World Wrestling Entertainment was justified in firing Hulk Hogan; what he said was absolutely disgusting. That is not to say I believe Hulk Hogan is a bad person, but I certainly know how he feels toward the USA’s black community.
The industry that Hogan has been a pivotal part of since the 1970s is a unique and bizarre one. Professional wrestling is on the arbitrary line between sport and entertainment. It is live athletic theatre.
I have heard a lot of fans of Hogan saying that WWE cutting ties with him was far too ruthless after everything that he has done for the business; that he made the industry what it is today and to cast him aside is hypocritical.
This opinion is idiotic.
Saying that WWE should not have severed ties with Hogan because of what he has done for the business is like saying Donald Sterling should not have been punted from the Clippers and the NBA because of everything he did to elevate the franchise.
Hogan took the WWE (then WWF) from a great professional wrestling promotion to the wrestling promotion of the world. Donald Sterling bought the Clippers in 1981 for $12.5 million and then sold the franchise last year for $2 billion.
Both individuals took a business model and evolved it into something that dominated their market. So, philosophically and ethically, what’s the difference?
Many would say that to compare Hulk Hogan to Donald Sterling might be a little harsh. But a racial tirade is a racial tirade and they deserve the same punishment.
As soon as it’s a likeable figure, actions are looked at differently. But if you can justify what Hogan said, then your thought process is seriously misguided. No such discrimination can ever be justified.
And yes, maybe his attitude can be explained by the wrestling world that he has lived in for the last four decades; the world in which racial stereotypes are littered throughout every showing of the sport. But an explanation for his words is in no way a justification.
I admit that being taped in the circumstances that he was taped in is morally questionable, but he still said what he said. He still meant and felt the words that came out of his mouth. And those words hurt and do damage to entire communities.
Hulk Hogan deserved to be fired. He is a man who exhibited incredibly racist behaviours. Discrimination is not okay and it never will be.
Jason
Roar Rookie
i agree Astro. 'D'. Seriously? I don't think you are on to comment. Do you know or understand the history of that word that Hogan said in America? Your comparison is completely off base. There is so much hatred and suffering behind the words that Hogan uttered. It is in no way comparable. That kind tolerance for hatred and disgusting historical injustices is why there is still so much prejudice and discrimination in this world. It is FAR more than just words in this context. It's 400 years of oppression.
Astro
Guest
Well, there's our winner for the most ignorant comment of the day!
D
Guest
Yes Donald Sterling should not have been outcasted from the NBA he owned the team thats his right you cant force someone to sell their team because of something they said or how they feel. He didn't due anything ILLEGAL. You people need to get over "Racial rants" It's nothing more then words. If someone called me a ginnie which is a Italian curse word ( I am Italian) Due you think I am going to care or cry about it? NO, I am going to get up and go to work and do what I have to do to make myself a success. Hogan has already layed out a long apology and many black people (some celebrates and former black wrestlers) are sticking up for him. Who are you to judge. Go back to your hole where you came from!
Jason
Roar Rookie
"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain" - Harvey Dent, Batman the Dark Knight. Completely true. It should be commended, I think it is a good step forward for the WWE to start to abolish such behaviours and hopefully continue to eradicate stereotypes within the business.
Jason
Roar Rookie
I know!! but apparently Shawn Michaels looks set to replace him and to be honest, I would much rather see Shawn.
Jason
Roar Rookie
Sure, I have made mistakes. Plenty of them, but I would hardly call a directed racist rant merely a 'mistake'. When did I blame everything that is wrong within the WWE all on Hogan? I didn't. Yes we all make mistakes, but thinking those thoughts and feeling that way about an entire race is absolutely disgusting. None of this article was about anyone else within the WWE or what they have done wrong. I am talking about Hogan. This is about Hogan. I have said that the WWE is littered with racism and stereotypes. So by your logic Donald Sterling should not have been outcast from the NBA? Because it was illegally recorded in private? And because we all make mistakes? I'm sorry but do not compare any mistake I have made to a racial tirade. That is on a completely different level. Sure, I understand that he was at a low point, and in the future I'm sure he can make amends and be the man I feel like he is; but for now, he needs to face the consequences for his actions.
D
Guest
You act like you never made a mistake. He said this 8 years ago when he was at the lowest point of his life and trying to protect his daughter a bit. Sometimes you can say bad things when your down in life especially when your supposed to be in privacy. Which the conversation was private. The fact that these comments came out are illegal themselves. WWE trying to erase him is idiotic. I mean Tyson is in the WWE hall of fame and he is a convicted rapist. The Butcher gave people Hepatitis C. And so on. Vince McMahon used the N word in a promo, and what about Michael Hayes racist rants yet he is still employed with the company. How many black heavyweight champions has the WWE had since Vince McMahon took over? So don't blame this all on Hogan.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Would've been nice if they released this footage a week after he was due to Visit Australia not a week before!
Jason
Roar Rookie
"And yes, maybe his attitude can be explained by the wrestling world that he has lived in for the last four decades; the world in which racial stereotypes are littered throughout every showing of the sport. But an explanation for his words is in no way a justification." - I agree that the WWE have been no saints and their use of racial stereotypes over history and even now are awful. But it is a good step for WWE to cut off Hogan like this; a good step for the future.
Someone with a valid point
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB81hqH94CQ WWE allowing Blackface to be on their show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtAJqeTpDis Vince McMahon saying the slang version of the N-word to be the 'funny out of touch old white guy" The WWE does not tolerate racism apparently even if it is going years back? Methinks they need to check themselves.
Gonzo
Guest
What's that old saying? You either die a hero or live long enough to become a villain? I don't know what he said. But racism is career cancer these days, as it should be. I'm actually surprised the WWE would close its door on him so quickly, but this should be commended.