The Left's War on Common Sense: The Griptape Debacle

In a world where common sense is becoming as rare as a unicorn, the latest controversy over skateboard griptape is a prime example of how far we've strayed. Who would have thought that a simple piece of sandpaper-like material used to keep skateboarders from slipping would become a battleground for political correctness? This all started when a small skate shop in Portland, Oregon, decided to stop selling griptape with certain designs, claiming they were "offensive" and "insensitive." The decision was made in September 2023, and it has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression and the ever-growing influence of the woke agenda.

First off, let's talk about what griptape is. It's a rough, adhesive-backed material that skateboarders apply to the top of their boards to keep their feet from slipping. It's as essential to skateboarding as wheels or trucks. But now, thanks to the perpetually offended, even this utilitarian product has become a symbol of oppression. The shop in question decided to pull griptape featuring designs that they deemed inappropriate, such as those with skulls, flames, or anything that might be considered "aggressive." Apparently, the mere sight of a skull is enough to send some people into a tizzy.

This isn't just about griptape; it's about the broader trend of sanitizing everything to avoid offending anyone. It's about the infantilization of society, where people are treated like fragile snowflakes who can't handle anything remotely challenging or controversial. The irony is that skateboarding has always been about rebellion and pushing boundaries. It's a sport that thrives on creativity and self-expression. But now, even skateboarders are being told to toe the line and conform to the whims of the perpetually offended.

The decision to ban certain griptape designs is a slippery slope. If we start censoring griptape, what's next? Will we ban certain skateboard tricks because they might be too dangerous or offensive? Will we start regulating the clothes skateboarders wear or the music they listen to? The possibilities are endless, and none of them are good. This is about more than just skateboarding; it's about the erosion of personal freedom and the rise of a nanny state that wants to control every aspect of our lives.

The real kicker is that this decision was made in Portland, a city known for its progressive values and tolerance. Yet, it seems that tolerance only extends to those who agree with the prevailing narrative. If you dare to have a different opinion or express yourself in a way that doesn't align with the woke agenda, you're quickly silenced and shamed. It's a classic case of do as I say, not as I do.

The griptape debacle is a microcosm of a larger issue plaguing our society. It's a symptom of a culture that prioritizes feelings over facts and conformity over individuality. It's a world where people are more concerned with virtue signaling than with actual virtue. And it's a world where the loudest voices are often the most misguided.

So, what's the solution? It's simple: we need to stand up for common sense and personal freedom. We need to push back against the tide of political correctness and refuse to be silenced by the perpetually offended. We need to remember that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, not a privilege to be granted or revoked at the whim of the woke mob.

In the end, the griptape controversy is a reminder that we must remain vigilant in defending our freedoms. We can't allow ourselves to be cowed by those who would rather see us conform than express ourselves freely. It's time to take a stand and say enough is enough. After all, if we can't even choose our own griptape, what kind of freedom do we really have?