Jack Flame Sorokin
Jack Sorokin Photography LLC.
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.