Bum vs Hobo

My mission—interview those who have a deep passion for what they do and in turn want to share their untold story.

Two interviews—offended egos and closed ears to the message I want to deliver.

The word “hobo” has a negative connotation, especially when used in association with one’s own self. The word instantly prompts defensiveness. But— no two people share the same definition of any word and one is always entitled to their own opinion.

The title of this blog is HoboKnowledge. The previous post explained the purpose and inspiration, but to clarify any negative implications that the "title" may hold I give you two commonly misconceived terms along with their definitions.

BUM: A person who avoids work and sponges on others; loafer; idler.

HOBO: A migratory worker.

According to Dictionary.com and various other sources "Hobo" means the exact opposite of what a "Bum" represents. In the course of a Hobo's journey he/she learns different skills or discovers their niche; this skill or niche being knowledge; this knowledge being the story I wish to tell.

THIS MAN IS NOT A BUM

"We are imperfect knowers that is why we listen to story..."

Skating N' Religion

Art, music, religion, and skating. How often do you hear these "words" mentioned within the same sentence? Evan Wright is a skateboarder. He’s been doing it for 10 years. Here is his story.

Evan got his skateboarding start in third grade with a board with plastic trucks. With time he developed his skills and started performing tricks like “ollies.” Sadly, his tricks broke his board. But in fourth grade he found skateboarding hope when he met a classmate that shared his skateboarding magazines with him in class.

By fifth grade skateboarding took on a whole new meaning in Evan’s life when he got his first real board from Academy for Christmas. Not only could he really develop his skills, but he found friends at church who could help him.

“We would spend hours riding together before church and at our houses,” said Evan.

Overtime the church crew split, growing up and doing their own thing, but none of this phased Evan.

“[We] split ways, getting into different things. So, I met new people, the same people that I still link up and ride with now.”

For Evan skating is a way of life, there’s no rushing, no coaching. It’s just self-paced development and style.

“The love of music and art are what led me to skateboarding. It’s all a culture." –Evan Wright