Can I be accepted in the skydiving community?

[Muenkel 0]

As some of you know, I am new to this world. I take my AFF this May...can't wait.
After reading dropzone.com for a couple months I think I am very much in a minority. You see, I tend to be pretty conservative in my political views and I am Catholic. I have always been proud to be Catholic and have never questioned my faith (even in light of all the scandal that has rocked our church lately). Contrary to popular belief, I as a Catholic do NOT judge others and their actions. I truly believe that only God will judge each individual. I am very social and really enjoy the company of so many people and could care less what their religious beliefs, political beliefs or sexual orientation is. Catholic bashing seems to be accepted these days because we are perceived as being judgemental.
I'm sorry if I opened a can of worms here. I don't mean to start a debate. I just wonder if in your humble opinions if you think I can be accepted in the skydiving community. I am about to spend a lot of money and I certainly don't want to do that in a place where I will not be wanted.
Your feedback is appreciated.
Skydivers...they're just plain cool!
Chris

[Jessica 0]

If conservative skydivers are a minority (which I doubt), they're an extremely vocal one.
Anyhow, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
No, it's not updated.

[SkydiveMonkey 0]

As far as I'm concerned - everyone is welcome. you said yourself - Skydivers...they're just plain cool!.
I'm not crazy - I'm a Skydiver

[ChromeBoy 0]

I have not been in the sport that long but I have been to a lot of dz's and I can tell you that you should not have any problems. The atmosphere is one of equals where religion, sexual preferences, etc. are not discussed like it is here in the forums. Everyone jumps, laughs, drinks, and has a good time.

[JDBoston 0]

I think you'll be fine. You'll find plenty of conservatives in skydiving who agree with you, and you'll find plenty of other people who don't agree with you, but will listen to what you have to say. As you can see by the (mainly) civil debate on the gay adoption thread.
You will also find plenty of assholes, as you would in any large group of people. But overall I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. You sound like a good, reasonable person and I'm sure you'll fit in fine.
Joe

[Muenkel 0]

Quote

gay abortion thread.

LMAO! Reread what you wrote.
I'm not making a judgement here, but this may be one area that religious "right" will agree with "abortion"! The irony of your statement!
I know, you meant "adoption".
Thanks for the feedback.
Skydivers...they're just plain cool!
Chris

[rgoper 0]

Chris:
i'm certain youre already welcomed into our little corner of the world. people in general are not chastised for there beliefs, but ya have to remember as well, "each to there own" live and let live like my ol' daddy (god rest his soul) used to say. peace.....
Richard
"I Can See Them Idiots Playing Golf From Way Up Here"

[JDBoston 0]

LMAO!!!!!!! My bad, I'll go back and edit it.
Joe

[billvon 2,991]

>I just wonder if in your humble opinions if you think I can be accepted in the
>skydiving community. I am about to spend a lot of money and I certainly don't
>want to do that in a place where I will not be wanted.
Absolutely not! Unless you paint your toenails a funny color, drink a lot of beer and grow your hair really long, you'll be immediately relegated to the POPS attempts!
Seriously, skydiving's a pretty open community. We have everyone from Ron Schott, the very evangelical founder of the Christian Skydivers, to Scotty Carbone, who, while not quite the antichrist, isn't the most pious of people. You have to make an effort, of course, but it's a rare drop zone that will give you any grief just because you're conservative. I know jumpers who are retired admirals, former SEAL team commanders, skydiving bums, penny-pinching DZO's, debutantes, nuclear power plant operators, dizzy potheads, surgeons, gear designers, criminals, recovering alcoholics and flight attendants. There's room for all kinds here.
I'm catholic too, BTW, although I disagree with much of what the church teaches (and, lately, does.) Never been a problem for me.
-bill von

[QuickDraw 0]

Yeah, I for one always check any load I'm on for Catholic's
If you can jump and buy beer (the first one in not necessary) your in dude.
..Billions of people living out their lives..Oblivious..

