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March 8th, 2010
10:18 PM ET
Stepping Controversy
A national stepping competition has stepped up a nationwide controversy. The original outcome was described by some as "cultural theft," while others said, "Stepping is for everybody." (You can see the report from Tuesday's show by clicking here.)
The organizers later said a "scoring discrepancy" resulted in two winning teams. But because opinions on this story have been so strong, we're interested to see what you think.
Carl Azuz, Anchor
I believe everyone should get a chance to show what they got and that everyone can do it! Race is not part of anything! We have already got all equal rights and erased racial segregation and should get over that time! Just get over it and move on, people should do what they love to do and just have fun. If you perform fairly you win or lose fairly!
It shouldn't matter want your race is. The spreading of cultures in America is what makes our country so great.
This particular dance is part of African American culture and some believe it should stay that way. In my opinion, such close mindedness in something a simple as a dance isn't rational. No one should be denied the ability to showcase their natural talent because of the color of their skin.
Really... I thought people were supposed to be treated equally no matter what the race. Just because a white sorority won the compitition doesnt mean that us white people are stealing anything from you, We don't get upset when a black man or woman wins a white dominated sport. And the fact that after this controversy started all of a sudden there was a scoring discrepency... Please, people need to stick with there choice unless there was a recount done but until that is called the winner should have stayed the Zeta's. And once again white people are not stealing any cultural aspects of an African-Amercan Culture... We have the right to enter a compitition if we want to and blacks can enter a compitition that is a white dominated sport, But if they don't win there will always be that one person to call racism no matter what and this situation is an example of racism.
The competition shows the stepping can draw interest of most young teenagers to take part. However, everyone still knows the original version is belong to the African-American people (like jazz music). Why don't you extend it from a small culture to be the one that everyone can have fun together? Beyond the race, you can see friendship and creativity from the dance.
You hypocrites, when white people had a sport for years, basketball, american football, or any sport for that matter, and we wouldn't let black people play, forty years later we would be called racist, but once its the other way around, It's not racist at all, it becomes a matter of defending heritigical culture, like as if half of you even consider that while you are practicing or performing. If they disallow us from competing in stepping, why should we let anybody else play our sports.
I think many people should enjoy this.Even it is not ours,we all live in this earth so we should be enjoying stepping.And even if the original stepping is not ours,that doesn`t mean we shouldn`t enjoy and play it!
I think we shouldn`t!Even if stepping don`t have some special patent,It is not our culture and if people doesn`t want us, we shouldn`t play it .
I am so tired of the double standard in America! Reguardless of race, whom ever is best should win!! This also goes for affirmative action and jobs, whom ever is best should get the job! You cannot have it both ways!
I think we shouldn`t ! Even if stepping don`t have some special patent,It is not our culture and if people doesn`t want us to enjoy it,we shouldn`t play it .
Is this not Racism? Children are supposed to be moving forward and should be taught NOT to see color. So those who say it's "Cultural Theft" are Racist themselves!!! Ridiculous. When does it end?
I think that the whole thing is rediculous.... Racism is not a huge problem like it's used to be... Black people just bring it up all the time like they want it to be and want sympathy. I have black friends that feel the same way... They think they have it so rough but alot of white ppl struggle and have it worse we are all human beings if u have a talent use it no matter the race!
I dont understand the statement of, "cant you white people leave us something that is ours and ours alone." I understand that Kenny G did a great injustice to jazz but this mindset fuels racism. I'm mean, come on, Tiger Woods is the greatest figure in golf; Our president is Obama. I suppose I shouldn't have voted for him considering the presidency is historically a white tradition.
i think they just share their money.
cause that contest is not just american's performance
african praternity and sorority does too.
As I read this story a few times I am reminded that our world still has a long way to go when it comes to race. I can understand that stepping is not a "white" culture activity but why should that "ban" them from participating. I do agree that it should be done with respect towards the roots that it comes from, but who is stealing it? How can we really begin to break barriers and move forward when it comes to race if we are always taking a step back. No pun intended.
I say that stepping is for everybody because every dance is like telling someone about your own culture so everyone can live it if they wanted to.
Why do we have to consider about "Who did it?" and "When were they invented?" stuffs? If we all enjoy it by playing it, that's fine! It doesn't matter who did it or why. Just enjoy the music and dances and of course stepping, if you like it. (Oh, it really kind of interesting. That was cool. It's a lot different in Korea.............)
I think stepping should be done by Blacks and whites.
I think that stepping is more of an outlet and that people should just chill out, because blacks would be pretty upset if whites didn't allow us to do predominantly white activities. WE should just Unite and step together. Isn't this what coloreds fought for?
Both Eminem and Snoop Dogg are rappers but are of different races and both have won a Grammy. If a black group can win at Stepping, then what is the controversy of a non-black group winning at Stepping?
I think everyone should be able to do it. It's not like stepping is for certain people. Sure some people can't dance but some others out there can
It doesn't make sense that there would be a controversy because dancing is a sport for everyone. I don't see white people complaining when blacks ballroom dance. In other areas, such as music, Darius Rucker now sings country music and Emenim is accepted in the rap community. This is an example of reverse rascism and in 2010 we should be over this and just get along and show good sportsmanship.
We don't understand what all of the controversy is about. Were all races allowed to compete in the competition? If so, they should all have a fair shot at winning. It sounds to us like a lot of people are sore losers.
Stepping is open to everyone. It was a contest not limited to one race. The best team should win and obviously, the judges felt the winning team demonstrated the best performance-regardless of race.
Reserving "Stepping" for African Americans is racist. Hot dogs are of German descent and Africans can compete in hot dog eating contests so what is the difference?
Pizza is Italian, but Brazilian can eat it and Korean can eat it, too. Pizza is for everybody. I think that it is the same thing for stepping. What about Asians stepping? In terms of globalization, everyone can easily be in contact with other culture and we have to get open-minded about it.
(Sorry for my poor ability in English writing ^^)
Cuture should be shared to be developed.
sharing your cuture with people who have different culture is a great step to the development of cultural diversity.
If you really love you culture and want it to last forever, you should share it with people who have different culture.
The competition shouldn't be based on race, but on stepping ability. The "discrepency" announced seemed like a way to make everyone happy which isn't a fair competition at all. Those girls killed it and deserved the win.
"Stepping" should not be limited to race or culture. Baseball in the early 1900's was limited to European Americans and until Jackie Robinson in 1947 broke the barrier, "Whites" owned the sport. Golf, being a historically "White" sport played by the wealthy, is now dominated by an African American in Tiger Woods. Cultural changes have occurred all throughout history and why should "stepping" be an exemption???
Theivery is always mutual. It doesn't matter which race steals what from who. Vanilla Ice piggybacked off of MC Hammer, didn't he? There will always be racial theivery, but at the same time, as long as we are all stealing from each other... aren't we all fair? I know I can be a rapper, if I so desired. I mean, if you want to accuse the White sorority, well, just look at our President. Since the birth of America, our presents have been White men. Just think about that, folks.
I think that all races should be able to do all things. I mean if this where to go for everything we would be in the time of the seperation of blacks and whites. If you don't like it, too bad everything should be shared by everyone!!!
Pasion and art does not belong to any race or group, is a special gift of humans. Blacks can be proud of having introduced this stepping, blues, etc., japanese the marcial arts, from the "Rio de la Plata", tango. All of them are open to be played for everyone. Good luck and enjoy yourself.
Just because we step into something that they have doesn't mean that we are trying to take it over. Another thing is one of the people that were quoted on the show said "why do you have to steal everything from us?"
My response to that is we are not stealing it from you, we are sharing it with you. Just like we've shared this great nation to all who come here
i think that stepping is a very cool hobbie and i think that even though africans do it more, other people can do it too! what's wrong with that??? i think this is a free nation and we can do whatever we want to do! no matter who we are!
I think it is good that it is not just african ameicans and I think that it is rascist to say tthat a all white team should not win.
I think that it shouldn't matter if you are white or black. Anyone can play a game. The only thing that matters is if you are having fun and enjoying it. Everyone should have the right to play any game they want.
it doesnt matter if your white or black just as long as your having fun. this stepping thing is making some people angry some others dont even care. i think that it should be for everyone because its not fair to just have one sport all to your self. just because at first it was an african american sport doesnt mean that you can keep everything to your self you should be able to express your feeling equally black or
white.
i think that people have a good reason for being angry, but i think stepping should not be something to fight about. all of those teams were amazing but those 2 teams did the best.
well, i think that just because you are a different color that doesnt mean that others cant do the same thing as you. We are all the same ; we are all humans.
I think it is wrong to discriminate against those white girls. I would think we would have learned from all the racial discrimination in the past century, those girls earned it.
I WOULD say that I have no issue with a Caucasian group winning the competition, after hearing of the scoring discrepancy, I have other concerns about the integrity of the sport...
I think that the african americans don't like that white people step because they can do It better. I they should just let It go, because It's just going to cause a big issue. White people don't complain that black people do the same stuff they do.
I don't get how they can say it's "cultural theft" when it's dancing. I must agree with others who say "stepping is for everybody" because black white whatever have the right to dance.
i think that anyone who wants to do it will do it, despite what anyone says.
I think that everyone that wants to step should be able to no matter what race you are.
I think its all pretty dumb dancing is for everyone they start all this stuff cause they dont think its right but what is really wrong with the whole thing.
I can understand where there might be cultural theft in some people's eyes, but at the same time, thats discriminating... Which we have been working to end for hundreds of years! So why bring it back?
If you can dance, and you work hard, you should be able to win just as much as anyone else who worked equally as hard.
WHY DOES IT MATTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
people should drop all this racial crap and leave it alone!
so a team won a competition, let um enjoy it.
i dont see color i see talent
It don't matter what color we are. we are all equal and we all should be able to make our own decisions on what we want to do.
I believe that all races should have equal rights. We shouldn't have to limit any sports, dances, schools, and we really shouldn't have to limit stepping. Those girls worked hard to get where they are, and people should be pleased with them. Race doesn't mean ANYTHING!
stepping controversy is for everyone. every race should be able to play apart in this cultral event i belive there should not be a limit on any dance or stepping.
We think everyone should be able to do this, it looks fun and we could all learn something from it. Sharing is what it's all about.
Purple, green , black, striped, white, I don't care about skin colors. Our world is getting smaller, and the cultures should too. It is natural thing to have cultural exchange between white and black too. I lament about the comment on Youtube.
not fair beacous the compitition is for everyone and they won the compitition fairly
We feel that if the situation was reversed, African-Americans would celebrate breaking the barriers of racism. The whole situation is frustrating, because we should be past racial tension.
If the white team would not have won, there would not have been a lot of white people complaining about the loss.
I think that what those girls did was amazing. If they have talent they should express it. I believe stepping is for everyone and no one should be discriminated because of their skin color. Nobody said stepping was just for African Americans, whites like any other color should be able to participate in stepping.
See this is the problem with America today, there is no us or them. There cannot be a difference in black and white. We are all American. For this to even be a controversy is terrible. As long as people keep thinking of us and them, then MLK's Dream will never be accomplished.
Now a days there is enough Racial segregation, we don't need anymore. I think it's good to see different races both partisipating in the same things. It shows that people are willing to participate in the event even if it comes from an African-American culture.
Stepping is for everyone! It doesn't matter if your white, black, or tan, who cares as long as its something you like to do!
I think if the African Americans do not want the white people to join they should have a different competition. I think that since the original people are African Americans they should have the choice.
I think that was rude that what they said" I Don't like when you white people always keep taking our stuff. I think they the white group did a really good job! Who cares if of there a different color and the rest of the groups were all black.
I belive that stepping is for all races. May you be white nor black it shoud matter your skin color, it should be about your skill. I think fellow competitors shouldn't see others by the color of their skin; they should see them by the amount of heart and soul they put into their step. I say to them: Step well and show the world that the competition has widened its horizons!
i think that any one should be aloud to step its a free country
Stepping should be for every one it is a great way to stay in shape and it is a fun thing to do
I thought that the white people should have just won. I mean everyone can try and win. They practiced hard so they should have won. I think the judges just felt bad because it started off as a black peoples competition and white people won and they felt oh well I think the black people should also win so they don't think we're racist.
Racism goes both ways..... The origional girls should have the title.
In my opinion stepping is for everybody......but you shouldn't step in a competition that you don't belong in
i think anybody and everyone can join the step team if they enjoy it. its being successful at something. color doesnt matter or who ever started it doesnt matter either. its a time where you can have fun and be with friends doing something diffrent.
We feel that everyone should have the right to compete in the Stepping contest. We looked up Salsa which came from Cuba, Polka which came from Europe, Ballet came from Italy and finally breakdancing from African Americans. All of these dance forms are performed by all cultures for fun and for competition. It would be a shame for stepping to not be enjoyed by all.
So what if an all white team won. That doesn't mean they cheated or that they stole our culture. It just means that they went out, had fun, and did something they enjoyed, just like we have for the past few decades.
With stepping shared with people including black and white people, I think it is a good simbol that different cultures are shared with people with different colors. It is not a theft, but communications.
This is ridiculous. I thought that your background and skin color didn't matter! Imagine if African Americans weren't allowed to try some European dance. That would cause an outrage.
Hey, they won fair and square. It doesnt matter because golf used to be played by only white people. Now the best player in golf is tiger woods, an african american.
I think that it doesn't matter who does step because the world isn't in the greatest place right now, so we don't need added racism from blacks demanding that step is theirs, because it isn't, it's everybodys. So if somebody who isn't black and wants to step, they should't be accused of stealing somebody elses culture.
Seriously...we are getting mad that a group of white women won a contest where only blacks have won? How is this not completely racist? If it were the other way around, and whites were complaining about blacks winning, there would be complete outrage. To even think about making it exclusive to only blacks is downright offensive. Shall we bring back white and black water fountains and restrooms while we're at it?
