Rachael Gunn 'Raygun': Cultural Appreciation or a Case of Missed Representation?

When Rachael Gunn also known as 'Raygun', first started making headlines as Australia’s representative in the Olympic debut of breakdancing, I was right there with many others, cheering her on. A woman from Sydney’s North Shore, breaking into a male-dominated, street-born sport—what’s not to admire? But as I dug deeper, and after some conversations with friends like Adam, my initial excitement gave way to a sense of unease. This wasn’t just about one woman’s journey to the Olympics; it was about much more a conversation that we need to have about privilege, cultural appropriation, and representation.

A Little Background on Breakdancing

To really grasp the controversy surrounding Rachael, it’s crucial to understand where breakdancing or "breaking" atually comes from. As an Artform Breaking was born out of the struggles and creativity of African American and Latino youth in the Bronx and Queens during the 1970s, breaking was a way for these communities to express themselves in a society that often ignored them. It was their voice, their identity, and their resistance, all rolled into an art form that defied the traditional norms of dance.

When the International Olympic Committee announced in 2019 that breaking would be part of the 2024 Paris Olympics, it was a huge milestone. But it also raised concerns around how would this deeply rooted cultural expression be handled on such a global and commercial stage? Would its origins be honored, or would they be glossed over in favor of a more sanitized, commercial version?

Rachael Gunn’s Rise and the Mixed Reactions

So in walks Rachael Gunn, at first glance, she is a woman that might not seem like the obvious choice to represent such a culture. A 36-year-old white woman from a private school background, introduced to breakdancing later in life by her husband Samuel Free, who, coincidentally, was her coach and more sinsisterly played a role in the selection process for Australia’s Olympic breakdancing team. It’s easy to see why this raised some eyebrows.

And through this the question of privilege is raised. Critics argue that Rachael’s connection to those in power gave her an unfair advantage, overshadowing more deserving candidates who would be more culturally connected to breaking; especially those from marginalized communities.

Since Rachael perfromance went viral, creators on platforms like TikTok, specifically people of color began voicing their frustration, and I couldn’t help but wonder: was this a case of cultural appropriation, where someone from outside the culture benefits while the original creators are pushed aside?

Who Got Overlooked?

One of the most troubling aspects of this story is the idea that many talented breakdancers, particularly from Indigenous and Pacific Islander communities in Australia, were overlooked. Adam and I talked about this—how these individuals, who have been breaking long before it was an Olympic sport, weren’t even aware of the Olympic qualifiers. Competitions were held in distant cities like Sydney and Auckland, places that were inaccessible to those without the means to travel.

Why wern't clearly more talented breakers nont on the radar? The system seemed to favor those already within established dance circles, leaving out those who might have been more representative of breaking’s cultural roots. It’s not just about missing out on the Olympics; it’s about how opportunities are distributed and who gets to have a shot at the spotlight.

Privilege and Representation in Sports

Rachael Gunn’s story is more than just an individual’s rise to the Olympic stage; it’s a reflection of broader issues around privilege and representation in sports. Coming from a background of private education and ties to traditional dance forms like ballroom and tap, Rachael had access to resources that many breakdancers from marginalized communities didn’t. Yes, she worked hard to master breaking, but it’s important to question whether the playing field was level from the start.

Rachael’s focus and such the topic of her Phd Thesis touches on promoting women in breaking, while commendable, seemed to lack an intersectional approach. It’s great that she’s advocating for more women in the sport, but what about the unique challenges faced by women of color in this space? This oversight is a common issue when people from privileged backgrounds engage with cultures they aren’t inherently a part of. One could even say that a person from provilage has gentrified a cultural artform.

The Impact on Breakdancing Culture

The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics was supposed to be a celebration of the culture’s global reach. But for many, especially within the breaking community, Rachael Gunn’s participation highlighted the ongoing struggle to maintain ownership of cultural expressions in the face of commercialization and appropriation.

And then there was Rachael’s actual performance at the Olympics, which didn’t go as planned, she scored a total of 0 points out of a possible 60. And its this that only intensified the criticism. For some, this seemed like proof that privilege, rather than merit or cultural connection, had dictated who got to represent breaking on the world stage. If Rachael was as knowledgeable about breaking as her academic background suggests, she should have used her platform to elevate others, especially those from communities where breaking has deep cultural roots. Instead, it feels like an opportunity was missed, both for the sport and for those who’ve been its true champions.

Why This Matters to Me

I’ll admit, this whole situation has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. At first, I was ready to celebrate Rachael’s achievement. But the more I learned, the more I felt that something was off. Breakdancing, to me, is more than just a sport, it’s a form of expression that tells the stories of marginalized communities. It’s about claiming space in a world that often tries to push you out.

That’s why it’s frustrating to see someone like Rachael Gunn step into the spotlight without fully acknowledging where breaking comes from. It feels like a disservice to the art form and the people who’ve kept it alive for decades. And while I believe anyone can appreciate and participate in a culture outside of their own, it’s crucial that they do so with respect and a commitment to uplifting the voices of those who created it.

Final Thoughts

Rachael Gunn’s story isn’t a simple one—it’s wrapped up in questions of passion, privilege, and cultural dynamics. As breaking continues to evolve and gain global recognition, should we stay vigilant about who gets to tell the story and how it’s told? The Olympics may have missed the mark in showcasing the true diversity and talent within the breaking community, but the conversations sparked by this controversy could lead to a more inclusive future.

So, what’s your take on Rachael Gunn’s journey? Is it an inspiring tale of breaking barriers, or is it a case of cultural appropriation overshadowing more deserving talents? This conversation is just beginning, and it’s one that involves all of us.