Uproar over CrossFit being "racist"

6/8/2020

Ok Everyone,

In general I'm against social media, because it provides people the means to take sound bites that fit their agenda out of context. If you are not going to read or quote this in it's entirety, just move along.

Twitter, as used by many, including Elon Musk, Donald Trump and now Greg Glassman, is a form of communication where you toss out a sound bite that makes sense to you, and then everyone who is on your feed interprets it through their own social lens.

Greg Glassman made a response stating "FLOYD-19" to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington which tweeted that "racism is a public health issue". He has since explained that this was in reference to IHME's recommended policies of lockdowns as a response to the COVID virus - BBC Link,

This cryptic statement has lead to many people labeling Greg as a racist. Reebok has stated that they are pulling future sponsorships. Many affiliates are dropping their affiliation fees and several prominent CrossFit athletes are stating that they will no longer participate in the CrossFit Games.

Along with this cryptic twitter post there has been a calling out for the lack of commentary by CrossFit on the Black Lives Matter movement. Statements floating around social media are that if you refuse to comment on this issue, you are a racist. This strong arming tactic of Social Justice Warriors is ridiculous. Having to come out and say racism is wrong, is just as idiotic as having to assert that Rape is wrong or that air pollution is wrong, pick your crusade, there are plenty of things wrong in this world that need to be addressed. Many are vocal on their opinions, but few take meaningful action.

Stating that lack of outrage is the same as assent is asinine. I choose to focus my energy on things in which I can have the greatest good. Making a comment on social media to add my voice to the chaos provides little return to the world at large. Helping one person get some form of control on one aspect of their life, echos through every person that they are then able to help in return.

My primary concern is the community here at our gym that I can aid in any way on a day to day basis. You are my focus, and through these troubling times, it has been amazingly heart warming to see you all pull together for each other.

I am not married to CrossFit any more than I am married to the University of Montana where I received my education. Both have been paid for the lessons that I have received and benefited from. Going down the road, if an affiliation is more of a detriment to the community that I support and represent I will break ties. If it continues to be a benefit, where those seeking help are lead to us, I will continue our affiliation.

We are Alternative Athletics. We feel that the fear and drama stirred up by social media and media at large does not provide to the greater good. However, my voice is one of many. What are your thoughts, should our little community stay connected to the CrossFit community at large? Please post comments on our website AlternativeAthletics.com so that we can keep this conversation cohesive and not divided over many platforms. (This is the first test to see whether you have read this post in its entirety.)

Respectfully,

-C-

22 Comments

Jac

6/8/2020 12:34:05 pm

I feel bad for the position crossfit has put you in. This gym has been nothing but inclusive and supportive on a personal level. I truly believe you make a positive impact on each person who walks in the door, way more so that some rich smuck on twitter, so it's sickening that his stupid ignorant tweet compromises the integrity of your life's work through association. True impact on the world comes from the love and respect we show people in our day to day lives, not through spouting into the echo-chamber that is social media. The best thing each of us could do right now is show love and respect to others,,and to stand up when we see injustices we can impact. Unless CrossFit HQ takes a bold stand against Greg, racism and hate in general it's going to be hard to maintain an affiliation without being guilty by association... but also next week the media will be on to something new so do what you think is right, not what you feel pressured to do. Finally, people, even CEOs make mistakes, if he is truly sorry, I will forgive.

Clint link

6/9/2020 03:46:32 pm

Jac,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. The ability to have these discussions means a lot to me. I'm taking my time with this one decision because I don't want to feel pressured and haven't ever sene anything good come out of knee jerk reactions. On the other hand, I want to hear from as many people in our community as I can, because my decision will reflect on us all. Our renewal does not come up until Feb of 2021, but it obviously needs to be discussed while it is relevant.

-C-

Larry

6/8/2020 01:00:03 pm

It truly is sad to see one person right or qrong in the context can change minds of so many. The fact that everyone in this country has the right to think say and do what they went and yes there are repercussions to things we say, do, and act on but that is why myself and so many others wrote a blank check to the government in our bold so to say. We should and I will not let one person change the way I think k about something I love like crossfit. Without crossfit I would not be the person I am today and without the community that is at this gym I would not know so many great people.this is ultimately your decision and you have to do what is Wright for you and your gym but don't let what one person said change your thoughts

Clint link

6/9/2020 03:59:56 pm

Larry,

Thanks for your thoughts. I totally agree that one comment cannot change what we at large feel about our community, but as a persons of military service (both you and I), this comes down to an issue of leadership. My first reaction was not to view this as a racist comment. However, it was an unnecessary, thoughtless comment that has been perceived by many to be racist. My social lens is not the same as everyone else and this is definitely raised some strong views.