Whites have as much of a right to win a competition as do blacks.If you have put time and effort into something,you are most likely to deserve the place you have gotten.Blacks should take this as whites wanting to be apart of their culture.Althought many are upset, its deffinetly not about winning or losing.
Who cares what color you are, we all live in the United States of America and should treat each other equally. No matter what size, height, weight or color.
I think the whites had the rights to win the stepping contest.Color does not matter.One person said that whites were stealing stepping from blacks. Just look at football, basketball,and track.
I think that stepping should be for everyone because if it was any other way it would be discrimination. The team who wins should always be the one that "steps up" there game.
Steping should be for everyone and not have anything to do with what you look like or who you are. If those were factors then it would be discrimination. I believe that the team who "steps up" their game the most should win
We believe that step dancing should be allowed for all people regardless of race or religion.
White people shouldn't do what black people do.
they should let them do what they love to do, they dont know the real culture of stepping they dont know the truth about it.
Honestly, everyone should have equal chances to attempt and perform in any sport or activity. Nothing should be just a black or just a white sport. I congradulate the initial winner for STEPPING UP and and partaking in an event known to be a mostly one race sport.
You are kidding me right. Can you imagine whites telling "any" cultural group in the US that they could not do something because of the color of their skin. This is pure racism. Call it what it is!
i really think its KOOL that the zeta's won the step contest and they should not be mad because step is not just for blacks it does not matter who steps as long as they are having fun thats all that matters!!!!!!!
....... I think its not right to judge others no matter were they come from or there race i think they did great !!!!! :]
i think that who ever won the contest the other teams should be happy with their competitors who competed i mean come on its a contest some one wins and some one looses.
i think that who ever won the contest the other teams should be happy with their competitors who competed i mean come on its a contest some one wins and some one loses.
I think the learning should be for anyone but it isdifferent in a huge contest. I have done african dancing before and I know it is very special to them. why did those girls but in?
i think that tradition should stay with the people that brought stepping up but other than that we should all be at least happy
i think that it shouldn't matter what race the people are as long as they knew what they were doing it shouldn't matter , it wasn't like they was trying to make fun of the situation it was just that they wanted to try something different and be good in and that is what they did.
Stepping is part of a dance & your race doesn't matter
ithink that it is a awesome thing that another race won the stepping compettion...
I think dat stepping should be for every body not just for one race yall need to stop complaning
i think stepping is for everybody
stepping was created by African Americans, and i understand how some African Americans may feel about the decision. They should just realize that it doesnt matter what race you are, and that everyone deserves a chance to do something they enjoy doing. If it were the whites that created something that African American loved doing, then I dont think that the whites would have a problem with it. We are all equal
It shouldnt matter what color you are. Having fun is having fun. The color shouldnt matter.
the comment today that was said was just crazy but i know why many people feel like that but we just have to let others win sometimes but just know that you know how to dance and that you are good at any thing you try to do.
WHO EVER WON JUST WON NO MATTER WHAT COLOR THEY ARE
I think stepping is for everybody beacause its a way to express your feelings and if its something you want to do you should do let nothing hold you back
I think that stepping should just be done by blacks. When black people step its natural but when white people step you know they were taught how to do it, so they arent really feeling it.
I think that dancing should be for everybody no matter what the color of people is or the type of dace.
i think that dancing is for everyone no matter what culture you have...
i think stepping is for everyone as we dicovered a longtime ago everyone is created equal. why cant sopme people except the fact that some people are better than others?
I think that stepping is for everybody no matter what type of race you are...
I think stepping should be allowed for everybody.
I think Stepping should be aloud for everybody, doesn't matter your raise,it is something everybody should do.
i think stepping is for any race who wants to try it not just for people who think they are the ones who created it
i think that the the Stepping controversy is mostly about raceasism.
I think that stepping dance is for every body that can dance
I think Stepping should be for anyone, people dance and step for fun not to start problems.
African Americans are awesome in cultural dancing such as stepping, krumping and many other things. Yes stepping was originally performed by African American but i think its time for all kind of races to share their cultures with others. In other words we should all be able to dance how ever we want, and we should all just share new things with others. People seriously have to start being more open, nice, caring and not ignorant so we can start having some peace for once in a while. ^_^
i believe that stepping is for everyone and should not be secluded to one race or anothe if stepping is something that people are involved in doing than they should keep at it no matter what race they come from
I know that it is ok for everyone to do what they like best because there shouldnt be a sport or activity for a certain race like football, wrestling, soccer and many more sports or activity. So it is ok and everyone needs to know that they are going to be stuck together might as well get along now before more difficulties occur later
I think this is ridiculous. This made me really mad. If white people want to do it they
can. I don't see in the rule book where it says black people are the only ones who can step. And black people are always saying how we should live equal... Well then why can't we?
I think that stepping should be offered to everyone. We are all humans and deserve to have equal rights, regardless if your African-American or not. Stepping is a powerful dance, and many people should get the chance to enjoy it.
What I think is that it shouldn’t matter what skin color you are, it should just matter how good you are. People say everyone should be treated equally, so why should stepping be an exception to that? Stepping should be for everybody.
To be honest I’ve been stepping since I was a kid...and us African Americans have been doing it for ages and honestly it has been ours since the beginning so I say it is cultural theft since it’s their first time coming into the competition, they should work up respect before winning.
Stepping should be for everyone. Why must this be such an issue? The Zeta team worked hard came out on top. I wish people could be more understanding.
On my opinion the stepping dance is for everyone. People should share their culture to each other because that's how art was created in a first place.
I think the idea of “cultural theft” is going a little overboard. Stepping is for everybody. Just because African Americans came up with it, doesn’t mean that other people can’t do it. I think the only reason why the scoring discrepancy happened was because of what people were saying and not on the talent of the teams. The original winners should be the only team who gets the title, whether or not they are black or white.
Yeah is all good, u know cause i was in a step team once, and is good cause yeah...
I think stepping is for everyone, everyone does it all over the world. I think it does not matter what color or race you are if you are good and talented go for it!!!
I think that stepping is for everybody it’s not just for one culture so people need to stop complaining about who won. Anyone can step!
"cultural theft ", can you even define that term? That is like saying that asians cannot play soccer beacause it was first started by mexicans. I believe that people should stop being so self centerd and start worrying about things that they can actually control and change. How is this world, this society sopossed to get any better when we have people fighting over something so simple like a couple of white people winning a national competition. Look around and start worrying about things that matter.
I think that stepping should be for everyone. If you can step then you can step. Why stop someone from doing what they are good at just cause they are a certain color?
I think people who are mad about it need to calm down its not a big deal people take traditions from other cultures all the time its not hurting anyone
i think stepping can be done by whoever wants to do it because the way i see it is its just to have fun.
I think stepping is for everyone because everyone that likes stepping should get to do what they enjoy.
I do not believe that Stepping should be considered “cultural theft”, although some sports, dances or competitions originate in certain cultures, doesn’t mean should have to exclusively stay there. In my opinion the controversy should arise the realization that we should want to share the joy we get from them with the world because it’s things like this that bring us all together.
Stepping should be for everyone. Even though it originated with African Americans it shouldn’t be off limits for other races.
I think that this group the Zeta’s did great to go into a competition where they had to know that would face challenges both on and off the dance floor. In my opinion those who frown upon the Zeta’s for entering and then for winning the stepping competition are just reversing the discrimination they have worked so hard to remove from culture. If an African-American couple had won a folk dance competition I would feel the same way. We are in America! The cultural melting pot! So why are we trying to keep these cultures segregated. We should rejoice that we got to witness this cultural integration not frown on it!
Now who are the people that are racist? It shouldn't be black only or white only, it should be dancers. Just get along...!
I think that it shouldn’t be considered a “cultural theft”. I think that that statement is a little overboard. I think that some people might be upset because it started out very cultural and was considered only an African American form of dance, but I think that the world is changing and it should be viewed as experiencing a new culture rather than stealing it.
I find it highly disrespectful that people think that Stepping, or anything for that matter, has to be reserved for a certain race. African Americans are allowed to do everything that white people can, so why can’t white people partake in an African American activity? America is supposed to be a place of equal opportunity, why won’t some people let this happen? I also think the “scoring discrepancy” was only to make people less angry that a white group had won.
I think black or white. It shouldn’t matter, just like Michael Jackson said. If both teams puts in the effort and hard work it shouldn’t matter the color of their skin. Just their performance. (:
I feel that something like this only adds to the racial prejudice and inequality that this country continues to face to this day. I don't think we need anything like this at this point
I don’t think stepping should be considered cultural theft. There’s no copyright on it and it shouldn’t matter who came up with it first. The Zeta group worked hard to earn their title of 1st place. To be mad that a white group won first is a bit racist. It shouldn’t matter who came up with stepping, if anything it should be taken as a compliment that others liked the style of dance and wanted to learn and perform it.
It shouldn’t matter what color, ethnicity, origin or background you come from; people should be able to excel at what they love doing without having other people criticizing them because of how or where the activity was born and developed. Several street dances originated in the United States by Caucasians, but several African-Americans have taken a liking to them and they are not criticized.
I believe this is wrong, because everyone should be treated equal and have equal rights to do whatever they choose to do.
Stepping is just people showing free expression of themselves through dance. It should not be only to African Americans but I understand where the people who say it should only be for African Americans are coming from because white people have many different ways to express themselves.
I believe that if you have the passion to do something such as steeping you should be able too no matter what race you are.
I believe that Stepping is a way to express yourself and your feelings. If someone wants to do that they shouldn’t be looked down upon. The vote thing is kind of weird though I’d like to know exactly what happened with that but if one team was better than the other then they should have won, it was a competition.
Stepping to me should be for everyone. It lets groups of people/friends show free expression of them selves while they have fun.
It seems a bit too coincidental that the discrepancy was found only after conflict arose between races of the Stepping audience. It doesn't seem fair at all to me to take down a first place winner who earned their title.
Stepping is for everyone. The Arkansas team proved they had the talent and potential to win and obviously accomplished their goal. They should be recognized for their achievement despite the unsettling reactions of viewers. The so called “cultural theft” was just modern growth.
I think that it is outrageous that black people think that there better than us even though they're out of slavery and they think such a sport as stepping is just for them when we have sports such as basketball, baseball, and football that we have no problem with them being in
I think every body should try new things. I think there dance was cool.
I think if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was here today he would be appaled, White people have just as much right as black people to step thats equality. No color of a peron should determine if its right to do an activity everyone and that means everyone is entitled to do what they want.
I don't believe this can be considered "cultural theft", stepping may have African roots but what about other dances or things like that? Are people saying that it's cultural theft when someone from Canada dances like someone in the US? Seriously, whoever won won because they were the best. To me, it seems more racist to describe this as cultural theft than anything else.
I guess that they should get to do things they want sometimes but it might not be fair....
If people can say that stepping is strictly limited to African Americans due to it being "from their culture", then basketball is exclusively Caucasian. They made the sport. The only question is, would you want Shaq to not play ball just because it's "cultural theft".
I think everyone should be able to do that kind if competiton. stepping should not be only thought of for a certain race. I mean if people think its fun, then they should persue it.
I think people should enjoy that a thing they love is getting popular, I know I would.
Anyone who was allowed to enter the contest, should also be allowed to win the contest.
I see why there is contreversy. I also see the Zeta point. I understand that some may feel that it is cultural theft but I don't see why we can't share. But think about this; If the roles were reversed, how would you feel?
Regardless of your race, if you enjoy dancing, you should be able to fulfill your dream.
The thing is, if you discriminate Caucasian people from stepping, then you are practicing segregation. If you are going to do that, don't complain when you are returned the favor.
Cooking Mexican food isn't exclusive for Mexico. Speaking Spanish isn't exclusive to Spanish people. Playing music was never exclusive for America, or Japan. What makes stepping so special? We all have explored each others cultures and have experienced a variety. It's just another expression of culture like cooking or music.
Nothing cultural is exclusive. Everyone should have a right to their chance to try stepping.
I think that all the people who think that stepping is just for one race should think about when other races werent allowed to play baseball!
i think that no matter what culture you're from, you should be able to do something that everyone can enjoy. It's not stealing, it's joining a culture.
I think that it doesn't matter what race you are, it's just dancing!
I am an African American and yes, stepping is a "black" thing. But seeing another ethnic group doing what we did makes me feel as if African Americans are inspiring other groups in our society to not only do what they feel as if they should do but what they want to do as well.
If a group has been taught how to step it should not matter what nationality they are if they won fair and square. In fact, it should be celebrated when cultures interact in this way!
i think all people should be allowed to step cuz its not for certain race its meant for every1
Everyone is equal so it doesn't matter what color you are, it matters how well you step. Who cares about two schools winning, double the students got scholarships.
WHO CARES WAT COLOR THEY WERE ALL AWSOME!!
I think that white people should be able to step if they want to.
Stepping is for anyone who wants too.
i think that it is okay for any race to do stepping because all the races play football and basketball and golf. African Americans may have started the sport but they should share stepping like we do with football and basketball
Quite frankly I don't see how people could consider this "Cultural theft", it would be somewhat like saying blacks voting in America is Cultural Theft from the whites, it just doesn't make sense.
White people should be able to step, it is a cultural activity for the African American comunity but for whites, its just a fun dance.
I think that everyone should take part in this stepping controversy. It looks like something everyone would enjoy and have fun doing.
I think that it really doens't matter what skin color you have. Everyone should be able to do the same things. There is nothing that says certain people can't do certain things!
hi my name is Brandon and what i think about the stepping contest is the people who were stepping were really awesome and good
I think that this might be something that brings the black and white community together and if we judge fairly and unbiased then we can have a good multiracial competition
I think that anybody from any race can step if they wanted to. if everybody wants to step they should be able to.
