The B-Girl Who Never Was

First I saw her dance, then I saw her name… of course her name is Rachel “Ray”! A name that has become the synonym of culture vulture culture takes on a whole new meaning during the latest Summer Olympics in Paris. 

This year’s games just seemed pretentious from the beginning. Maybe because they’re in France?…

Starting with the opening ceremonies, it felt like these recent Olympic Games were nothing more than a publicity stunt to remind the world that in fact, the Olympics exist. 

Ray Gunn’s performance seems as much clickbait as Snoop Dogg’s participation in these games. 

I for one haven’t watched the games since the 90s and the only reason I watched was because of The Dream Team and it was the only thing on TV since they used to cut into regular programming. I also don’t remember the last time I heard someone say “Gotta get home to watch the Olympics!” Or anything of that nature, ever! 

Yes, Rachel “Ray” Gunn has given us the meme content we didn’t know we needed. But she has also delivered an undeniable reality check for all of us. 

Her performance reminds us how connections, privilege and social status consistently take away opportunities from those more deserving. 

I, as an Indigenous person, immediately think about the Native Youth of Australia and I’m certain that there are real B-Girls and B-Boys that could better represent the artform and their country. Next, I think about the recent developments that have come forward on social media claiming Ray Gunn’s husband had part in her qualifying as an Olympian and I also think about Holly Molly whose chance at fulfilling a dream was taken in order to give an undeserving performer the honor of competing against the best in the world. 

Now, I hear that Breakdancing isn’t coming back next Games due its “controversy”?! 

Talk about “because of one, all lose”. 

This is unfair to the many Olympian level breakers that could have expanded and further legitimized this artform before the world. 

This is yet another example of how far one side will go to protect one and disregard others. 

May we never forget this and may we learn to support real athletes beyond the hype of publicity stunts.