With all of the "skateboard fail" videos out there, I've been wondering.  Why is it apparently so uncool to wear a helmet or pads?  So does it really make you that much of a fairy?  Is there that much attraction to trying to break the sidewalk with your skull?  I think helmets while casual bike riding is too much, but when trying to jump down steps or a huge rail grind you might want to consider it.

So is wearing protective gear informally forbidden?  Do they spend their money for pads on glue or paint for huffing instead?  I realize that I'm old (skateboards had clay wheels when I was a kid) and I might have too much common sense but I just don't understand why you wouldn't want to keep your skull off of the street.