I can totally understand that african americans are angry at the white team winning. African Americans and whites are still really touchy with each other, and it's understandable, but it's no big deal. In this nation, all people have basic rights, and whites can win too. I fees it's not that big a deal.
I think that whites should be able to step because, although it is a cultural African American activity, it can be shared by two cultures that wish to learn from the other.
I think that stepping should be open to anyone who wants to do it. You can't say people are trying to take it over just because they might be better at it. This isn't fair to leave out people just because of their race, it's just like segregation from years ago.
I think that if somebody likes to do it, then they should do it. It would be a great hobbie for people to do and a good start for their career.
I believe that stepping should be allowed for all ages and all ethnic groups. I think that because all the controversy about the all white female group winning first place, that they said they counted the votes wrong, making the other team come in first also.
I think stepping should be for anybody but if they say its only for blacks then blacks should not do that white people do such as baseball
I think everybody should step because we are all people.
Honestly, it's not a major issue to me. Talent is talent, regardless of race. If African Americans are upset that a white group won, wouldn't that be analogous to white people being upset that Obama won presidency, which has been an entirely white position thus far? This discrepancy simply is breaking racial barriers. I find it repulsive that these racial barriers still exist today.
it doesnt mater who steps and not just one race can do it India can do it and any other race
I think not everybody should not step because a lot of people are taking each other's cultures.
wow people need to stop acting like it all for black people that team worked hard on wining you should be happy for them not being mean so people need to stop we need a change so ya!!
i think it shouldnt matter what your race is. stepping is for everybody.
I think the scoring problem was definitely a result of the strong views on race. I don’t think people would have been as upset if the team had been mixed though.
I think stepping is for everyone because if a group of people have a passion to do stepping but are not African American, I feel they should be able to do what they feel passionate about. Color shouldn’t be a factor.
I think everybody should step because it is sharing culture.
I do not think that it is that big of a deal because they worked very hard on getting good at stepping. I think that people should not change the scoring because people are complaining about who won. There has been a lot of instances where people take up other people’s culture and it is just a change but I think that people need to just get over it!
I think that stepping is not cultural theft. Our country is suppose to be about freedom, and in my opinion I think African Americans should feel happy that white people admire their culture to take the time to learn how to step.
I think that it is for everyone. How can something be just for one group of people no one else? It’s not fair to say that one group of people cant do something. It should be open for everyone to do that wants to. Basketball was invented by a white person. Now everyone plays.
I can understand how some people think that it’s “cultural theft” but at the same time people should be proud that other races want to learn their culture and actually take the time to do so. In no way is anyone trying to steal their traditions, they just want to learn and be apart of it which in my eyes is a compliment.
I think it is good to share culutres but it is not good if we take too much from a culture.
I’m a white male teen, but I saw a post where they said it doesn’t matter what color you were, and that copying is the biggest form of flattery. I am inclined to agree. We want to be apart of an extraordinary event filled with magnificent culture. The United States is a mixing pot of all sorts of societies, beliefs, and traditions. A place where you can openly express, and share what you believe in and continue to spread it so it will live on in future generations.
i think that it doesnt matter if there black or white if they need the money for sertain reasons then i dont see the bad part of that.
I think stepping should be for everyone and the coincidental “scoring discrepancy” was probably just a way to keep both sides happy. Ethnicities should not be discouraged when another ethnicity shares the same cultural ideas because its part of having equal rights.
I think that is rediculous that [African Americans] are getting mad. Soccer isn't just for Mexican's, basketball isn't just for African American's, and football isn't just for White's. Everyone should be free to do what ever they want if they love it!
i am on a high school drill team and I know all about the hard work that is put into competing with a routine. I’m confident in the fact that these girls put in a lot of hard work and they deserved to win. Dancing isn’t a matter of race; it’s about hard work and determination. No single race has any trademark on any type of dance.
Why can't we be friends? Why does there have to be a 'line' that's being crossed? If we can't step, then why do they get to do things that we do? You don't get to say that we aren't allowed to play your sports, or do the things you do, and then come and do the things we do.
we know that it was your activity in the first place, and i can understand why you are mad that they won. yes they did come in and mostly 'take' your sport and made it part of theirs but yall invented stepping. They owe all the credit to you.But it shouldnt matter what color or race you are. Were all mixed up anyways so we might as well give each other a break.
I feel that stepping should not be a cultural affect because it is classified as a sport, every other sport has had mixed cultures even NASCAR which is suppose to be an all American sport! There is no way that your going to keep other races out of a sport if they really want to do it that bad.
I believe that there is nothing, including arts, sports, academics or any other activity I’m leaving out should be dominated by any one group of people whether it be a team, race, or nationality. When that happens then segregation has occured and in order for an activity to be fare and even it has to be open to every one.
i think that everybody can do stepping whether your hispanic, african american, or white you can do this because this a a free country! If black people really only want there race to do it, then they should make a dance compition for blacks only. people should accept everyone for who they are not for what color they are. just like crayon there all types of shapes, sizes and color. its all one world and we only live in it once
It really doesn't matter because this is a free country we can do anything black or white step is in us all we all just need to find our rythme to be on the same beat.
I understand that the African American community feels robbed of their culture, however this is a generation of cultural tolerance and it is a positive thing to share in each ethnicity's traditions. Learning, experiencing, and sharing strengthens the global community as a whole.
the stepping is for everbody who wants to do it and the color does not matter you could be any color and it should not matter if they like to do it than they should do it and not have people judge what color they are and to think that they are coming in and taking what they that is not what we are doing if we like it than they should have the right to do what they want.and to say that we are taking things away from them we are not that all they have is the stepping they all that we have now we dont have more than they do we all have the same .
I think that it is ok that these white girls have came into the stepping compeition. It is showing different cultures doing different things. It is a very good thing in my opinion.
I personally feel that it is not “Cultural Theft”, if anything I feel that the African American culture should be proud that stepping is spreading rather then just staying between African American cultures. We all share things in life, There is no need to fret or stress about this.
personaly i think stepping is stupid....but i still beleive that the best should win not just one race........
I think that just because african americans were the first steppers that does no matter if another race competes for the same title. I am happy becuase i was watching the stepping contest and i always want a new champion every year. I don't think that just because that another race won and the other didn't does not mean it was because of race.
I believe that it shouldn't matter what your race is, you should be allowed to do the dance if you want to. It is apart of the African Americans culture, but if the girls are trying to learn more about it, and I believe that is great. They should be allowed to enter the contest if they wanted to and I believe they did a great job stepping.
I think everyone should be able to compete in anything they want. Africans Americans can compete in any sport they want so why can’t it be the same for other races. I don’t think any race should be excluded from an event. It’s not like Michael Jordan gets mad because a white kid is wearing his shoes. People just need to join together and realize there are no differences between people and everyone is the same.
I think that this is the biggest joke ever. There shouldnt be a problem that the second team won just because there white. It makes no sense that the first team got mad about the second team winning and accused the white team off stealing everything from them. if everybody wants to be treated fairly in america then they need to understand that it doesnt work like a one way street and that everybody will be givin the same oppurtunity as others regarless off race.
Well if the blacks want to talk about Culture cross over. Rock N Roll. It is known as the White mans music. with the exception of a few Artists. so in the 80s Run DMC and Areosmith got to geather to do a new verson of Walk This Way. As far as i know Whites didnt complain about the fact that blacks had come in and done Rock so if whites are willing to share their culture then blacks should share theirs.
i think whites should be able to do stepping with blacks.sure blacks have been doing it longer, but anybody is allowed to do stepping .stepping is like any other sport like basketball, volleyball, baseball, and other dancing.dancing is being free and spirirted not clean and where you come from or what you look like its about what you can do and how much you love the sport! stepping is for anyone who loves to dance or can dance. that is what i think about stepping.
I personally think that it is great that a white group won. I think that if they win then the differences aren't as big as we all seem to think. This is just proof that we are alike and we dont have all white or all black sports anyway, so why should it matter? Once again people are letting color blind them from reason. It doesn't matter that they were white we should congratulate them for winning.
I feel that stepping should be avaliable towards anyone who desires to pursue the talent. I think that the reason African Americans are so concerned with Caucasians becoming winning contest is because the dance was mostly practiced by African Americans until recently. This shows that the younger generation dosen't care what race you are because we are all human; the only difference is the color of the skin.
I don’t think there is such a thing as cultural theft. All cultures have traditions and activities that should be shared with everyone, no matter the color of your skin. After all, we are known as the “melting pot” aren’t we?
I believe that no matter what your race is, you should be able to step dance. Even though step dancing is part of the African American's culture, they should consider that other different cultures want to learn more about it. Everything is not based on racism and this definitely should not be a racial argument.
I believe that stepping should be for everyone. Not just a certain race or ethnic group should be allowed to step. Everyone worked hard to learn a routine just as hard as the other groups did. This country should not be segregated in any way. Stepping should deffinitely not be allowed for just one specific race. Everyone is equal, it doesnt matter what the color of their skin is.
personaly i think stepping is stupid....but i still beleive that the best should win not just one race........i understand that african americans started it but white people started basketball now look at the NBA......its the same thing so i think its ok for the white people to win a stepping contest....
To a certain extent it would seem wrong to people, and it would seem like theft, but It's only a sign of expression. It's not like people are saying that they made it, they are just showing that they like how it is done, and they wanted to learn. Just because they beat the people who have practiced it, and it has been in there families for generations, doesn't mean that they are trying to show they are better. They are just showing their appreciation for the art of Stepping.
I believe that whomever wants to step can. It doesn't matter what your cultural background is or where you come from. This is yet another example of racisim in America today. Everyone should just get along and share their beliefs and traditions with the world. So what if the "white" team won, they must of been the best team. The best team should win if they earned it. The so called "scoring discrepancy" was probably just a way to satisfy the losing teams. America is a place where everyone's cultural beliefs come together, so why should this be any different? Hopefully the next competition will be a fair one and no racial or cultural remarks will be made!
I think it shouldn't come to this people are people it don't matter what color you are. From my point of view every color should be able to chose what kind of dance they want to dance. It doesn't matter if your white, black, or hispanic you should be able to pick what kind of dance or music you chose to do.
I believe that stepping should be for everyone. It may have started as a cultural occasion for African-Americans but they should be proud that their culture is being spread. It wouldn’t be fair for a white person to say, “No, you can’t play basketball because you are black.” If you think back in history, James Naismith the creator of basketball was white. If something is created it is bound to get spread, people need to be proud of what they have done and get over the fact that different nationalities want to try something new.
To some it may seem like it is cultural theft but to others it may just be something they have become fond of. Most of the time people think that someone from another ethinicity trying to learn about their culture is a good thing. I don't think that any one is trying to steal anything they are just trying to do something that they find fun. There have been other events that used to be just a specific groups thing, that are now widely acknowledged, this will probably just become one of them.
With me being a young african american student I can see both point of views. But personally I feel that our culture shouldnt be so ignorant. We are making ourselves look very racist and selfish. This world is filled with billions of talented people no matter your race, if you have what it takes then you should pursue your dreams and express your talent. So i do think it is fair that those young ladies won the 1st place prize. Our culture shouldn;t take this situation as a threat but more like a challenge. Maybe its time for us to Bring it HARDER !
I think that African Americans should be happy that other ethnicities are spreading thier culture around. The dance form of stepping may have originated with the African Americans but why must it be limited to them? Who was the first person to invent electricity? It was Thomas Edison, a white man. Because he was white should we limit the usage of electricity to only those of that skin color? Should we not allow other ethnicities to better further the invention of electricity? No, that would be morally wrong. According to the Constitution we are all equal, this should be the same in the way we express ourselves. Although stepping may have originated with the African Americans it is not a crime that other people want to participate in the art form. We will always rememeber where it came from and everyone should be allowed to take part in the cultural movement.
I think that stepping is for everybody. I believe any color should be able to step because step ain't just for some certain race. I think everyone in the world should step.
I don't understand why it is such a big deal. Both teams worked very hard but the better team won. Yes, the first team taught the other team how to step but that doesn't mean anything. The second team had been working hard for a very long time whch eventually paid off. They didn't do the exact same thing as the first team. They made it into their own thing. Stepping is for anybody that can do it. It's not just for one ethnicity. It's a hobby that many people like to do and they can show off how unique they are and their passion.
It's amazing how stepping is reaching other cultures too. Although it's difficult to understand how can other cultures understand the significance of stepping. African Americans know more about the history and how it impacts their culture. It's pretty understandable how the African Americans feel about this situation but they should also fell proud that a part of their culture is reaching over other cultures.
I believe that African Americans have a legitimate reason to be upset. They feel that "stepping" is "thier sport", and they obvioulsy want to keep it that way. But in a world where there are White Guys rapping, and Black Guys singing country, that it should be more versatile to cultural differences. If everyone is so worried about diversity, then why shouldn't "stepping" be more diverse also??
I believe that stepping does not define a culture. It was originated among Af.Am. and that does not mean it has to stay that way. It is amazing how Af.Am. fought to make everything equal for EVERYONE. It is just a dance. It is a form of expressing yourself. If you have a talent, express it. Color barriers should not exist. There is more to life than just black and white. No one wants to change. All the groups of the competition brought it, and they were ALL excellent. It is a dance competition. Everyone is in it to win. I hate to see all the negative remarks people make, and I wonder if the same problem would result if it were Af.Am. dancing on a clogging show. ..
I believe that it is fair that all types of people, whatever color, can do whatever they put their selves to. I don't think that it was a matter of proving that one color was better than the other, it was probably something like making a difference. We are all supposed to be united in everything, not proving one better than the other. This world is not a color competition, its more or justifying equality.
I think stepping is stupid like my man justin once said. I think white ppl should do it cause if your good enough to do it then you should do it.
