Our Popular Culture

When I was a little girl, I wanted a pair of roller skates for the longest time. I never got them, because there was just no where for me to use them. However, my mom would often take me down to the local roller skating rink each weekend so that I could have fun skating if I wanted to. This was back in the 80s, and even though the skating craze from the 70s was almost over, there were still many who enjoyed going there each weekend. Though you won’t find many rinks that are open today, there are still a few you can find if you love to skate but don’t have anywhere else to do so.

For the most part, roller skates were forgotten, and roller blades took over. These were very much like roller skates, but they only have one row of wheels directly under the foot rather than two on each side. These were very popular for just about anyone, but they are mostly used by children now, and those who like to use them for exercise. These can be a bit dangerous in the wrong places, but most have fun with them, and the occasional tumble is softened with the proper safety equipment.

Roller skates are still around though. My daughter has a pair that she wears when she goes to visit a particular relative. They have a smooth basement that she can use, and I hear that she does quite well on them. She asked if we could have a pair of roller skates for her here at our house, but there really is no point in her having them. She can’t wear them in the house, and the street near our house is just too busy for us to consider her using them there. The sidewalk might be okay, but it is just far too uneven.

If you are looking for roller skates, they are still around. Most kids prefer to have rollerblades or skateboards, but some still love to use the skates their parents used when they where younger. Most can still be found in sporting stores, though the selection will not be nearly what it was almost twenty or even thirty years ago. They may, however, be a bit safer than they were back then, and perhaps not nearly as expensive. Spending money on a good pair is always a good idea though, as those are the ones that are the safest.