I have a super hard time following a bad leader and the question of maintaining our affiliation has come up every three years or so from other disagreements outside of this issue. Every time I have butted heads with HQ I have put it up to our community at large before making any decision. Thanks again for sounding off.

-C-

Suzanne

6/8/2020 01:50:28 pm

Glassman must have the same PR people as a certain "President" I know. I say keep the affiliation. I'm sure Glassman learned his lesson. Next week, it will be someone else making the social media faux pas and everyone will be up in arms about something completely different. I think it's fantastic you are concerned about the thoughts of your members.

PS: "It's" is never possessive. Lmao.

Clint link

6/9/2020 04:06:37 pm

Suzanne,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm pretty sure you have more hours on the job then I do.

I am hearing a lot of reasons to leave our affiliation. What value do you see in staying. If you feel more comfortable speaking in private, that is great also.

-C-

PS Have you ever considered a profession in online editing? (Inside joke)

...

6/8/2020 09:49:58 pm

This wasn't something taken out of context. He clearly conveyed that he thought both were something of a joke. This wasn't something he said to buddies over a beer.

I also don't see it as a strong arm tactic either. In a country where money means influence especially when it comes to policy making, some people want to know where their money is going. No one is forcing you to do anything. You have to weigh business decisions all the time this is just another one.

I can't tell what being a "Crossfit Gym" adds at all on a daily basis. Maybe you know how much new business it brings you, but that might change now too. Again, when money means power and influence it's hard to argue with enriching a guy who likely isn't that great of a dude, even ignoring his latest comments (which I don't think we should). I don't know if the math makes sense but I'd drop it without much thought.

Clint link

6/9/2020 04:33:07 pm

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for posting even if anonymously. If you or anyone else feels more comfortable discussing their thoughts privately, I'm the only one that reads the company email. I'm a pretty transparent person, and it was pointed out by someone that I value that maybe not everyone was comfortable about communicating in a public forum.

My problem with this situation was that there was no context, I feel that social media lends to sound bites and knee jerk reactions as a whole, but I honestly couldn't make my mind up on what he was trying to communicate. It was definitely not thought out, neccessary or intelligently delivered.

The argument that the lock downs have done more harm then good has some valid points, but conveying everything in two words and two numbers did no good for any type of meaningful discussion.

The benefit of being an affiliate as lessened over the 11 years we have been in business. The more established we have become locally, the less people have found us via the CrossFit website. Kelly at Ember marketing gets the majority of the credit for the up swing in membership both before and after the COVID lock down, second only to you members recommending us to those you care about. That being said, CrossFit.com brought us Alan and Sue, Holly, Bryan Grotjon and many more. I'm unsure who the last member to come directly from the affiliate finder was. The affiliate fee costs a little more than one persons membership.

The last thing that I want is to have anyone feel comfortable about stepping into the gym for any reason. We are crazy diverse in shape, size, color, occupation and back ground. It means a lot to me with how many people comfortable here and I will do whatever I can to protect that. For the vast majority of those who need change in their life, the hardest part is walking through the door. We can't help those that won't walk in.

Thanks again for your comments. If you would like to continue communication by any method, please feel free.

-C-

...

6/10/2020 04:32:19 am

If one of your issues with "social justice warriors" is that they are all talk and no action then it may be time for you to take action.

So far you've done nothing to condemn the content of Glassman's speach but you've told people here they are always welcome. There's a lot more out thers than 1 Tweet that might make your members feel unwelcome. Greg Glassman was and still is 100% owner of crossfit and will continue to make all of its decisions.

If you don't speak out against him why would any think you disagree? He is the defacto leader of the crossfit community and you are a crossfit gym. Don't let your words be the only comfort to your members, take real action, show them there's a reason to feel comfortable and welcome. It might seem like just a tiny thing but look at some of the statements other gyms in town have made. At least they don't come off as defending the guy.

Ashley

6/9/2020 07:26:18 am

Im pretty sure you have an idea what I'm going to say... Words have power. They are not empty. Greg knew what he was saying, he sure as shit didn't know what the backlash would be otherwise he wouldn't of said it. This isn't about strong arming anyone. This is about showing up for those who need our voice. If your only concern is standing up for the gym community, I find that problematic. Our community is bigger than just our gym. I am pro stepping away from CrossFit. I am pro creating a safe and inclusive space for our members.
Claiming that publicly renouncing racism is idiotic is deeply problematic and part of the problem and ultimately emboldens people like Greg. Racism is a real problem. Do you want to continue perpetuating a broken and oppressive system? Or do you truly want to create a safe space for our community?