Even though stepping has been popular among African Americans, I dont feel as though other ethnic groups should be looked down upon for stepping. It is way to express yourself, and show off a talent. If you are capable of doing it, then you should do it. No one has the right to say since you are not African American, you shouldnt step. If you are willing to put forth the effort, practice, and come up with a rountine, who has the right to say NO to that? The girls who won the competition obviously put forth effort, and took time to make sure the performance was flawless, just as all the other groups did regardless of the color of their skin. It is amazing to me, that people are making such negative comments about them winning. If they did not win, would anyone say anything about them being in the competition? People need to be fair, and work harder next year.
THE WORLD IS NOT JUST BLACK && WHITE.
I can’t describe this controversy as a "cultural theft" but as a “blast from the past”. If you’re the best then color shouldn’t matter. I never thought that we would still be dealing with such dissemination issues in 2010
If people don't learn about other cultures how can they understand and care...
It dosent matter what race you are if you are enjoying stepping
it dosent matter what race you are. Stepping is a sport. if you love it you will play it. you will always have competition. white and blacks are the same. Everybody should remember dr. luther king.
I think that stepping is for anyone who can do it. Saying that someone can't do that is like racism the other way around.
I think stepping is for anybody in the world
I think black,and white people should get allonge and shear there good ideas.
I think it's basicly anyones game it should be for fun. But i do think this "stepping thingy" should be for Native Americans because its traditnal and their thing
Other people may think that they came up with it so no won els can use it but I think everyone can do it, but sereusly who cares if someone else does it that mean that they like it not that there stealing it.
I think both teams should win because it isn't fair i think they should at least hive half the money to the other team.
i think if every body wants to do stepping they should be aloud too.
I think that it is okay for anyone to compete. Evryone has the right to step, and anyone can do it.
I think that no mattter what color you are you can achive anything you want.Who cares if you are black,white,green or orange you can do whatever you want!The skin is just a covering.BE COOL PEOPLE!
I think everyone should be allowed to step because it is just for the fun of stepping.
I think that everyone can do this, because it's fair.
I think everyone should be able to step because your cultrure dose not matter, we are all equal.
I think no manner what color your skin is anyone can do stepping because people can explore a new culture if they want to.No one can tell you what to do.
I dont think that it really does not matter who does what and why they do it. Why do people care? Because most African American's think they own a certain dance. For example the JERK anyone can do this dance and when you see people doing this dance, mostly you see African American's not white people. So i say why does it matter who does what? Just let them be who they wanna be!
I think that everyone should be able to do things like stepping as much as others.it doesn't matter what color you are,all that matters is that you had fun and did the best you can.
yes i do tink that evrybody should be alowed to do stepping. i think that evrybody should be able to do stepping, because it will not be fare if only african americans are allowed to do stepping and americans are not allowed to do that special talent.
like for example sushi is a jappanies food that people in jappan eat. but people who do not live in jappan and who are not jappanies eat it too. i also think that evryone affrican, american, or anybody els should be allowed to do this special talent called stepping, because it is the only fair thing to do in this kind of situation, because is only african american people are allowed to do stepping it would not be fair to evryone els in the world that are not african american. just like it would not be fair if only jappanies people and only people in jappan were allowed to eat sushi and jappanies food and no one els in the world or any where in the world were allowed to eat jappanies food.
Everything should be for everybody. If it was only meant for black people they shouldn't be able to show it off to everyone. Look at people like Eminem, he does something that is traditionally African American culture, and he is one of the best.
I think it's silly that people say it a black peples' thing it dosn't matter wat race yu are anyone can do it
Stepping, to blacks, is a way to express thier feelings towards their past, and what they will do for their future. I think that if someone who is white takes the time to learn the meaning behind stepping, and respect others who have taught them, or those that they perform with, then why shouldn't the other people be open to them performing with them?
I just don't see what's wrong with someone trying out something outside of their own culture. I don't think it's right for anyone to say that you can't do this because your not of this culture.
I thought it was out of line for them to say that other people cant step, but on the other hand, they have a point.
A majority of the class believes that it shouldn't matter if the person is white or black. The best steppers should win.
One student believed that some things should remain seperate and white steppers should not be allowed.
I think that this is wrong. A dance is a dance no matter who does it. It should not be segregated to only one race. If African American people say that white people can't step. Then white people see a video of african american people moshing, the white community would flip out but we would be "hating" on them and everyone is trying to put African Americans down. It's not right.
Hey, stepping is for everybody. At our high school, stepping is multicultural and it broadens the horizons of everybody!
Let's take basketball for instance, it started out as a "white" sport. African Americans are now the majority in basketball. It seems to be a double-standard. African Americans wanted equality in all activities, but now do not want to extend the same consideration to other races.
If African Americans want stepping to be exclusive to their race, then just let them have it.
I think that since stepping is apart of Afrian American cultur they should beable to keep stepping to them selfs
I think that it's cool that stepping is moving from just the African Americans. I don't get what the huge deal is we're not trying to take away your glory or anything we just want to be part of it because it's new to us. Mimicking, copying, and following are the things that lead to flattery.
No matter what your race, you can't be held responsible for other people's anger at you doing well for another cultural activity. If activities were kept to cultures they started with forever, what would the 'great melting pot' be now?
I believe that anybody should be able to do this dance. It is a free country and we all have equal rights. Look what has happened in the past when white people told aferican american they can't compete or particapate in a event.
The stepping should not just be limited to blacks. Just because it started with them does not mean that it has to stay there. We are a multicultural nation therefore we should be aloud to share ideas. Its just like blues it is now very popular around many differemt races. We are not african americans we are not Latin americans nor are we native americans we are all just americans.
Steping should be for everyone
Personally, I think that this shouldn't be an issue. Since the beginning of time we've always tried to divide things. I think that if someone enjoys something, no matter who you are, whether that be ethnicity or color, you should be able to do the thing you love to do.
I think that stepping should be for everyone because its fun and people have something to be happy about,Also they have something to be proud about.
It does'nt matter what race you are just as long as you are having fun!!!
I don't really get why people get so mad?whould you get mad if Mexicans stepped!
WHO CARES!!!????? seriously if someone wantsd step let them just STEP!!!! they're gonna do it anyway!
whats the diffrence in the black president and a white president. its the same thing. we are all the same just diffrent colors
This is dumb. Honestly, what are the black people afraid of? That white people will be better at what they do?
I believe that we are an open nation and no one subject or sport should belong to one race/group/nationality. Just beacuse presidency has "belonged" to white males doesn't mean that an african american can't go into service or a female. Rap music has always been towards african americans, so what about eminem or other white rappers, they aren't getting kicked out of the buisness? Just because America started out as an all white country, doesn't mean that if your a different ethnicity you aren't allowed here. We are America for a reason, we are known for our freedom and with such remarks like "cutural theft" is taking away our freedom. If your good at, you should have an equal chance.
we are all the same in gods eyes
i love stepp
jesus sees the same love dont judge
it is like jackie robenson breaking through the color barrier in baseball. black people would be really happy. same for the stepping the white people broke through the black stepping now the white people won
In the United States, descrimination should not be an issue any longer. The Olympics is a clear sign that all of the races can compete with each other in any event. Descrimination should not exist in any sport, including " stepping".
Personally, I think that this controversy has gone way too far. We live in a multicultural society and it's only logical for other cultures to adopt customs, traditions, etc. that they come into contact with. Honestly, those girls step because they like it, not because they want to steal African American culture.
Everybody should have a chance it s just another activity for all the people that enjoy stepping.
i think they should all be able to step
i dont really care about stepping but the opther comments that people said about white people taking everything away from blacks is just dumb
Everyone should be allowed to step, as Americans we have equal rights no matter the color of your skin
Ok, well i think black people shuld be proud that white people are
"Stepping" because when white people are stepping it shows that they are intrested in the African American coulture, and if thay get offended from the white girls winning then thats just silly and they shuld be proud because it shows that they know it well enough to teach other people of a diffrent race.
I don't see what the big deal is about white people winning the stepping contest. White people don't get anything to their self. We're all supposed to be equal.
I believe Stepping is for everyone, in some ways. If the white women were doing it to get back at the african-american women it was wrong. Violence never solves anything. But if they were doing that to show off there new dance, let them do it. Everyone can do anything. Just if some white people made a new "tribal" dance, that doesn't exclude the african-americans from doing it just as good as we do it.
The reason kids join step team ISNT because of their race or ethnicity. Its because they all genuinely love step. The club wasnt created for a certain race, it was created so that kids who love step can join together doing something they love.
I think that although it is a major part of african american culture, step is also a part of pop culture and should be shared with everyone.
people shouldnt care what your color is but if your good at stepping and you understand what it means to you.
I think that African-Americans have their cultures, but this is a great opportunity to share it!
Customs from other countries and races have been adapted by people of all backgrounds before. Whats different now?
I think that stepping is more of a thing for black sorority's and that it shows a way of black culture,but there's nothing in the rules that prevents white sorority's from joining.
people should let other people join not keep it to yourselves share it with others .
This is crazy it is just a stepping contest. Steping can be done by anyone of any color
it is only fair if everybody gets to stepp and that rude comment about how black people should get to step is very racial and i hope a bucch of white people to do it just to make that guy madd every body has a right to do what they want and the guy that said the comment is just jealeous cause he is not as good as those other people
it was fair to the people that one cause they deserved it and they worked hard to get where they wanted to get and there going to keep on striving
i think that things like dancing is made for everybody and people are free to do as they may and besides stepping is an activity that shouldn't get too competitive, but it gets results
i think that this stupid that the white people won. i think that this is a black thing. if it were me and i were there i would have said something.
Saying whites can't compete in stepping competitions is just like saying African Americans can't eat in certain places; it's racist. As the Declaration of Independence says "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. " Which means that every one has the same rights despite race.
This is incredibly foolish, in modern times there is no more cultural theft, only cultural preservation, and what has happened to the zetas was wrong. They were unofficially stripped of their 1st place. It was only after the outraged community made it clear that they were upset with the contest that the judges made the so called "discrepancy" clear. They only had to share the title to ease the minds of those people who are so concerned about "preserving their culture."
This is example racism. I see it no different than saying "you can ride the bus, but you cannot sit in the front of the bus."
Translation: "you can compete in stepping, but your just not allowed to win at it" I see no difference what so ever. Can someone tell me how this isn’t racism?
I think that as long as anyone is willing to learn about where it comes from and what its about should be able to step. But also if Africans arn't willing to lean about it they should not be able to step.
What ever your color is, that doesn't matter. Look at Jackie Robinson he was the first African American baseball player. What about a white man joining a step team there shouldn't be anything wrong with that.
Africans may think that white people have no right to do stepping, but I feel that stepping is for everyone. And we should enjoy doing no matter who we are.
In think that it should be for everyone who wants to compete and not just for one culture it's a competition on stepping not on your race.
In think that stepping should be able to be done by all types of people no matter what they are. Although I sort of understand I mean the were miss treated for so long, and I think that they should have something that only should be able to do no one else.
I think that stepping is for everyone, and that no one should have the right to say whether it is theirs or not. People should just watch and enjoy it, because it is all just for entertainment and amusement.
Just because we come from different places doesn't mean we can't experience others' tradition. I think stepping should be regarded as a fun activity where we can learn about other cultures, not an exclusive event where only one culture can win. After reading the other comments, I feel a lot of people agree. It doesn't matter where you come from, it's a fun activity that people should be proud of for spreading around the world.
I think that stepping should be for everybody so you can learn new things and learn different cultures and there way of dancing. Stepping should be for everybody that wants to learn to do it.
Honestly, If people want to Step then who cares. Let them do what they wish to, because they have rights just like anybody else, and you can't stop them from stepping. :]
Seriously, what is all this controversy about!? Does it really matter if your black or white!? You should be able to step no matter what race you are as long as your having fun(:
I think stepping is cool, and that it should be for anyone who enjoys it. Also that it doesn't matter where your from, or what culture your from, stepping should be for anyone.
I don't think it's really a big deal. If some one wants to do something, just let them do it. Most white people stopped discriminating against African Americans, but even though we try to get along, people still discriminate against the White people.
I think all the racist people and all the African Americans that think all whites are racist should just stop the fricken fighting. Our ancestors might of had slaves but that was there decision. Today is a new year were most people respect each other even if they have different colored skin. And if stepping is an African American tribal dance then don't get mad at the white people that are competing because there good at it and can use the money; instead somebody should have talked to the sprite people that turned a tribal dance into a competition.
As a Social Studies teacher, I can say that the definition of racism is prejudice or animosity against people who belong to other races. Therefore, it can be racist for African Americans to discriminate against Whites being in the stepping sport. In my opinion, race should not be a criteria for whether or not someone can step. If you can dance it doesn't matter what color your skin is! Stepping is for fun! Spread the love!
Anyone should be able to do step. We are all the same
I think that it does not matter of the color of the skin of anyone. If that person is good at stepping and like it then they should do it and should care what other people think.
I think anyone should be able to step it was originally a black culture dance but anyone should be able to step.
I can understand that they want to keep stepping within them selves because it is religious but they should be able to say hey they were good too.
Yes, the Black started this, and yes it was their history, but white people have shared any things with them as well. They complain about whites being racist towards them a lot, then isn't this just being racist back? I think everyone should just get along.
It doesn't matter who u r or what color u r. The thing that matters is if you have fun doing it and like the idea of competing in the competitions. And don't really care who wins. This is something that anyone can do!
I agree that everyone can do stepping but if black people started it first they should at least be able to keep their tradition. If black people did something that white people do they would probably not like it.
I think stepping should be for everyone.! It doesn't matter what race you are or were you come from everyone should be able to step.In this world we are all equal and people should just stop being racist and face the truth .
It does not matter what color you are. If you love stepping, you should step.
