A Clash of Cultures
of the "freedom" they have and the overall control they possess. There is an assumed result of decreased participants if you take these benefits away from people who use them as a basis to continue the sport.
Synthesis
The issue presented in this article is surrounding the concept of a "changing market" (Gee, 1996). A changing market is something that every industry will encounter over time. An industry can be altered by something as extreme as a plane crash (September 11, 2001: NYC World Trade Towers) or scientifically based, such as a technological advances. Many factors can contribute to the need for revolutionary ideas on how to embrace the change and use it positively for the sake of the industry.
The ski-industry has been introduced to snowboarding, an ever-growing trend in the United States and all over the world, which makes for an automatic problem in usage of the mountains and ski resorts. Skiers no longer have the "right of way" and must share the space with snowboarders. There are many differences between these two cultures, such as style, attitude, and equipment needed. Winter resorts and the ski-industry in general have been put in a position where they must either embrace this new population by enhancing their mountains and programs or keep the two cultures separated, usually focusing on increasing profits with only one particular sport.
Analysis
The snowboarding vs. skiing issue has just recently gained increased attention. Snowboarding has been embraced in many areas where normally skiing would have dominated alone. The reasoning behind this action is the obvious increase in profitability of the sport with an increasing number of people, mostly the youth population; there will be more chances for moneymaking. Snowboarders and skiers continue to hold differences in attitude and style, but have started to learn how to inhabit together for the main reason of lack of resources. Mountains have started to become overcrowded, thereby requiring skiers and snowboarders to share the space in closer areas then usual. With more skiers trying snowboarding as a recreational activity, there has been more understanding and connection between the two cultures.
Opinion
The article is thorough and detailed when discussing the main points of conflicts between skiers and snowboarders. The article was attempting to give background information for a topic that continues to be an existing issue in hopes of gaining support in trying to find the solution to the problem. Makens does not stay neutral in the discussion, which makes the article lack value. With a more neutral position on each factor presented, the article would gain credibility and would have both skiers and snowboarder’s insights. The information in the article was easy to understand and analyze, allowing for non-skiers and non-snowboarders to be able to have an opinion on the subject.
Summary
Overall, Makens challenges the reader to look closer [next page]