|
Post by hedonismbot on May 7, 2008 13:09:40 GMT -5
I notice a lot of people on here seem to think that ethnic stereotypes will always be a part of wrestling, that's the way it's always been and always will be, and that there's nothing to be done about it. That's not entirely true. Since 2001 there has more or less been a wrestling monopoly in the U.S.A., which means that if WWE and Vince would simply put their foot down and stop approving of racist or stereotype gimmicks, then they would be gone once and for all. There still may be offensive stereotypes in the indies and bush leagues, but Vince has the opportunity to keep it off of nationally televised wrestling.
|
|
|
Post by Mister Yummy on May 7, 2008 13:34:59 GMT -5
What's wrong with stereotypes anyways? They make for interesting characters.
|
|
Rockhound
Unicron
Mugger Kitty Strikes Again!
Posts: 2,956
|
Post by Rockhound on May 7, 2008 15:36:57 GMT -5
How exactly is the Samba Simba gimmick so offensive. How is that different than a "Wild Somoan" or Native American in tribal headress? Why was the Samba Simba gimmick/wardrobe offensive? I take it you're unfamiliar with the slur "spear chucker"? I'm not saying that I myself found these things offensive but I would shake my head at the fact that they pidgeon hole alot of ethnic stereotypes. Now, on the surface, an African warrior gimmick would have worked if it were in the same catagory as, say, Tatanka or Chief Jay Strongbow(who is Italian incidentally) but it wasn't. They just dressed Atlas, who was one of my favorite wrestlers(until he refused to testify in the Bruiser Brody murder), as a Zulu warrior complete with a spear, and he danced the ring and usually jobbed. That means they dressed him up as a clown. That's what I hated most about the gimmick. Look, using stereotypical gimmicks in a real life cartoon isn't all that bad. It's when they take it to the extreme as with Atlas that makes me scratch my head.
|
|
|
Post by Bob Schlapowitz on May 7, 2008 21:45:19 GMT -5
People are way, way, way, way ,wa y too prissy and sensitive over these types of things anyway. That said, in the world of pro wrestling, Ethnic stereotypes are not only encouraged.....they're allowed. (to quote Batista)
|
|
|
Post by The Hawaiian Hammer! on May 17, 2008 14:20:35 GMT -5
I dont think Saba Simba was racist. Just another gimmick, not sure exactly who it was meant to appeal to. The general idea of the gimmick (Black guy wants to pay tribute to his African roots and strong warriors of the past generation) is not racist. The EXECUTION is a little questionable, as is the motivation. I've heard Tony Atlas was saddled with that gimmick when he came back because he originally left on not so great terms.
|
|
|
Post by scifi1980 on May 18, 2008 14:54:49 GMT -5
People are way, way, way, way ,wa y too prissy and sensitive over these types of things anyway. That said, in the world of pro wrestling, Ethnic stereotypes are not only encouraged.....they're allowed. (to quote Batista) I agree with this all the way. Also. Getting mad at Pro Wrestling for Stereotyping ethnics is like getting mad at a Schitzoprhenic for screaming out curse words in public and generally making a big commotion in a departement store. You just can't get mad and yell at them because both are retarded
|
|
|
Post by Handsome Halfbreed on May 21, 2008 15:43:21 GMT -5
mmm. I think getting all upity at stereotypical pro wrestling gimmicks would be like getting upset on how George Lucas used stereotypical accents to help establish a character to his aliens in Episode I. Watto the junk dealer having a Sicilian Accent. Jar Jar Binks the clumsy simpleton having a Jamacian accent. Nute Gunray the heartless businessman with the Tai accent.
Its entertainment made easy to keep your mind at ease. Why get all Al Sharpton about it.
|
|
Jay Peas 42
El Dandy
Totally flips out ALL the time.
Is looking forward to a Nation of Domination Kwannza Special.
Posts: 8,329
|
Post by Jay Peas 42 on May 25, 2008 14:29:40 GMT -5
Well, you try booking an entire wrestling federation with Bobby Lashleies and Cody Rhodeses.
|
|