This is the United States which means no one should be excluded or rejected just because of their race. I'm sure that African Americans have "stolen" certain aspects of white culture and because we all live in the same country, it's pretty hard not to.
I agree that stepping can be for everyone one, but what if African American's took something from white people like a dance move then what would happen. And those girls that won the money should at least understand that stepping is an African American thing. So I am very neutral about this situation.
I think that its for American Americans only. It was originated by them and it should stay for them. Also the team that won a white-only team and I think that was stupid. They were probably trying to get people mad. If anything they should have a team with all kinds of races. That is my opinion.
I can understand how they feel. I know what it feels like to have something taken away from me. I also think that the white girls were trying to make people mad. I mean, come on, an all white girls team!?!? They could have at least put some Mexicans, or in there!!
no matter what the color i feel that people should just do what they enjoy, no matter where it came from. in the end america is called the melting pot of the world
I think that if it was the African Americans culture that they should be able to keep that if they feel offended. Although the team was all white people and they could have included some Arabians, or Indians.[;
I think that Stepping is a dance that anyone can enjoy. It shouldn't matter their color. People are going to do it anyways. No matter the color.
Honestly what are they so mad about? They made the dance they should be happy that it got popular with another race. Besides they made the dance, What are they afraid of that white people are gonna get better then them.
I think that it is good that other cultures are doing stepping too. It's true that this was traditionally an African American hobby, but I think they should be honored that other cultures are participating in this activity. This sort of thing happens all the time though. I'm seeing parallels to Jackie Robinson in baseball...
if blacks dont want other race to let them then i think that its their right, because its true they dont ever keep anything for themselves.
People sometimes thinK that after you start something, its gonna stay their but no. People take cultures and pass it all over the world,
i think the whites have every right to step.My teacher after watching todays news cast asked us if what the blacks were doing to whites was rasis and most of the class agreed it wa.Why can't the blacks just agree to alow whites to step.
I think stepping is for everyone.The Irish did not freak out when Americans started Irish dancing.
blacks did come up with it but whites can do it to its a free country
I think blacks trying to keep this an African-American exclusive sport is extremely hypocritical of them. In history blacks were praised for breaking the barriers in "white dominated" sports: basketball, baseball, football, etc., because they believed it was wrong of whites to keep said sports segregated, yet now when whites want to cross the barrier into something that originated through African-Americans they're calling foul? Where's the equality in that?
I believe that stepping is not just for blacks for any other race interested. My old school had a step team although they were all black; some commented that there were some whites that deserved to be on the team. No one should take offense of another race stepping because its just childish and should be seen as a form of flattery.
I think it's rude that the African Americans are so angered by this. After they fought against discrimination for so long, why would they do try to discriminate against whites?
Now, black and white are one, I think it was nice idea to win stepping contest.
Skills don't differ because of your skin color. The Zetas worked hard, so they were rewarded.
I get the fact the african americans were a little ticked off about a whole white team winning the stepping contest, but lets face it, we all live on the same planet and we all work together. Therefore, we should be able to share all hobbies (and sports) no matter if we are black or white.
While it's easy to focus on the attitude of the people that say it is "cultural theft," I think it's important to commend the winners for daring to break a stereotype, working hard and succeeding at something that they have a passion for.
I think that stepping is just a thing you do for fun. If that is a theft, then how come Koreans let Americans learn Taekwando?
Stepping might of started out as an african american origin but I think it doesn't mean that only african americans. Thinking of it that way will just bring back another civil war. Everyone should just set away differences and get along.
YOU. HAVE. GOT .TO. BE. KIDDING. ME. Imagine this situation in reverse – stepping is a cultural activity for white people, and a group of black people win the national championship. What would be on the news? "First black stepping team wins national competition!" And if anything were said about it, it would be considered RACIST. Two words describe this controversy- REVERSE DISCRIMINATION. So white people "stole" stepping from black people? If that is the way you are going to look at it, then why aren't white people angry that black people completely assimilated the whites' entire culture when they were brought to the colonies? Honestly, how hypocritical and selfish can you get?
Personally, i think the white step team won fair and square. The other people who complained shouldnt even have gotten the money or share the title. May the best person win and it was clearly the Zedas.
i get that some people feel offened by this but i think thats how culture gets passed which is a good thing not to be racist but we let african americans into our culture so why cant we share their cultures
I think that only one prize should be awarded to the BEST performance when the all white group won it fair and square.
i say you said feel free to dance no matter what color your skin is
The african americans were mad when we wouldn't let them do things well now it's vise versa
I think that it shouldn't matter if we get into their sport because we let them play football, basketball, and baseball, so we should be aloud into their sports.
stepping should be for everyone think of it as people wanting to be like you.
I think that everyone should just stop arguing and just let everyone do it. Who cares who started it. Everyone takes a long time to learn or practice. EVERYONE CAN DO IT.
It doesn't really matter it's spreading something fun for other people to do. It was actually cool that they got the opportunity to learn something new that they can share with other people.
The U.S. is a free country, and I think that everyone should live with liberty, and be free and express your true talents. People shouldn't say things that hurt the winner/s feelings, because sometimes a change is good.
No matter what color we are, we are an equal nation. We all should be treated the same on how we look. Blacks have been getting better treatment, only because they believe we owe them something for the slavery ages. But we should all be equal!
I believe that every person in the U.S, should be treated equally. Even though that was African stepping, whites should not be stopped from doing the activity. It should be a activity for all, not just one. That is what I believe!
Anybody should be allowed to pursue whatever activity. Just because they step better than you does not give you a reason to judge.
why are we separiting our selves again we are all people and we are equal whites and blackes should be treated equally! there is no better race! every race has the right to do any thing they want !
I think that if you want to do some stepping you should do it. I think that it is racist that some of the African- American groups are upset with the white steppers because it is from the African culture. I'm sure that African-Americans have adopted some cultural things from different cultures.
I don't think that there is a such thing as 'cultural theft'. A certain kind of dance or music might originate from a certain culture or country, but it shouldn't be limited to only that certain culture/country. Cultural activities don't stay within one community of people, and no matter the race, if you love doing it, you should be allowed to.
stepping should be for every one. It shouldent matter.No matte .rwhat color we are we are all gods children.
I can understand both sides of this topic, but i don't get why it race is such a big deal. People act like it is a crime to be a certain race and like to act or do something that a mojority of the people doing it aren't from that race. You can't choose your race.
I personally think that it's okay for the dance to get passed on. America is a land of mixed cultures, and it's racist for anyone else to think that their culture's dance can't be passed on. Cultures should be shared with other people. Being "white" or "black doesn't matter, it's how you act.
I personally think that it's okay for the dance to get passed on. America is a land of mixed cultures, and it's racist for anyone else to think that their culture's dance can't be passed on. Cultures should be shared with other people. Being "White" or "Black" doesn't matter, it's how you act.
I think the fact that people are even talking about this is racist in itself. Making this sport exclusive would be a step backwards in history. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't fight segregation against blacks all those years ago just to see the roles switched. No matter a person's color, a person is a person. So naturally, a stepper is a stepper.
the African- Americans should be honored. if Martian Luther King was alive he would not be impressed. so just be honored it is good that we american are taking after you
It upsets me that african-americans can get angry over the fact that white people are stepping. They should be proud that their culture is spreading! What they are doing could be considered racism. If a white person made a sport or a dance from their culture but said that "only caucasians can do it", they would get sued for racism! So african-americans have no right to "keep it for themselves" because us white people don't try to steal things from you, we just find a passion for them as well.
i think that people should just understand. it is not a big deal it is just an honor that we want to follow their foot steps. don't worry be happy
I can see why people feel they have been robbed of something that they believe is theirs, but sharing is a good thing. This art shouldn't reamain exclusive only to African Americans, just because they came up with it. If someone of a different race and culture decides to do it, it really couldn't be considered theft as much as admiration. Who knows, there could be some reason that makes them feel like they should step.
I think it wouldn't matter, but it's something they started. I mean they're the same as us. Color doesn't matter.
people these days just think that they have to have it their way. but they don't.just think if you had to be rich to watch cnn student news that would not be fair.
It doesn't matter if you are black or white or blue (like me) or all of them combined. We are all the same on the inside.
They're racist if they can't even share a dance!
Stepping should be for everyone, it's a free country and who says that white people shouldn't be able to step, who cares about what color your skin is, if you peel back all skin, take away our internal organs, we would all be the same, everyone should just shut up about all this, and just be friends.
people all over the world do the same thing. it does not matter what color you at it is just what you like. do not care what other people say just do what you love.
The controversy about a white team winning what has been called a, "African American sport" is ridiculous. If stepping where considered to be a "Whites sport" then the whites would be considered racist by the African Americans. The team won because of their talent and the color of their skin shouldn't take any part of the victory away from them.
They should be happy that stepping is becoming widely popular however, I don't agree that the white team can appreciate the true art of stepping in the same way as the original black founders.
Even if it is a cultural tradition, that doesn't give any group the right to cut "others" out of anything. The Canadians didn't stop anyone from playing hockey, nor did the English stop anyone from playing soccer. What right do they have to stop anyone from enjoying their tradition(s). In fact, they should be flattered to have people who want to embrace their tradition. People shouldn't look inside so much, open up to the world!
We are all people in this world and we are pretty much the same. We all share the sports we play, the songs we sing, and alot of the types of food we eat, so why should stepping be for just one race? This is the 21st century, we should all be past things like racism. 🙂
I think that it doesn't matter what color the steppers are. Also, african americans have all sorts of things going for them. Basketball, break dancing, and they have their own month! I think they could stand to allow whites to step a little.
I also think they might have changed the scoring so people wouldn't send them nasty comments about Stepping being an African American dance.
I don't think its fair they want to exclude Caucasians from stepping. How would they feel if we excluded them from something?
Stepping shouldnt be for just african americans, that would be like saying sports are just for caucasians. It is a free country and you can do what you want.
Well, I can understand how African American can feel offended. Whites have dances and they do too. However it shouldn't matter about the color while dancing as long as you have fun! Stomping is really fun I bet, and both of the winning teams should feel proud that they won. Stomping is meant be integrated. If they feel like that then they should make rules about who can compete. I really don't think that this should be as big as this problem is!!
That is racism.
This whole thing, I believe, is just wrong. The African Americans don't have a right to tell the whites not to do it. They claim that they want just one thing to themselves. What exactly does "just one thing" mean? It's not as if whites have things to themselves that African Americans DON'T have. The discrimination against African Americans is over now! That was ended in the 60's. If African Americans don't want to be prevented from doing things, as they were prevented in the past, then why should they prevent the whites from doing things?
I think they should make everything equal don't push anyone out pull everyone in to go STEPPING!
I don't really think that is reasonable, because black people have and or do lots of things whites made up, so I think white people should be able to step as well.
I think that white people should be able to step without causing controversy, but they should acknowledge the people who were doing it first. Everyone always tell you to share, but then when you share something like a dance, its a big deal? Why is that?
I think stepping is a very good thing to do and that all of us kids should do it as a hobby.
If it's fun do it, don't worry about what other people say about what you like at all.
This was a very interesting article since it somehow reminded me of segregation, since they think it's there's they believe it should stay that way. Although I can relate to that feeling that is no reason why those people should be condemned by the African-American population (although I don't mean that all african- americans feel that way). All in all with cultures and ideas people from different cultures will relate these things into their own sciety if its a great idea and if everyone had that mindset not much work would get done.
No activity should be limited to a certain group, whether based on etnicity, gender, or sexual preferences. Stepping is about talent and it shouldn't only be open to African Americans. Saying otherwise is wrong. If we are all created equal, we should all be able to step together!
I belive that if the steppers were raciest why did they teach the other team how to step. Also they should be very happy that the team they taught won. We shold all forget about the color of our skin and look on the inside.
I think that when it comes to an event like stepping that anyone that has a passion for it shouldn't be denied the chance of competing because of thier skin color.
i think that it's their culture they should be able to dictate that sort of thing it's like if you make up a song or story or something it's yours. even if it spreads a bit like Elvis's style. just make it different like a different name for white people like maybe spinin' or something
Black and whites can do the same thing... We are all equal. For us to be equal was what Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks dreamed of and fought for. Lets not change that over a dance competion
I think stepping is for everyone as long as they aren't making fun of it.
Um... ok, wow...
Person A bakes brownies and shares them with his friends, but because of this, Person B isn't allowed to bake brownies from the same recipe to share with his friends-he's only allowed to bake cookies.
Now, how's THAT for racism?
☺ i think that if the person thinks it's right it's right for that person. not to sound goofy but it sorta is an opinion thing☺
I can understand what African Americans are saying. But to say that stepping is only a "black" thing is not right. Should being a president be a "white" thing because every president before Pres. Obama was. No if your good at what you do and its positive there is nothing wrong. If people think like the comments on Youtube would run the world, we would be in trouble.
I think this is stupid. Just because the americans held a stepping dance competition. I mean americans break dance and it is more of an African American dance and they don't get offended. What do you think?
white people should be able to be in blacks sport we let blacks go into ballet thats considered a 'white' thing
Equality goes both ways. If they truly believe in equality, there's very little I can see that would morally or legally prevent anyone from stepping. I don't see very many Asian people protesting white people learning karate...
I believe there should be no changes with the contest. With any sort of game there should not be segregation! If you compete fairly you will win or lose fairly! I think the first team that won should have been able to keep the title and money all to themselves! We have already gone through the civil rights act banning the segregation of blacks and whites, lets not live this on in activities we all love to do!
i believe strongly agains the racial conflect aout the matter i think that stepping is for everybody and any race religion or group can do it if your good at it and love it with a passion you should be able to compete even my freind coppens can do it.
I definitely think that stepping should be for everyone. It shouldn't matter what race they are. It was developed by the African-Americans in the beginning, but they should be very proud that more people of different race are now starting to join.