Clint link

6/9/2020 07:05:05 pm

Ashley,

I truly appreciate the conversation we had in private today, but want to address some of this since it was started in a public forum. Any way that you want to continue is super cool with me, I didn't want anyone to think that I passed over your comment or didn't give it my full attention.

As I said before, we view the world in very different ways and it is good for me to hear what you have to say, because it is often a perspective that I wouldn't consider. We are not always going to agree, but I highly value the opportunity of your thoughts.

I have a thick skin and need to remember that others are less ready to discredit things that they hear. While i personally feel less influenced by others, I need to remember that words do matter.

Where I feel that strong arming occurs is when people declare things as being binary or that silence is assent. I always feel that actions speak louder than words, but no one as the right to state what is going on in someone else's head. Life is full of grey and many of us communicate poorly. Outside of mathematics there are no absolutes.

Where do you define the limits of our community as you see? This is a very fluid term that I form around the idea of things that I can directly effect. If I can't see the end result of my effort, I have a hard time relating, changing and implementing my actions.

I'm not worried about creating a safe inclusive environment, I feel we have already done that. I am concerned with creating a stumbling block for those who have not had the chance to walk through the door. This is where the term CrossFit becomes a hindrance rather than a help. I will touch on this more, and my thoughts on the future and past of CrossFit in my reply to La Madre's.

I don't see change occurring by everyone stating that racism is bad, or placing a black square on your social media and then going about your day. It is any easy way to feel good, risk little and accomplish nothing. Blanket stating that Racism, Sexism, Genocide, Sex Trafficking, etc. is bad is like saying the grass is green or water is wet. The majority of the population thinks they are bad. Taking action and placing yourself in a position to take action accomplishes change.

I don't think that anything I do will embolden Glassman, but many of us leaving CrossFit will cause change, in one little corner of the world. This has been an 11 year relationship for us as a business, so there has to be deliberate thought and discussion.

I don't think that breaking ties with CrossFit is going to end Racism, as many have pointed out, Alternative Athletics' inclusiveity is an outlier in the CrossFit community at large. However, possibly creating a welcoming alternative environment for everyone can empower many.

I value this discussion, let's keep it rolling. As I stated today, I'm leaning towards going our separate ways, I'm not married to a brand name and this isn't the first time that it has been discussed, but I want everyone to have a chance to weigh in before I make the decision for us all.

-C-

Randee

6/9/2020 08:12:09 am

I really debated not even writing a comment because I know my opinion is probably vastly different from many people in this area and yours. However, my silence doesn’t help anyone feel understood or help educate those who might be unaware.   In addition to his careless comment in regard to George Floyd’s death, Glassman also wrote a very belittling and offensive email to an affiliate owner. They had asked if HQ would be saying anything on the racism and black lives matter. That email, combined with his use of George Floyd’s name shows his hand. I have linked it here: https://www.rocketcrossfit.com/post/crossfit-black-lives-and-covid  

At the time of writing this morning, more than 1,000 affiliates around the globe are planning on moving away from the Crossfit Brand. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16BB3tHLh1PyKM3r1RXJcvOZekylSZi5wOGCSOt7Q7UA/htmlview?pru=AAABcrn0M9s*6tINCqxLDRSpYn7htfqpxQ&fbclid=IwAR2UqC66QlASGf98lQ4UBVo7f4RlhlcSvgIG56CIzr1M8McDKi9WInzhKUo#gid=0  

Ashley’s comment on racism is spot on, so I won’t continue there. But if you’re looking for books to learn more, I highly recommend: 
-A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
-White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo  
-Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates  

What is also concerning to me is you claim to choose to focus your energy on good, you bring up several rich white guys who have been offensive, discredit several movements that have happened in the last few years and chose to use a term like social justice (warrior) as an insult. Caring about socially progressive issues such as feminism, human rights and multiculturalism is something I absolutely stand behind, making me a social justice warrior I suppose. And since you’ve used that term as an insult and written off several things I feel strongly about (global warming, the me too movement and racism), I’m not sure I’m welcome at your gym. Sure, no one would run me off but I know how small communities work. Being a person who fits into another category other than privileged cis white woman very likely feels the same way.
  
Alternative Athletics isn’t real vocal in being a crossfit affiliate, which to me says you’re aware of the problems within the brand. So I’m unsure why there was hesitation to drop the affiliation as soon as all of this came to light. When affiliates, companies and even athletes speak out, the line is drawn pretty clearly.

