tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546665963755719151.post739346522820126223..comments2023-07-15T07:17:49.535-04:00Comments on Professional Wrestling in U.S. Popular Culture: The Foreign MenaceSam Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17233749268141980625noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546665963755719151.post-78239421594584260952014-09-15T23:01:51.863-04:002014-09-15T23:01:51.863-04:00Good points. Regarding the "Big Mean Sonofabi...Good points. Regarding the "Big Mean Sonofabitch" archetype, this never goes out of style, even if it may grow old for the individual wrestler (especially as one ages). Von Raschke and Von Erich present an uncomfortable transition, but one that is likely only possible for certain types of the "Foreign Menace". I'm also not sure the Iron Sheik would have been able to transition into this comedy role in an earlier time without the presence of shoot interviews, social media, and the like. Timothy S. Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05759704121030358820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546665963755719151.post-65692945870626102012014-09-15T10:17:59.030-04:002014-09-15T10:17:59.030-04:00To piggyback off this discussion a bit and further...To piggyback off this discussion a bit and further extrapolate on something I brought up in class, I think it's also fascinating to see how wrestling deals with making sense of the foreign menace who becomes a legend in his own right. Baron Von Raschke's goose-stepping ways eventually landed him in the hearts and minds of viewers as a legend, to the point he becomes a fan favorite. Now, he's goose-stepping and clawing to cheers, but not as a Neo-Nazi...and they have to tweak his character to a degree to make sure they aren't seen as pushing a white supremacist, I suppose. Fritz Von Erich has to be transformed from evil Nazi sympathizer to patriarch of a bunch of good ol' boys from Texas. Is this ever even explained? How did they ever make that switch, while keeping his name? I don't think he went through a period of "Nazi sympathizer reforms and settles into Denton County." Or look at The Iron Sheik. From Iranian menace to goofy and crazy old wrestling legend that people love...They bring him back to play comedy roles, to win the legends battle royal (largely because he couldn't handle a fall over the top rope), and so forth...even while there still exists major tensions between the U.S. and Russia.Sam Fordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17233749268141980625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1546665963755719151.post-67054368769070261102014-09-14T19:58:56.489-04:002014-09-14T19:58:56.489-04:00The subject of foreign menaces in wrestling is int...The subject of foreign menaces in wrestling is interesting, and I love how you tie that in with your modern International Relations course. You are right in what you say about the end of the Cold War and the waning emotional relevancy Americans had at that time. When the Cold War dissipated, so did America’s fear and detest of Russia. <br /><br />For me, I like the Big Mean Sonofabitch archetype, no need for geographical stereotyping, which always seems to wax and wane as the winds of politics shift. This catchall archetype is terrific; the more he goes outside of social norms the better—the thought of this archetype kicking a down and out kid; cheating, not playing by the rules, better yet, having no rules, and just being asocial is what the wrestling doctor ordered. The fans say they must be punished!<br />Garyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12968260885055118833noreply@blogger.com