I can see why african americans are upset because it is part of their culture but i think its cool that other nationalities are trying to participate and that they should be allowed and praised for doing so.
I don't think it really matters what ethnic group won as long as they were good. The whites aren't stealing their customs, they are just doing something that interests them.
Stepping does belong to African American culture. I think even if you may loose to people of non-ancestry, you should just try harder and practice more for the next competition.
We are all part of this world, and therefore we should all be able to participate in activities such as this.
I think that its great for people of all races to be culturally be accepting to one another. racism is not about saying that "black people are as good as white people," its about looking strait past the skin and getting to understand each other, and what better way than to experience it yourself.?
Just enjoy and be happy that you did your best, even you didn't took the first place!
i think everyone who wants to "step" can step all they want because if i recall right African Americans invaded baseball years ago, there really is no room for any African American saying that a White person can't be in a Stepping contest.
As a student can say that the definition of racism is prejudice or animosity against people who belong to other races. Therefore, it can be racist for African Americans to discriminate against Whites being in the stepping sport. In my opinion, race should not be a criteria for whether or not someone can step. If you can dance it doesn't matter what color your skin is! Stepping is for fun! Spread the love!
Our world is changing so much, and you arent going to be able to stop it. America has elected a black president, while its has been "tradition" only to have a white serve. To myself, the same concept applies to the stompping controversy. It's predominatly black people participating , but the worlds changing, and we have to welcome it and make the best of it. Otherwise another civil war will creep up on us, and who wants that?
While i do think its a little rude to just perform another culture's tradtions on a moment's notice, thats no reason to make such a big deal out of it. I think they both should rethink their actions and act better in hte future.
I think that it is good that those girls tried and won! Also it is awesome that african americans started it, and i think everybody should be able to step dance. Everyboby should be able to sing,dance and ect. At the end America is still the country of freedom.
Everyone should be welcomed to take part since competitiveness is the power to make people become stronger. And that's why we have contests.
stepping is for all
I think stepping is a sport for everyone. It doesn't matter your race. Caucasion peoples don't have sports that only they can participate in. Why should african americans? I think everyone should be treated equally, sports included. The olympics are made up of many different races. I think that dance should be treated the same way.
Stepping is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are black or white. As long as they share the passion for it, there is nothing wrong with it. And black people should be happy that their stepping is getting evolved into everyday culture. And now it is being appreciated by many more "true" dancers.
I think that it is silly that there is any controversy at all, it shouldn't matter if your black or white people have the right to do what they enjoy.
The national stepping competition brought a huge contoversy over race issues. The problem started when a white team won the competition, when people mostly thought that that was a "black thing". Later on, the group started talking about how there is no fixed race that is supposed to win the competition. The place where the competition was being held was mostly packed by African Americans, and the dance was also started by them, that is why people thought that they were made to win it, when in reality, a white team won.
I think that stepping is something that eveyone should do. It is a comeptitive thing and it looks fun and exciting.
I don't see why whites can't be steppers, there's African American people in alot of American traditions, and we have an african american president why can't white people be steppers? It seems almost prejudice to me.
i think that people should be allowed to do what they like. everyone knows that it will all be over in a couple of days .
why should it matter?! Black,white,red,brown-why does it matter?! We are ONE country,and I personaly dont see what's wrong with it! We have blacks starting for basketball,football,and many more sports that whites used to only play. It shouldn't matter – but for some reason it does.
I have to admit, when I heard about yet another controversy about racism I was downhearted. We, as Americans, have all, regardless of color, made an effort to treat each other equally, without restrictions or bounds. Yes, Caucasian Americans did once enslave the African American people, but almost over 200 years ago. Today we all seem to think that we have made historic success on the vulgar language of slavery but all this issue says to me is that we still can't get past the same thing we've all strived over two centuries for: equality and the biggest issue of all, equal opportunity.
A contest is a contest you'll always have more years to come ahead to win. We are one country we have alot of black people who are professionals
If you're out there doing something you love, in this case stepping, it shouldn't matter what race, religion, or gender you are. I think this situation is getting a lot more attention than it needs.
Look this whole stepping thing just brings problems with in the black community and white community and the Latin’s, Asians, and all of the other races.
Stepping is really just a type of dance that we have competitions in. It’s just another dace competition. People are sometimes just too competitive.
See I'm Latin and I don't really see the different colors. I mean I see the color but I really don't care. People are people. If there is a rude black person i just say that person is really rude or a white rude person i just say that person is really rude. Or if there is a nice black or white person i just say that that person is a really nice person whom has a nice personality.
Back to stepping. Stepping is just another dace for everyone to enjoy like jerkin or salsa. Its just a new dance to learn.
Some black people discriminate them selves. They want to be different. So do white people, and us Latinos. We just want to be different. But you sometimes have to share the differences we have.
im white, but my school is 70% black. there really is a culture between the African Americans, and often i feel like im intruding. i once got my hair done in cornrows by one of the girls in my homeroom, and a lot of the black students felt like i was... intruding, or taking something that was uniquely theirs. the team white team should have thought about what might happen before they entered. on the other hand, there shouldn't be a rule barring people who arent black from participating. its no better than segregation. its a piece of pop culture that could be shared, but right now it belongs to a specific group, and that group should decide if they want to share it, those outside of that group also shouldn't be a part of that decision
stepping is for everybody it doesn't matter what color you are if you are the best of the group you deserve to win no matter what
Honestly, it doesn't matter if white people do it. By saying that its only right for black people to do it, you are saying that we should go back to people having only certain rights. If white people cant step, black people cant go to college and every other minority has to go back to doing what their stereotype is. In my opinion, white people are the minority now-a-days, not black people, mexicans, puerto ricans, asians, or anyone, they are the majority now.
If african-americans say that "white people" shouldn't step, then doesn't that take us back to the days of segregation?
saying that somebody can't do something because their white is just like saying somebody can't do something because their black what if it were the other way around then what? if they beat the other teams then they shouldn't have to share the title
You know to tell you the truth stepping is like the whole basketball thing long ago .White people didnt want black people to play basketball.Now black people dont want white people to do stepping.I think that if you can do something good there shouldnt be anyone telling you that you cant do it.
Sour grapes sour grapes... It was a competition, and usually the best team will win! Give the girls the credit they deserve. Why should the race card be played? Totally unnecessary; black/white/pink/blue – stepping is a skill and has no 'owner'; if you're good at it, celebrate it! Friendly competition is always a good thing...
I, for one, am borderline infuriated! this is maddening! how is this cultural theft? Stepping is an activity that is not JUST for the African American culture, and to think that it is would be narrow minded. If it is, what good has the civil rights movement done us?
White,Black,blue,purple,green,yellow,orange, or pink it doesnt matter what color we are I mean like a long time ago there was this basketball thing where whites didnt want blacks playing. Now blacks can play basketball infact some of the best basketball players were or are black,so why cant whites do stepping? We have let blacks into our culture. Why is it so bad to let whites in to their culture? We should show our culture to everyone we know so it will be passed on.:) We shouldn't care what color we are !!!!!!!!!!!! We are all one big family in the end.
Are we really going to go back to the past? With white people can only do this and black people can only do that?
Just becuase a gruop of poeple made a kind of dance doesnt mean that sort of poeple should only dance it i meen come on ...just get over with it
I get why there upset i guess but any color should be aloud to step its a every body sport
In my opinion this is ridiculous. If white people want to step thier allowed to do so. Why is it such a problem for African-Americans if another race wants to enjoy the art of stepping? If white people wanted to have their own dance it would be considered racist. No matter the race if u want to step then step. After all wasn't the U.S built on cultural diversity.
In my point of view is does not matter.I understand that stepping is majority black.I think the best should win,just like any other sport
I beleive white people have the exact same rightes as black people. Stepping is a fun activity that should be free to everyone no matter what color they are.Even if stepping is more of a black people activity white people should be given the right to do it as well.
I think it would be best if the teams became more mixed, like African Americans with Whites. It would make things a lot fairer and would take away biased results based on race. In a competition, skill is what matters, not race.
Stepping should be for everyone. These are just people expressing themselves through dancing. Every culture takes something from other cultures, like the U.S. We took religion, government, food, dance etc. from other people. Even mixed things things like music so we Americans now have our own music.
I think personally that people can do what they want, because it is a free country, it is not fair like that. I know how Americans treated Afircan Americans, but this is a new time.I believe in brotherhood. But that statement was uncalled for. People can do what they want. It is called Respect.
My opinion over this debate is that the "white people" should be able to win the step competition. That's what they love to do and they worked hard to win. If african american people are saying that "white people" are being disrespectful well they are being no better then when there was segregation and civil war time period. African Americans are being unreasonable.
Stepping should not just be for African American. We all live on this earth so we need to share in life.
You know to tell you the truth stepping is like the whole basketball thing long ago .White people didn't want black people to play basketball.saying that somebody can't do something because their white is just like saying somebody can't do something because their black what if it were the other way around then what?Honestly, it doesn't matter if white people do it. Look this whole stepping thing just brings problems with in the black community and white I don't see why whites can't be steppers, there's African American people in a lot of American traditions, and we have an African American president why can't white people be steppers? It seems almost prejudice to me.
Stepping is really just a type of dance that we have competitions in. It’s just another dace competition. People are sometimes just too competitive.
See I'm Latin and I don't really see the different colors. I mean I see the color but I really don't care. People are people.
Who cares if you're black, White, green or pink! it dosn't mater what race you are to dance! I think its all about how hard you work, if the all white team was the best, they should get the credit! well DUH.
It doesnt matter if you are black, white, yellow red, green, purple, or blue because everyone is the same in the inside but everyone should be aloud to to do stepping and its doesn't matter that the African Americans started it so i think ever should be able to be stepping.
i thought discrimination was already bad enough! but now where arguing over who is allowed to dance a specific dance?! I thought this was America! The land of Freedom and Justice for all! What ever happened to that?
i thing we should let them have there own[ Africanamerican] stepping contest and make our own so we are just borrowing there steppin because everybody can do it not just them we are not stellig from them
I think Dr. King would be embarrassed that African-Americans would feel that stepping is "just for them". Stepping is for everybody. It is freedom of expression.
I think that everyone that wants to step should because if the african ameriacans don't let them is like not treating them the same when a person is a person no matter what race. We should all be treated eaqually.
I find it horribly outrageous that this is even a controversy. Why is it alright for African Americans to Though I recognize the time this wasn’t always true, baseball and other sports leagues have opened up to people of all colors, why shouldn’t stepping? I’ve noticed this same problem before in situations throughout my life. Why is it alright for Africans to keep a sport culturally bound while it’s considered racists if whites (or any other race for that matter,) try to? I understand Africans are proud of their heritage, but look at the Australian geisha! Last time I checked America was an equal country. It’s not right for anybody to be allowed racisms- this shouldn’t even be a problem!
In my school... The image of "the nerdy white kid" and "the mexican that is a rockin' soccer player" stands and I don't feel that this is quite fair. Maybe in the past, White-skinned ancestors of ours made terrible blunders by not being fair to people of the other race, but the answer is not an eye for an eye, My heart is red your heart is red, we both love our families, can't we just get along already? 300 years + is long enough.
i think that is wrong stepping is for everybody. i have friends that step and they are white and black so why should it matter if you are white or black it is for everybody and if they have a problem with the whites getting in then they should make it a all black stepping contest
To stick up for the African Americans, I say that it is cultural theft. African Americans have their own cultural. How can a white step without really knowing what is behind it? Sure, they can go through the movements. But only the African Americans really know what it means. It is a mix of modern movements and their tribal dances. The African Americans are truly sore about the discrimination against them, and feel that the whites are overpowering them. The whites are discriminating them AND now trying to take their culture? That's not fair.
So what if a white team won? We live in the land of equal opportunity. It's racism to say whites shouldn't be allowed to compete simply because African-Americans believe caucasians are taking over their culture. I don't hear anyone complaining about the ethnic make-up of the NFL or the NBA.
I Think The Judges Gave The Prize To Whoever They Thought Did Best. Why Should Color Be A Issue? I Think Next Year They Need To "Step It Up". (No Pun Intended) 😉
Also I Would Like To Take This Time To Ask Sarah To Prom.
Thanks Carl!
I Think The Judges Gave The Prize To Whoever They Thought Did Best. Why Should Color Be A Issue? I Think Next Year They Need To "Step It Up". (No Pun Intended) 😉
I think that just because one natinality starts somthing doesnt mean other people cant catch on. Some people say that copying is a form of flatery.
I think that they should make a stepping team with both African Americans and Americans. I also think that the African AMericans should get more credit because it's something that has to do with native dance. I just hope we will solve the controversy soon.
Thanks to globalization, I can listen to Japanese hiphop music today. It is obvious that african americans' cultures are "used to be" thier cultures. Because of globalization, we see rappers, break dancers and DJs everywhere around the world. It is nonsense to say those "are" only one [group's] property today. Imitation is a reflection of props to thier originators.
it dosent matter where stepping comes from it just matters if you have fun doing it.
I think stepping is for everyone, it doesnt matter what race you are. If there dancing was good then they should have won. It doesn't matter that they would have had to share the title as long as the other team was just as good.
Hello everyone! I am from Bulgaria, a country near to Turkey, but often watch CNN and American movies. And in many of them are starring white and black people, and Grammys and Oscars have been won by white and black people and MTV awards and many many other awards. Stepping is cool dance, why shouldn't be danced from everyone? We all are the same , we all are people, we all are free.... In fact isn't America called the country of the freedom, or the country of the free people.... ?
i think that they should not be so mad because everyone should have the chance but that is my thoughts.
Buddy says: why would my people (African Americans) get so upset about white's "taking their dance", when we've taken basketball, baseball, and track!!!
