was I the only one who found the one mothers response to be obnoxious and snotty? I felt offended and wanted to you know...In any sport you have to understand there are consequences and your are going to get hurt... but as long as we respect that and understand that there is always the chance then no body is to blame.  but yeah best of wishes to the family... hmmm

[Brett Robert]

Here's what I said on Facebook:

Please only say what you would say to someone's face (always a rule on APK)

Next, imagine this was someone you knew personally, your best friend even, then what would you be saying?


Imagine that Kenny's mother will read this, what would you say to her face?



These are the general rules for posting on APK and they apply even more so in a time and situation as serious as this.

Thanks Mark and everyone else for keeping this civil and remembering that the story here is that a promising young man lost his life. 

I did know Kenny personally, though not very well, and I have friends that were close to him.  This is a true tragedy.  A young man is dead, a family and community are in mourning and the ripples of this continue to spread across the seas and cascade back upon themselves.

Of course the members of our community found the media coverage objectionable and I personally agree with a lot of what people are saying.  That said, the media coverage is not a tragedy.  Kenny's death is.

I hope everyone will take some time to think about and appreciate what truly matters in life.  Hug those you love, tell them you love them, show them you love them, smile at strangers, stop to hold the door open for someone, practice random acts of kindness large and small.  Take care how you impact those in your community.  You never know who is suffering, or how they are suffering, but all of us suffer at some point in this life.  Though you may not have known Kenny, though you may not be able to comfort his family in any way, you can use your strength to benefit those around you today.

My thoughts are still with the friends and family of Kenneth Ta.

[Cody Goodman]

This is what the guys from the wfpf need to show MTV so they'll know that people could die if parkour isn't portrayed in the correct way.

[Nicholas Schiebel]

This is what the guys from the wfpf need to show MTV so they'll know that people could die if parkour isn't portrayed in the correct way.

I second that.

One my dad's worst fears is me breaking my neck in a fall. He considers Parkour to be "stupid people doing stupid @#$%" Why? Because of article's about said kid, and people making stupid 'tube videos.

Let's not let people grab and run with stuff like this.

[Jake Chess]

Damned Berreta, that's some really simple but, deep and true stuff.
I agree 100% with you.

[Tehfishy]

here is my disclaimer yes I have to put one. Most find what I say to be outlandish and borderline satanic. Only because they focus on the bad that I say and not the good, so please, read it all and take it in.

The media tends to blow everything out of proportion, same with parents. I understand why parents would. After studying media for so many years I can honestly say, I hate it. They point the blame instead of focusing on the here and now. Instead of saying that, all life is precious, and should be handled with care. Not "They believe they can do such reckless things and get away with it??"

To my knowledge this is the only death to parkour, correct me if I am wrong. Here is what I propose, those that are in the area or even out of state, go to the funeral and show you're respect. Maybe even layout some items a traceur would use for a memorial, or even at the grave. Maybe even some candles.

Its a horrible tragedy and life isn't something you can throw away like that.

As I have said before, we are many, but we are all one. That is what parkour has taught me. and when one dies it effects all of us.

Regards
Fishy