11/29/2024
American Photography 39 Winner Jack Sorokin Photography
Tanner Dale from the project titled Rodeo Boys. August 2022. During my time living in Marshall NC from 2016 to 2022 I became intrigued by the complex interplay between vulnerability and masculinity within the bull-riding community at the local rodeo. Over five years I explored the emotional and social lives of these young men driven by curiosity and a desire to examine the nuances of their experiences. I observed how vulnerability might forge connections and the delicate balance between violence and tenderness in the sport. I sought to understand how their shared experience of participating in this ritual – confronting metaphorical flames (or mounting the bull) – could solidify bonds and foster belonging. My exploration examined how this ritual might cultivate a form of masculinity valuing care support and empathy. I approached this topic with an open mind recognizing potential concerns regarding violence animal welfare traditional gender roles risk-taking behavior and exclusivity. By examining these ideas from different angles I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities underpinning the bull-riding community and its unique environment contributing to a broader discourse on the power of shared experiences and the potential for personal growth and transformation within unconventional or controversial settings.