This is just wrong. Just because the girls that won were white doesn't mean that they shouldn't have won, or that they were stealing the African American culture. Stepping is a skill and if someone or a group of people who are not African American can do it, then they should have the right to be able to win. I personally think that the reason that they said there was a miss judge was because they didn't want the White people to completely win. Stepping shouldn't only be for the Blacks, the Whites should be able to try the dance for themselves and the Blacks should take it a a compliment that someone liked a part of there culture so much that they wanted to take part in it.
I don't think it's right for the white girls to be discriminated against because it is not native to them. I feel if they took the time to learn these dances (stepping) routines, they should be able to enjoy a victory. It is not up to a competive team to decide if it is fair for the white girls team two win. We are all equal as human beings, therefor the chance of winning should be fair. It's not fair for those who try so hard to be let go because it is not nativ eto them.
The racial part of this controversy is just rediculous....Just because stepping is mostly a black thing doesnt mean that whites and other culrure's can't do it...honestly, i think they're just mad because they lost.
Honestly, I think that the white team of girls is good and bad. I think it is great that Americans can do anything that African Americans can do. But, when I think of stepping, I sort of think that it was invented by African Americans and they should be the ony ones in the competition. Stepping was sortof like their own way to have fun. But at the same time, Americans invented baseball and football and other sports that African Americans play today.
We are not stealing any of there stuff by spepping. If the white girls want to do it they can. Like all the black people say " I thought we were all equal to each other". If they want to play the blame game they stole football, baseball, basketball from the white people. So i think we can start stepping if we want to. Also if the black girl team would have won there would have not been a mess-up with the scoring
The people who are getting mad at the caucasian stepping team are completely out of line. If we are all equal then why would you say that something is ONLY an african american thing.
Come on, culural theft, really? Just beause a white person wins a stepping competition doesn't mean they're stealing anything, and plus, aren't we all supposed to be equal? I doubt that there was a scoring disrepency, I think the people who said that were just trying to appeal to the people who were upset.
As an african american student I do believe that stepping originated from black people/history. However, to me that doesnt matter. If you can step then you can step. Who cares what race or ethnicity you are. Stepping is supposed to be fun no matter what race you are.
You know what i don't even think that it is that big of a deal and if some not all but those ones who think its "Cultural theft" should think of all the sports that started out in some other countrie and now is an interacial sport so they just need to exept that stepping is for every
I think that, that whole idea is racist. If white people are "stealing" something that the black people do then they have no right to play basketball and football. Those where invented by white people. Because if we are acting like them we could play that card. Then lets see what happens. If i was on that white stepping team and we won fair and square and some other team was fighting for the title of campionship because "white people are not allowed to step" i would say go ahead and take if you really want it that bad, becuase most people will know that they took the title from the rightfull winner no matter the color of their skin.
I believe that anyone should be able to step it does'nt matter if your black, white, orage, frog, bear, anyone should be able to step. If it is not culutural theft when black people play baseball then it is not cultural theft when white people step.
If people want to step that is their choice. I mean really? I thought America had gotten rid of racism. Apparently not. Who cares what race they are? If they are good enough to win the competition, let them. This contest should be based on talent, not race.
It is all just theft. We can never have our own thing.
I think stepping should be for everyone not just one culture. People are always going to want to dance from every culture. The best dancers are going win whatever their color. Saying stepping is just for African Americans is just being a bad sport. Stepping should be for everyone. Who cares?
I think stepping is a way to exspress your feelings! It doesnt matter what color your skin is to be able to step. I am very happy that the white girls are doing this so people can relize that everyone is the same. Black people think there are better then white people at everything, such as dancing singing and sports.
I think that steping was originally an african american thing but if whites really view all colored people, black, mexican, etc, as "equal" then, hey, why not let them celebrate their victory just as long as when we win a "white sport" then no controversy is raised about that.
Really? This is crazy. I think that they won fair. They can step if the want. Nobody said that stepping is just for black people. Basketball, Baseball, and football was all invinted by white people so if that was the case then black people wouldnt be able to play. They arent thinking about the situation if it was the other way around.
Why shouldn't White people as well as African Americans have the right to step? Thats like saying an African Americans can't compose classical music because it's not in their culture!
Stepping is made in OUR culture! Who are they to steal our culture?
This is extremely racist, it's just like saying African Americans can't compose Classical Music!
if BLACK people can stepp then why cant WHITE people stepp and why do people still pay attention to [race] its 2010
I think that we should all be aloud step because it is an activity anyone can do aslong as the strive to be good at it, just remeber weather your black,white,green,purple, or even rainbow we are all the same such as Martin Luther King Jr. said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. "
I understand that the african americans are upset that we beat them at there own sport..but we don't have a problem if they beat us at like basketball or baseball etc. they should just get over it.
I think that if you can step then you should be able to do so no matter what your race is.
I think that it's crazy that they are so mad about this. They have been fighting for equal rights and now that they have it they are not giving us the respect we are giving them. That team won by how good they are not because they are back or white. They were good!
I think that stepping should be for everybody. They can do everything we can so why can't we do some if the things they do?
I think it sould be for everybody, what if the whites had stepping first, should we not let them be involved. Everybody should be able to be involved.
They were just trying to prove that you don't have to be african american to step. It dosnt matter what race you are, as long you are doing it for the fun of it!:D
I think that stepping is for everyone. No matter what color you are Black, white, Purple or even Tye Dye! Stepping is a think all races should be able to enjoy if it's what they love to do!
Even thought stepping may have orgininated from african americans, it really does not matter what race you are to participate in stepping. Just like hispanics, soccer basically came from them, but many different race types are good at it.
I think that anyone should be able to step, because its kind of like baseball, alot of different ethnic groups play baseball. So stepping should be like baseball a whole bunch of ethnic groups should be able to take part in it.
I think that they should not try and take this away from us because it is not fair. They get every sport and activity and we need something just for us.
Yes,they do deserve the credit for having the best step routine.However,stepping was and still is a part of African American culture.African Americans only get 1 month to be recognized and now they're taking stepping away?
well i think that stepping is something that we blacks have made up and had for many years, and also thatwe mostly did it for religion, etc. With our sisters in our pledge we represent by stepping
people should do what ever they want they wantt to do because every one is a human being and it does not matter what color you every one is just a human being.
I don't think blacks should say whites are taking everything. They aren't. Anything in this world isn't just ment for one race, it should be allowed to all races.
Where is the rule book?? I want to know who made up the rule that white people can't step. It's not cultural theft for white people to step.
You all white people are taking everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone should be able to step if they want to. It was a competition, and if the group of white girls were the best they should win NO MATTER WHAT THEIR RACE! If they say that it's a black thing and white people shouldn't step then that's just racist!
I think that white people should leave the black peoples culture alone. They steal everything we have and i for one will not let the white people steal it.
this is not just a african american activity! they say we are so racist!
i think that it is normal for them to win and everyone should just chill
If all citizens have the rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," then everyone should have the opportunity to step if that's what they want to do.
it dosent matter what color you are. white and blacks play basket ball together and football also. so why cant they step together
We have a stepping team at my high school. It is made up of mostly African American girls, but there are a few Caucasian girls on it, too. I think it shouldn't matter what race the dancers are, as long as everyone is having fun.
It should be for everybody not one race. If not its causing a problem then it fin, but there is no reason to fight about it.
My honest answer is who cares? Why does everything have to be racist or stolen? Its just a dance! There is no reason to be raising a contreversy over a dance.
I think that it's ridiculous! There is no reason that white people shouldn't be just as good at stepping as black people... If they feel so discriminating, why were they allowed to participate in the first place? Since they let them into the competition, they shouldn't have been dissappointed if they won.
I think that black or white a dance is a dance. In fact, black people should be pround their dance has become so popular!
It is part of African American culture, but whites share their culture with blacks, and everyone should get along. It may not be in the past, but its in their present now and maybe even in their future, and people shouldnt make such a big deal about it.
I think that the whole thing is ridiculous the girls from Arkansas won fair and square they just danced in contest.
I believe that stepping is a really good sport. Everyone should be able to do it! I think everyone should try new things in the world
If people like steeping it's ok. If they want to do it it's fine. Having a group of white people win a steeping contst is not racist. People on youtube can think anything can as racist. Saying that only one race is able to do steeping is racist itself.
I think that it is fair. I mean do you see any competitions with only a certain race.
I think it's dumb that people are getting so mad over something so little. I don't see why everyone can't step!
when i heard of this outrageous arrgument i laughed and said blacks say how whites are racis but yet the blacks are being racis toward whites... i say who cares and its just for fun! i mean just look at basketball,football,and baseball.Mostly all those allstars are black so who are they to say that we"stole" stepping from them... i think this is both ridiculous and a racis thing to argue about.Also, we are all made of the same things,a heart,brain,feet,hands ect. what makes us sooo different??
Stepping, competitions, or anything for that matter has to do with your outer apperance. What matters is your determination. Your effort. And how well you do. Those in the crowd who got mad just because a bunch of white chicks won are very judgemental in my opinion and I think that they probably hurt their feelings alot! I mean here you are and you worked so hard to win and you actually succeeded! And then someone comes right in your face and says you don't deserve that because your white. What were you supposed to do? ... This kind of stuff just makes me really mad.
I think stepping should be for everyone. i mean, why should it just be AFRICAN AMERICANS? Since when are we not allowed to do the same recreational activities as them. i am outraged to think that this subject is even controversial. we have the same rights as them. IT'S DANCING FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! have we forgotten the constitution???
Im neutral. Yes African Americans did start stepping in the first place but it is a way to express you self and have fun. Americans should be allowed to step because it is fun and the African American people should feel flattered not angry.
I think that this is the african americans showing racism against whites. "this is a white bathroom only, only whites can use this bathroom." only now its "this is an african american dance only and white people can't dance like this." it's wrong and in our soceiety now we shouldn't be doing this, seriously.
Maybe some people dont understand the religious part of it. But it shouldn't be only for one race it should be for everyone. Its' a way to express thoughts and feelings. You shouldnt be judged upon what race you are, you should be judged on how you step. We live in a world where raceism is still taking place, and that's terrible.
I agree with the...comment you showed in the report, "black, white, purple... who cares??" Stepping is just another extracuriccular activity, it should be allowed for everyone to do, and personally, I think it's neat to watch. Integration should go both ways.
i think this is really bad this is a freedom country and if they want to be there i think they should. they also won so those girls should just suck it up and move forward
it's good that whites are stepping in... it's a coulter that sounds like fun and should be opened to anyone who wants to do it. America is a free country and now that stepping's here, anyone should and can do it.
I think stepping shouldn't be a competition against races..it should be for everyone to enjoy, and for everyone to have a fun time. Just because stepping has been just for african americans before now, doesn't mean other nationalities can't do it too. Stepping can be for EVERYONE.
Stepping, competitions, or anything for that matter has to do with your outer apperance. What matters is your determination. Your effort. And how well you do. Those in the crowd who got mad just because a bunch of white girls won are very judgemental in my opinion and I think that they probably hurt their feelings alot. I mean here you are and you worked so hard to win and you actually succeeded! And then someone comes right in your face and says you don't deserve that because your white. What were you supposed to do? People have to stop being racist and just live there lives. If they really have a problem with that then count yourself out because no one wan't to hear that kindof stuff.
i think the team zeta tuau alpha should be able to step because isn't that what our nation was built off of like it dosn't mater if they are white just as long as they play fair and be happy doing it.
African Americans invented stepping, but that doesn't mean that other people can't do it either. It just depends on who does it better.
Who really cares what color you are? Dance is dance. I saw the dance on youtube and it was great. Green, black, white, purple who cares?
If someone teaches you something that you can end up doing on your own, what should they expect? they taught you, they should be happy for you.
I feel that anyone should be allowed to share the talent with the world. The blacks should feel good that they passed on their talen and welcome the whites into the world of stepping. The whites welcomed blacks into the world of baseball and look where they are now! NO matter what color you are whether you're white, black, blue, purple, orange, or yellow, You should be able to share your talent with others.
Coming from both backgrounds I think it would be O.K. for them to do it I just think that they should know the history behind it
If stepping is only for certain groups then they should have said that in the rules of the competition. The group that one the competition because they liked to express themselves through dance.
A long time ago there was "only white" sports like baseball and football... blacks didn't like that so much. Eventually, those sports became open to black people.Them not letting whites into "their" sport (stepping) is just not fair.
I believe that anyone should be allowed to do what they love to do, and if they are white and they love to step, then so be it. If people would just calm down about the steppers being a different race then everyone else there. We should congradulate them from getting this far despite the differences and hardships. And the people who say they shouldn't because they are black are just displaying racism at its finest.
It doesnt matter if you are black, white, yellow, red, green, purple, or blue because everyone is the same in the inside but everyone should be aloud to to do stepping and its doesn't matter that the African Americans started it so i think everyone should be able to be stepping.
Chris, "Hi I like your show and our birthday is this Friday i think they shouldn't add extra hours to school because we already have enough work to do and we want to plan vacations well bye and thanks we will watch your show every now and then we love it "
Peter, "i think its good that they should lower the school days but not add on extra hours because we need enough sleep and as long as it doesn't cut into vacation time and i have more time to spend time with my friends, watch CNN more often, and get more active"
thanks for your time and we love your show
Peter and Chris
I think that excluding caucasians from stepping is adding to racist feelings, stereotypes, and grouping people by the color of their races. Excluding caucasians from stepping makes more differences and lines between races which causes more tension, prejudice, stereotyping, and controversy. If someone wants to step, they should have the freedom to do so. Maybe adding the history and cultural knowledge to the process of learning to step would give everyone the respect and meaning to stepping.
