Skateboarding In The 80s: The Upside Down Cross And Its Cultural Impact

In the vibrant tapestry of the 1980s, few subcultures made as significant an impact as skateboarding. With its roots in the counterculture movement, skateboarding in the '80s was more than just a sport; it was a symbol of youth, rebellion, and artistic expression. One of the most iconic symbols to emerge from this era was the upside-down cross, often emblazoned on skateboard decks, clothing, and even featured in graffiti art. This symbol carried with it layers of meaning, both intended and interpreted, reflecting the rebellious spirit and cultural impact of the skateboard community.

The Origins of the Upside Down Cross in Skate Culture

The 1980s saw the upside-down cross, or the 'St. Peter's Cross', become synonymous with skateboarding. Originally a Christian symbol, St. Peter's Cross denoted how St. Peter was crucified upside down because he felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=skateboarding 1980s upside down cross" alt="Skateboarding 1980s Upside Down Cross"> </div>

Meaning and Symbolism

In skate culture:

• Rebellion: Skateboarders adopted it as a symbol of rebellion against conventional societal norms and religious dogmatism. The act of inverting a revered symbol was seen as both provocative and empowering.
• Individuality: It represented a form of self-expression, an assertion of personal identity over collective conformity.
• Anti-establishment: Skateboarding, often viewed as an activity for delinquents, used this symbol to further assert its anti-establishment stance.

Skateboarding's Cultural Impact in the '80s

Skateboarding did not just influence fashion or music; it had a profound impact on:

• Art: Skateboard deck art became a canvas for artists, incorporating rebellious themes and symbols like the upside-down cross.
• Music: Punk rock and skate culture intertwined, with bands like The Adolescents incorporating similar motifs into their album covers.
• Language: Skateboarders developed a unique vernacular, with terms like 'gnarly' or 'sick' becoming mainstream.

Skateboarding Icons and the Upside Down Cross

Here are some key figures who helped popularize this symbol:

Tony Hawk

Although not known for using the upside-down cross directly, Tony Hawk's rise in the '80s highlighted the counterculture of skateboarding, where symbols like this thrived.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Tony Hawk 1980s" alt="Tony Hawk in the 80s"> </div>

Thrasher Magazine

Thrasher Magazine, launched in 1981, became the voice of skateboard culture. It frequently featured artwork with the upside-down cross, contributing to its popularity.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Thrasher Magazine 1980s" alt="Thrasher Magazine Cover 1980s"> </div>

Skateboard Decks and Graphics

Brands like Santa Cruz and Powell Peralta incorporated the upside-down cross into their iconic skateboard graphics, cementing its place in skate lore.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Santa Cruz Skateboards 1980s" alt="Santa Cruz Skateboard Deck 1980s"> </div>

Controversy and Reactions

The use of the upside-down cross was not without its controversies:

• Religious Groups: Some viewed the symbol as an affront to their faith, leading to conflicts and calls for censorship.
• Public Perception: For some of the public, this reinforced the notion of skateboarders as delinquents or troublemakers.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: The upside-down cross, in skate culture, was more about rebellion than satanism or blasphemy. It was a youthful, albeit provocative, way to challenge established norms.</p>

The Evolution of Skate Culture Symbols

Over time:

• Commercialization: As skateboarding went mainstream, the radical imagery softened, with the upside-down cross becoming less prevalent in professional circuits.
• Diversification: Skate culture broadened its iconography, embracing various symbols from pop culture, street art, and beyond.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Evolution of Skateboard Symbols" alt="Evolution of Skateboard Symbols"> </div>

Legacy of the Upside Down Cross

Today:

• Iconic Status: The upside-down cross remains a testament to the '80s skate culture, still occasionally appearing in nostalgic or commemorative skateboard designs.
• Cultural Education: It serves as a lesson in the power of symbols to encapsulate and communicate complex socio-cultural ideas within subcultures.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What did the upside-down cross represent in 80s skateboarding culture?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>In 80s skateboarding, the upside-down cross, often known as the 'St. Peter's Cross', was adopted as a symbol of rebellion against conventional norms, signifying individuality and an anti-establishment stance.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did skateboarding influence fashion and music in the 1980s?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Skateboarding influenced fashion with loose-fitting pants, Vans sneakers, and custom graphic tees. Musically, it intertwined with punk rock, with both sharing themes of non-conformity and vibrant energy.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did the use of the upside-down cross lead to any legal issues for skateboarders?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While there were public backlashes and controversies, there were no widespread legal actions against skateboarders for the use of this symbol. However, it did contribute to the negative public perception of skateboarders at times.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

As we reflect on the evolution of skateboarding from the rebellious streets of the 80s to today's mainstream acceptance, the upside-down cross stands as a vivid reminder of the subculture's formative years. It's a symbol of how a simple icon can encapsulate a complex array of cultural attitudes, and how a community can adopt and adapt symbols to express their identity and challenge societal norms. Skateboarding in the '80s was more than just a means to pull off tricks; it was, and still is, a canvas for art, rebellion, and the shaping of cultural identity.