NEWS: JTG Comments on Racism in Wrestling
NEWS: Former member of the WWE tag team Cryme Tyme, JTG recently sat down for an interview with the World According to Wrestling and left no rock unturned. When asked about sensitive topics like racism in the sport, JTG answered honestly:
JTG commented on whether or not race was a barrier in wrestling:
"I definitely believe so just due to history, the results you know? All the superstars that have been identified as African Americans, have been identified as Black – I've never seen them been the face of the company or be the Heavyweight champion. I've seen it in other companies like TNA and WCW, but in WWF still there hasn't been a Black face or a champion."
JTG's comments on Hulk Hogan's racist remarks:"What Hulk Hogan did was very disappointing. He was one of my biggest childhood heroes in the 80s and to hear him say that 'We're all a little racist' you've pretty much sealed your own fate. And I'm still trying to wrap my head around that. It's still disappointing. I know that he is a loving guy and he's very positive. I've met Hogan probably like two or three times and he's already had good spirits about him but racism has nothing to do with loving or hating somebody; it's a mindset that you are superior to the other race."
JTG on the overall way in which race is presented in professional wrestling:"That's how wrestling has always been. Hopefully it changes real soon. And usually they bring them in as a heel; as a monster for the white champion to overcome. You know Umaga, he was fed to John Cena. Same thing with Kamala in the 80s, he was fed to Hulk Hogan. Nine times out of ten they make the angry black man - the savage - just be fed to the champion. It's an obstacle that he's going to win."
Absent from the interview was JTG's self critique on his own Cryme Tyme character, a character which was undoubtedly based on racial stereotypes; but, a character which nonetheless gave him a name and earned him a lucrative paycheck. Listen to the interview in its entirety HERE or download it via ITunes HERE.
JTG commented on whether or not race was a barrier in wrestling:
"I definitely believe so just due to history, the results you know? All the superstars that have been identified as African Americans, have been identified as Black – I've never seen them been the face of the company or be the Heavyweight champion. I've seen it in other companies like TNA and WCW, but in WWF still there hasn't been a Black face or a champion."
JTG's comments on Hulk Hogan's racist remarks:"What Hulk Hogan did was very disappointing. He was one of my biggest childhood heroes in the 80s and to hear him say that 'We're all a little racist' you've pretty much sealed your own fate. And I'm still trying to wrap my head around that. It's still disappointing. I know that he is a loving guy and he's very positive. I've met Hogan probably like two or three times and he's already had good spirits about him but racism has nothing to do with loving or hating somebody; it's a mindset that you are superior to the other race."
JTG on the overall way in which race is presented in professional wrestling:"That's how wrestling has always been. Hopefully it changes real soon. And usually they bring them in as a heel; as a monster for the white champion to overcome. You know Umaga, he was fed to John Cena. Same thing with Kamala in the 80s, he was fed to Hulk Hogan. Nine times out of ten they make the angry black man - the savage - just be fed to the champion. It's an obstacle that he's going to win."
Absent from the interview was JTG's self critique on his own Cryme Tyme character, a character which was undoubtedly based on racial stereotypes; but, a character which nonetheless gave him a name and earned him a lucrative paycheck. Listen to the interview in its entirety HERE or download it via ITunes HERE.
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