I think it should be aloud because it's active and it can give teens and kids to get great exercise and also have some fun. Also isn't that what we want for our friends,family, and everyone is to have fun doing something they like.
some people just need to get a life white people are just the same as us we take things from them and use it as our own why cant they use the things we use like mj says it doesnt matter if its black or white we are all the same
I think that a long time ago when only white people were allowed to do things black people were not happy and now if stepping is made only a thing for African Americans then it is segregation. Black White Yellow Red, we are all the same. We all have the right to do stepping.
I think all of this is nonsense because it isnt a title of just african-amercian's, the people of this country are not racially separte. In the future i bet this will happen again, but it doesnt matter we are all people from different countries. So the color of your skin doesnt matter what matters is if you treat others just as good as yourself.
I think that it is good that stepping is getting more popular, and it's not like they purposely did the stepping contest to steal it from African Americans.
I think it's ok for other races to try this "agriculture". People globally use other people's culture, so why can't they work it out?
well steppin was orginated by black people..but they also have to share it..everyone has a talent..it doesnt matter white color or race you are..when people come together it shud b a fun thing..they should get along.
I am an African american girl and i think stepping is not just a black thing if we share our cultures we grow as a person
I think stepping is for everyone and if a group(caucasian or african american) is good enough to win, they are the champions.
i think that if white people want to step it would be up to them and if they win they win and if they lose they lose but stepping should be for everyone
I think that its just dancing. does it matter what ethnicity you are to dance it?
I think that stepping should be for everyone.
Why does it matter? im sure people hace done many things after "whites" did!
I think that African-Americans should have something for them selves instead of every one else.
i think it should be for everybody
I think that stepping is for anyone whos got skill to do it. Its a way to express yourself and I believe everyone has that right.
Everyone who enjoys stepping should do it.
everyone no matter what race should be able to win this competition.
I think anyone who wants to do stepping can do stepping. All over the world people are learning new things in their heritage and how would they like it if they said you can't do it, it is just for us?
i think stepping is for every one
I think that everybody should be able to step. It would be a great way to interact with other cultures, such as African Americans.
We need diversity in anything that envolves cultures. It hepls us as americans to really understand what the "land of the free" means. Congrats to them, they deserved it
I think that the 4 day school week is a good idea and i think that the gov. should give more money to the school and cut some other things out of there budget. Because what is more important than education.
i think that the african americans made it but they shouldnt get mad that we want to do stepping
I think that they should get offended when we win. Because we don't get angry when african-americans try to do broadway or when they try to do jazz dancing.
I think that people should be able to step beacuase it inspires other nationality and people dont keep things to there nationality and its nots just for african americans and it was not realy like there going to the finals or some thing like that.
its like saying we cant play soccer.We should all get to do what others do
I think that they should allow it.
I think that they should let anyone do it, but have contest only for African-Americans so that they have their own special thing, that no one else does.
If they want to do it then let them Blacks should be happy that white people want to do it
i think everyone should be aloud to step
I think they need to be left alone, they won and thats great! White people can do the same as whites. We arn't segragated anymore and some people think we are.
I think that african americans should be the main ones that step. they need thing for themselves, something that gives them a fun and good time.
The competition shows the stepping can draw interest of most young teenagers to take part. i think think that the 4 day school week is a good idea and i think that the gov. should give more money to the school and cut some other things out of there budget. Because what is more important than education.
I think that it's important to have contrversy but it's suppoesed to be a univeral thing. Also it's not like they have it in writing!
I think that no matter what competition you are in, everyone has the right to do whatever style that they want to do. Just because people say that you are a "thef" because you stole someone's idea, does not mean that they are right. You maybe using someone's style but you are changing it to make it better than before. Plus, just because you are from another culture does not mean you don't have the ability and power to do something. In conclusion, I think that there could be two winners in a compition, only if they have the skill and talent to pull it off.
Seppting is one thing that alot of people like doing and it shouldnt matter who or what race does it.
Everyone is created equal, so if somone wants to step, let them step.
Should be allowed to step if african or not.
I THINK SETEPPING IS FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE.
I think that everybody should be able to step.
I think that stepping is a wonderful way for everyone to get to know each other better.
I think that anybody should be able to step. It is not steeling and I don't know why people get so mad about it.
I think anyone should be aloud to step. african americans should be happy people are doing the same things as them.
I think that they won because of hard work. Just like any other group. It shouldn't have to do with their race. Even though African Americans started it, that doesn't mean anyone else can have fun with it. For example, even though chinese food is made by China, America and other countries still eat it. Stepping should be available for anyone.
I think it is fine that white people are enjoying stepping! I dont think it should be a "black" thing because we are all one america.
I don't think it matters what color your skin is, if you want to step then you can step. Whether African Americans started stepping doesn't matter. They should be proud that stepping has spread all over the world.
Okay, culture isn't just for one race or one country. How do you think things spread or become big or known around the world? It's discrimination to say people who aren't African American can't do a dance or can't compete in a dance. What if clogging was only for people who are Irish? Or French food is only for people who are French? It's not fair. African American's should be happy that stepping is spreading. It means they like it. Embrace your culture, but don't try to keep it from everyone else. America is a country of mixed cultures. I try to explain what American food is and I start naming things that are from different countries. You ask someone in America for their background and they'll be able to say 'I have a tiny bit of French, German and Spanish" or they might say, "My mom's Greek and so is my dad" Because we're in America, the free country. A mixed country. The statue of liberty signaled that it was okay for people from different places to move here, that is why we're a mixed world of mixed cultures. Stepping is something that should be okay to spread around. People can't help their race.
This is racism. Color shouldn't matter. We're American. Who cares if someone's form Africa and another from Europe, they can practice the same thing. It's really a complement, saying we wanna do what you do because we like it. We should embrace our culture, but still live together and share it. It's nice to share everything, it unites us and should cause more peace and less conflict. It allows us to understand thing.
This is what is wrong with people today. They want what ever they can get to them selves. Although stepping is pretty cool, people need to learn not to be selfish and dont be a poor-sport just because it is your cultures thing. Everything belonged to many people before so you cant really claim it as yours anyway.
Race shouldn't matter in this situation! If your good enough to win...then wiN!
I know stepping is for African Americans, but anyone should be able to particapate.
ok..steppping can be white and africans sport but we can still rember where it come from but whites should be able to step it does not matter if they come up with it whites just made it go bigger or them
Stepping is NOT for just one race. Separating a white group from an African group of steppers would be as if you are taking out Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant out of the NBA; taking Willie Parker and Donovan McNabb out of the NFL; and taking out Hank Aaron. It's not right to separate a race from an activity that if it's in the UNITED STATES; home of FREEDOM...you should be able to do what you want.
Ok, I'm sorry if you're African-American and offened, but come on! Really people, you think this is acceptable?! This is like an Arab telling someone form another race that they can't have fatoush! And, when it comes to racism to the African-Americans people go through so much trouble to make it up to them. I'm not saying I'm racist (I'M NOT) but, when it comes to the arabs & Mexicans and such, it's like nothing. Am I right?
And for those who say that white people take everything, you are most certainly wrong! Honostly, you guys aren't very educated if you say that, because there are plent of 'white people' that I know, and trust me they are some of the most civilized people I know. I'm not choosing favorites, but I'm Arabic, and Arabs are treated poorly here, but I'm not blaming it on ALL the whites. Common sense people!
It's called assimilating and when you assimilate you come to another country and you give off some off your culture to the people around and while you do that you learn some of what their culture is and you teach them the same. Why there is a controversy, no idea but when you do this and you teach others your life long tradition that is a good thing and you want to spread that throughout the world. African-American has picked up many American traditions, but we encourage not hate. That is the main thing to have others be like you so that everyone would be equal beings and have fun doing the same thing.
this is AMERICA people. As a country we are a collection of all differant races. At this point everyone should be able to do anything, including participating in certain activities that isnt tecnically part of your 'race'. Stepping can be done by anyone, of any race. We all talk about breaking down race barriers so now its time to open all activities to anyone.
I THINK THAT EVERY ONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO STEPPING CUZ JUST CUZ ITS NOT JUST SOME THING FOR 1 PERSON DO MEXICANS SAY ONLY SPANISH SINGING FOR MEXICAS ONLY NO
IT JUST MEENS THAT THEY NEED TO BE MOTIVATED .
The African-american people should be flattered that whites are trying to join in on fun activites! Stepping is for everyone no one gets mad at whites for cooking mexican food! I mean they should be happy that their culture is moving to other countries, and the African-Americans THOUGHT the whites stepping so what if the whites are good at it to?!
Everyone should be able to step. It shouldn't matter what color you are. They shouldn't be judging whites by the color of their skin. Its a two way street.
I think that if the contest was open to everyone, it should be open for anyone to win. African Americans say it's theirs, but we're all Americans aren't we? White people could o even though stepping may come from their cultural background and they're stepping in different places all over the world, they should be willing to share. I do understand though, how it may frustrate them if stepping is taken by people who may not understand the significance of it.
It is a "white thing" It is a "Black thing"........ This is all just bull...., We are all human beings of the same earth. We are only different if we make ourselves different. Racism from any ethnic background is not only wrong but stupid. I wouldn't care if those girls were purple with pink polka dots. They practiced the hardest and won with their talent. As for the "Scoring dicrepancy" that too is Bull...., They were just looking for a way to stop the yelling
If white people EVER said why are black people trying to imitate white people or boo at black people when they win an award we would be called racist for days and years, but it is ok for black people to do it? I am tired of white people always being called racist when its really the other way around.
I think that whatever you do or make-up isn't going to stay sacred forever. People will sooner or later start doing it to. You just need to make the most of it, and just have fun.
Its just like pro-baseball. You kept that away from us for years and wouldn't let blacks play, because it was a "white" thing. It's just like stepping its a "black" thing, and that is exactly how it needs to stay.
Race shouldn't be a part of anything. You don't need to keep it to yourselves. You should be happy that other people like you idea and stop complaining. Everyone has equal rights to participate in anything they want to. Unless there's a law stating that only "blacks" can step than everyone should be able to participate, and have fun!
I don't think it should matter what your race is. It could be possible that stepping was started by African-American people, but it was brought to America. All people are created equal, and they made the decision by bring it to this country, that others would catch on, and take part in. Just because there might be more African-American people stepping, doesn't mean it's just for them; Just like Chinese people aren't the only ones to eat chinese food, or make it, same for other stuff that came from other foriegn countries. As long as people know who started the idea, that would probably be the most important. If i started something, i would like other people to follow me because that would tell me that what i started, others liked it.
We all have equal rights, and it should stay that way. It does not matter if you are different color, or religion. It doesn't matter whose doing it, no one 'stole' it.
I am not black, but I understand why they would want to keep it for just for them, however, I would feel proud (if I were black) that other races would think it important. As another kid said: If they are allowed to enter, they should be able to win without arousing controversy.
I think that it is good that stepping is going on. It is not just for African Americans. On the other hand we do need to respect their culture and what they do. We do take everything no matter what. We took the salsa but they think that is great for them and i think that Stepping needs to expand.
this is not that big of a deal
this also should be open to anyone who enterd the contest
I think we should all be able to do steppingit doesn't matter what color we are. We all live in America.
I think stepping is for anyone. Sure african americans are good at it but others can be good too.
As far as I'm concerned, there is no law that says only black people can step. There is also no law that says only people of hispanic origin can learn to flamenco dance, or only Scottish people can play bagpipes. It's a free country, and America is a cultural melting pot anyway.
I think that the african americans should have their own ways of representing themselves.....but then,there is also the idea of spreading the culture around.
I think stepping should be for everyone so people can try new things and it doesn't matter if you're black or white.
This is dumb for people to start this controversey. What is the point of a nationwide competition if the best teams aren't allowed to compete? Do we really need to go back to having two seperate competitions?
well if all races can do hip hop... why cant they step??
And i can also understand why some people would only want stepping to be a "black" thing its been in our culture for...a long time and we jus want some things to stay ours
I think all people of all colors should be allowed to be involved in stepping. Yes, it's true, African Americans did come up with stepping. And they have the right to keep stepping to themselves, but they should be happy to share stepping with us. That's how we'll get closer.
I don' t have words to express how outrageous I think the stepping controversy is. If we're going to start something over something as cool as stepping, then it's amazing that we can get along at all! But I want to say that if african americans are the only people that can have stepping, then only Christians can celebrate Easter and Christmas. Only Veterans and family members of veterans can celebrate Veterans day. It won't stop; just give everyone the fair chance to step! It's cool and african americans should be proud we want to try it. =P
I think although it is a dance invented by the african americans I think it is for all people.
I think we should all be aloud to step when ever we want. It's something that we all do everyday. We should all learn about others. Using these steps can teach us the ways people like to have fun. It's better for all of us to learn new things about other religions and cultures.
I think everyone should be able to step, white blacks do everything together stepping is no different
what else do you want to take from us........ everything we lived for and dreamed of having?!? (i am an African American person)
Why do people try to exclude themselves from the population? Saying that it's a black thing or a white thing, its just a human thing
Everyone should be able to step. It might be a part of African American culture, but that doesn't mean that only African Americans can do it. If you are good at something you should be allowed to do it no matter what race you are. We could say the same thing about African Americans joining our sport leagues, but most of the best players in football and basketball are African American. It just doesn't make sense that people would get so mad about something so small. It's just stepping.
I think stepping shold be for everyone. Even though the African Americans started it, I think it is cool to see others have a good time and enjoy it. Stepping is for everyone!!!
Thats like saying blacks cant play soccer. If you can play it why cant we. Skin color does not matter but what we do with our chances. They one its fair.
I believe that the stepping controversay was a tough and cultural matter. Being that the African Americans are famous for their stepping, I believe that others should be able to win the competition fairly. I understand though why the African American teams would be mad at this because it is their culture. But I also believe that other cultures and groups should be able to participate as well.