Out Of The Frying Pan... Into The Wrestling Ring...AGAIN
This is how you kill a storyline? One day after I rant about the respect wrestling deserves? I guess it's a good thing I didn't mention WWE as a LEADER in any way in the wrestling industry. Their own avarice and reliance on Hollywood to let their storylines do the talking has backfired, in my opinion anyway.
According to a story on ABCnews.com, WWE gave in to sponsors and fans who objected to their recent Arab-American storyline. While I agree that the storyline did very little to perpetuate many (if any) positive images of the character and/or Arab-Americans in general, I don’t believe that the WWE’s ending of the storyline and press releases surrounding the character’s demise did much of anything to quell the angry sentiments.
Firstly, though, ABC’s statement that “(Hassan) rants and raves about being profiled and discriminated against, especially since Sept. 11, and is usually accompanied by other angry Arab-American men” is false. Usually, it’s only one other man. Secondly, their statement that the final straw was “[the] sketch, which included five men dressed in ski masks and carrying Hassan's manager, Khosrow Daivari, over their heads in what appeared to be a funeral for a suicide bomber…” is INSANE. Since when was Daivari put over as a “Suicide Bomber”?
That kind of irresponsible statement by ABC is a perfect example of how the media perpetuates distrust of anyone who isn’t white, Christian and male in our society. Further, it adds fuel to the argument that mainstream media is increasingly out of touch with reality.
Maybe I’m overreacting to one “journalists” misstatement. But, I cannot stand idly by, while the sport/art that I love the most is attacked. On the other hand, I’m not a big fan of WWE or their storylines or programming to begin with. Especially when I see a statement like this: "He was defeated by the Undertaker and will not return," said Gary Davis, a spokesman for WWE. "Under the circumstances it was a respectful way to tie up the storylines.” Yeah, Gary. About as respectful as the Hollywood movie studios creating hatred in productions like, say, “Top Gun,” that all Russian Soldiers are out spying on us and ready to kill. "The whole point of the storyline and this character was to point out the injustices Arab-Americans have suffered since 9/11," Davis said. So, to be “respectful” to those who have LEGITIMATELY suffered in REAL LIFE after the attacks, we show that Bullies beating them up is okay? That’s how we bring closure? Not that the WWE is any measuring stick of how we should treat people. But still, a very negligent statement.
Yes, yes, I know. Sure, it’s a storyline. Storylines are part of the business. So are the “USA! USA!” chants that generate cheap heat and pops in the ring when you’re dealing with someone from the US in the “hero” role, grappling with anyone else who might be from Canada, Mexico or even further away - like say… the Middle East. But why does it have to be? Why does wrestling have to resort to the same base tactics, and take the easy way out when creating their “art”?
I guess to a certain extent, there could possibly be plenty of artistic gain to be made from challenging folks to rise above their hatreds, misunderstandings, misgivings and anger. But, the anti Arab sentiment is played out. In fact, pushing the reality of intolerance into the Professional Wrestling arena is relatively played out as well. How about just disliking your opponent because temporarily in the way, or he’s got the Belt you want? Come on, let’s rise above racism on every level - especially anyplace where hatred wins out over acceptance. On the streets AND on the screen. It starts with us.
According to a story on ABCnews.com, WWE gave in to sponsors and fans who objected to their recent Arab-American storyline. While I agree that the storyline did very little to perpetuate many (if any) positive images of the character and/or Arab-Americans in general, I don’t believe that the WWE’s ending of the storyline and press releases surrounding the character’s demise did much of anything to quell the angry sentiments.
Firstly, though, ABC’s statement that “(Hassan) rants and raves about being profiled and discriminated against, especially since Sept. 11, and is usually accompanied by other angry Arab-American men” is false. Usually, it’s only one other man. Secondly, their statement that the final straw was “[the] sketch, which included five men dressed in ski masks and carrying Hassan's manager, Khosrow Daivari, over their heads in what appeared to be a funeral for a suicide bomber…” is INSANE. Since when was Daivari put over as a “Suicide Bomber”?
That kind of irresponsible statement by ABC is a perfect example of how the media perpetuates distrust of anyone who isn’t white, Christian and male in our society. Further, it adds fuel to the argument that mainstream media is increasingly out of touch with reality.
Maybe I’m overreacting to one “journalists” misstatement. But, I cannot stand idly by, while the sport/art that I love the most is attacked. On the other hand, I’m not a big fan of WWE or their storylines or programming to begin with. Especially when I see a statement like this: "He was defeated by the Undertaker and will not return," said Gary Davis, a spokesman for WWE. "Under the circumstances it was a respectful way to tie up the storylines.” Yeah, Gary. About as respectful as the Hollywood movie studios creating hatred in productions like, say, “Top Gun,” that all Russian Soldiers are out spying on us and ready to kill. "The whole point of the storyline and this character was to point out the injustices Arab-Americans have suffered since 9/11," Davis said. So, to be “respectful” to those who have LEGITIMATELY suffered in REAL LIFE after the attacks, we show that Bullies beating them up is okay? That’s how we bring closure? Not that the WWE is any measuring stick of how we should treat people. But still, a very negligent statement.
Yes, yes, I know. Sure, it’s a storyline. Storylines are part of the business. So are the “USA! USA!” chants that generate cheap heat and pops in the ring when you’re dealing with someone from the US in the “hero” role, grappling with anyone else who might be from Canada, Mexico or even further away - like say… the Middle East. But why does it have to be? Why does wrestling have to resort to the same base tactics, and take the easy way out when creating their “art”?
I guess to a certain extent, there could possibly be plenty of artistic gain to be made from challenging folks to rise above their hatreds, misunderstandings, misgivings and anger. But, the anti Arab sentiment is played out. In fact, pushing the reality of intolerance into the Professional Wrestling arena is relatively played out as well. How about just disliking your opponent because temporarily in the way, or he’s got the Belt you want? Come on, let’s rise above racism on every level - especially anyplace where hatred wins out over acceptance. On the streets AND on the screen. It starts with us.
posted by swg11871 at 5:45 PM
1 Comments:
Wrasslin's fake. (wink)
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