Please don’t take this to think you’re a bad person, nor is anyone who doesn’t understand what the big deal here is. We all have to start somewhere and being called out hurts. I’m more than happy to share the information and resources I’ve used to educate myself and have open, thoughtful discussions with anyone.

Clint link

6/9/2020 08:25:46 pm

Randee,

It is important to me that everyone knows that I take what they say on board. We can't change or better ourselves if we only talk to those that agree with us. The huge problem with social media in general is that it does not lend towards civil discussions with people of differing opinions.

Also, I have been dressed down in much more public displays than anything that will happen on our little website. it would take a lot for you to offend me. Fire Away!

I also value that you reference your statements, an unfortunate rarity these days.

I don't follow trends, and generally find the majority in the wrong. I don't feel that is the case this time, but when there is a hard push in one direction, i move very cautiously to follow.

Unfortunately, I don't have much time to read, but I was able to pick up White Fragility on audio book . The other two were unavailable on Google books in audio format. Keep the titles coming, I'm willing to try more.

When I brought up Elon, Trump and Glassman being on Twitter, I was not holding them up as an example of good. I was referring to the fact that they all managed to (I apologize on the military parlance here, but I don't know how to say it more concisely) "step on their own dick" or fuck up publicly while they obviously should have more productive and meaningful use for their time than posting on twitter.

I do use "Social Justice Warrior" as a derogatory term, and it is a very special pet peeve of mine. I can't say why I care. I'm usually a live and let live kinda of guy. However, when people choose to get offended on behalf of those who are not offended, it fires me up. I spoke with several friends of mine both from the Navy and in the local population about this very discussion, who had every right to be offended. It wasn't even on their RADAR. They had no idea what I was talking about. They had bigger things to worry about like putting food on the table, keeping the peace in Memphis and LA and making sure that planes didn't fall out of the sky. This issue of what Glassman said and meant by it is a CrossFit issue and not recognized by the population at large.

On the same note I also have problems with people who act with words but not deeds. If something is important enough you will take action, and until meaningful action is taken it is just words lost in the void to make us feel better.

That all being said, meaningful discussion, rather than paradigm stroking, is something that is useful and beneficial. Never feel unwelcome because you feel that we have different views on matters that are important.

I don't think that our views are that different. What I was articulating poorly is that there are many important issues, but to be a champion for all is to accomplish nothing across the board. We have to choose what we can get done with the time and resources available to us. Blanket statements do not accomplish as much as putting oneself in a position to effect real change. For me I see over population of the planet as the greatest evil and have started a 501c3 years ago with other members of the gym to work towards making the option of self sterilization available to more people. Unfortunately for that specific cause i have been able to effect greater change for both my community and my family by making our gym and health and fitness in general more affordable than your average CrossFit gym. I despise the idea of "elite fitness" meaning financially elite.

You are correct in the ways that we have been distancing ourselves from CrossFit over the years. It started with them dropping serious thoughtful articles, in favor of videos of Reabok sponsored athletes doing the daily WOD. Moving away from a thinking man's site and towards the "Sport of Fitness." Then it progressed to a cease and desist letter for calling our annual competiton "Pukie's" which they had trademarked and given us permission for three years in a row, but were not using while they were affiliated with Reabok. They had taken my hot sauce and watered it down to Ketchup for the masses. Finally, they stopped posting memorial workouts for those that have given all in the defense of humanity as a whole. There is no guidance from CrossFit on how to run your business, but in general it is to charge more and be available less then a normal gyms.

Why do I hesitate? They have done much good. The have contributed much discussion on fitness, nutrition and the agricultural complex as a whole. Rhabdomyolysis and insulin resistance would never been on my RADAR if it hadn't been for CrossFit. I would have never chosen a fitness business if it hadn't been for them. I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bath water. I'm leaning that way, but a lot of good has been done and can be done. I don't need CrossFit for my business to exist, but more people can create a greater good.

However if there is the potential for more harm then good, it goes against everything Alterna

Clinton Hull link

6/9/2020 09:06:07 am

Hey guys,

I really appreciate all the comments and am taking everything in board for our community and what it represents to the world at large. Today is busy, I will come up with some more in depth decisions by week's end.

Keep your thoughts coming.