[AggieDave 6]

No, you're not welcome, go AWAY! I'm kidding man.
Yes, of course you're welcome and being conservative does NOT make you a minority, there are plenty of them/us out there. Generally speaking my views are fairly conservative. Although "college issues" (read: drinking/sex) I'm not very conservative...
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[SkyMissy 0]

Dude, you'll be fine. Skydivers just want to jump and have fun. Most of the "loudmouthed" people (a subjective term, but it's pretty obvious sometimes) on the forums are a minority here, and most of them would obviously rather be typing than jumping. Don't worry at all. A DZ is a much nicer place!
I'm not the man they think I am at home, no;
I'm a rocket man.
Sky World

[Divadiver 0]

Doesn't sound as if you'll have any problem as long as you don't sit in a corner all by yourself. And as long as you don't show up at the DZ with the "I am god of the sky attitude" or "watch me, I can do anything."
You may find that at first the regulars at the DZ don't coming running to greet you with open arms (then again, do you work out, are you cute?), hugs and kisses, but in time this may come as well. Ask lots of questions, don't take everything said as written in stone, you'll get a lot of different opinions on a lot of different things. Hang out with your fellow AFF students, other jumpers, your JM's, and coaches at the end of the day.
And above all remember - you're there to have fun . . . so go have fun!!
Diva

[rgoper 0]

**"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."**
Dave:
cut it out......we all know homer is NEVER polite!! J/K :)
Richard
"The Fun Begins At Deployment Time!"

[AggieDave 6]

It's a quote man..."Hi, I'm Billy Corragan, Smashing Pumpkins."
"Homer Simpson, Smiling Politely."

That's a really funny episode..
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[cliffharris 0]

nah, doubt THEY'LL 'accept' you.
sorry.
however, 'they', may be able to serve you some cheeze with your next 'whine'.

[Jumperpaula 0]

Quote

...could care less what their religious beliefs, political beliefs or sexual orientation is...

There is enough of this in real life and skydiving is my happy place. I try to avoid those threads here.
I much prefer reading opinions, thoughts and views on Skydiving in my skydiving forum.
I like to learn and have fun here on the cyber DZ and at the real DZ. We all have our values and beliefs and I doubt anyone would change their religion, political party etc based on something they read here, posted by a stranger who skydives.
Besides, there are only so many hours of daylight to jump on the DZ. I've never had some one try to convert me in between loads.
Fly Your Slot !

[Muenkel 0]

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(then again, do you work out, are you cute?)

Well...yes and yes!
Oh I forgot, I am also egotistical
Skydivers...they're just plain cool!
Chris

[skycat 0]

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I've never had some one try to convert me in between loads.

That is cause we are all trying to get you to show your boobies btw...I got another one of the itty bitty bikini tops to wear under my jumpsuit again this summer.

[Sebazz1 2]

If tree huggers, little hairy trolls, and gun fanatics can all get along long enough to make a couple of loads I guess one christian won't be abig deal.....
Hop aboard dudeThats whats so cool about this sport is that people from all sorts of backrounds have one common goal. It brings us together on the weekends then we all go home for the week and do it again the next weekend.........
SEBAZZ.......

[Muenkel 0]

It's ladies like Jumperpaula who keep me going back to the confessional on a regular basis!
Skydivers...they're just plain cool!
Chris

[Divadiver 0]

Muenkel:

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Oh I forgot, I am also egotistical

Be still my heart . . . now if only you were self absorbed and arrogant as well!
Diva

[Muenkel 0]

Quote

Be still my heart . . . now if only you were self absorbed and arrogant as well!

Let's give it a try.
I'm hot and too good for you!
Does that work for you?
Skydivers...they're just plain cool!
Chris

[Divadiver 0]

He-he, I think you'll do just fine!! Diva

[Shark 0]

Chris,
That's the thing about our community and little part of the world. We tend to drop the "labels," except maybe calling one a freeflier, rw or crewdog. I've had a friend that I've surfed with for over a year and all this time I thought he sold computers; he is in fact an anesthesiologist. So you are no different than everyone else. Just go out and have fun!!