La Madre

6/9/2020 12:19:42 pm

I think you should keep the affiliate. I don’t believe that jumping on the bandwagon to make a “statement“ is generally effective. Besides, I think most people nowadays associate crossfit with a training modality, not the sport) which is an entirely different beast).
Personally, I think it is fairly ignorant of people to assume that because you belong to an affiliate you subscribe to everything under that umbrella. That’s just as ridiculous as racial profiling.
I am in agreement with you, that we are more effective by having a positive impact on those who we interact with and make life changes to, on a daily basis, through personal interaction. The gym is full of life changing stories proving that. And before this debacle, CrossFit has gone back to doing that. If you look at the daily email, they revolve around a healthy lifestyle based on nutrition and functional movements, often featuring a more mature aged adult. Basically what you do every day.
So I, personally, would keep it. As one of the other comments mentioned, some other jackassery will come up in a day or two ignite a new flame for the social media warriors to carry.

Clint link

6/9/2020 08:27:40 pm

I have to get to bed so I can open tomorrow, but you are not being ignored and I will Comment as soon as possible.

La Madre

6/10/2020 12:48:08 pm

Nope, Nevermind. Castro’s in, I’m out. Do as you please

HeadBandit link

6/9/2020 06:09:00 pm

Clint, I know you and I have discussed this topic of dumping affiliation every time it has come up over the past few years. Obviously the comments of Glassman have brought it back to the forefront, albeit a little early (8 months) this year. I still check the website everyday and more and more think of AA as its own separate entity. From the "no class" setup to the programming AA doesnt fit the affiliate "mold". Tell me the last time Mainsite had agility ladder and wood choppers programmed. At this point AA has a very large base in Yellowstone county that you could save the affiliate fee and still thrive (I would think member referrals lead to more satisfaction and higher overall retention). Put the funds saved back into the community while getting your name out there at the same time (ex: bobbing for apples presented by Alternative Athletics). Those are my thoughts coming from an Ex-AA member.

Clint link

6/9/2020 08:29:17 pm

I have to get to bed so I can open tomorrow, but you are not being ignored and I will Comment as soon as possible.

PS

Like being family, no one is an ex AA member. You just aren't with us right now.

Holly- HHB- Sunday Trainer

6/9/2020 08:42:45 pm

Well....shit. I’m bad at putting into words and feelings, but her I try and go.
My life changed for the better 9 years ago. My Canadian friend Introduced me to “CrossFit”. I was the mom of a special needs son . Out of shape, out of health, out of Give-a-fuck. I Googled Crossfit Billings, MT and Alternative Athletics came up first and near my house......so in I went. Not sure I went back, but I’m pretty sure it’s the community you brought together. We are seriously diverse. We don’t judge color, tax bracket, your make of vehicle,....none of it. We have supported so many people through our gym. I support you Clint for whatever you decide. I know I found you through Google, but word of mouth and marketing is also a big support right now. Im with you no matter what you believe. You have always been an open book. Sometime you need a good hard stop and listen convo, but you always stop and listen. Soooooo, does this make me. Fence rider? Maybe. I don’t really care. It’s what make ME! It’s what make ME comfortable at the community you developed. I’m forever grateful and thankful.

Ashley

6/10/2020 11:49:25 am

Here's the thing. Black lives are not up for discussion. Whether or not you want to see it that is essentially what you are doing. It is a privilege that you can't even see that. It is wild to me watching you explain yourself 5,000 different ways to avoid affirming the value of Black People. Feeling "bullied" or "stronged armed" to say those words should not be controversial or something you need to ask the community about. I'm watching you write long responses about the sudden ethics of having an opinion when you were completely able to make a decision about Covid, and I don't remember getting a say in that. But, now all of a sudden you need to outsource your decision making? Why is it so hard to say, even if you don't think his remarks were racists (which they were), to say, you're against murdering black people? That you're for Black people living fully. If you haven't thought about why it's so hard for you, sit with it.
I am no longer interested in discussing the value of Black Lives.

Alina

6/10/2020 12:52:12 pm

I guess all I can say is that quite frankly, I’m embarrassed to be associated with a place that can’t even say that the statement Greg Glassman made was wrong. How hard is it to just say that black lives are important to us and that regardless of whether the statement was intended to be racist (which in my opinion it certainly was) it was not the right thing to say. This isn’t the first nasty thing Greg Glassman has had to say and there is no doubt in my mind that he had racist intentions behind this statement. The fact that we even have to be debating on this platform whether this statement was intended and nothing was even mentioned about how wrong it is to say something as such is ridiculous. Our white privilege is really shining right now. There are so many great things about this gym but this hasn’t been one of them.

Alternative Athletics

Uproar over CrossFit being "racist"

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