Identity Politics (Why is Cain Velasquez Fighting For Mexico?)

American Rattlesnake ^ | November 12, 2011 | Gerard Perry

[OddLane]

I normally wouldn’t devote an entire post to mixed martial arts, especially when there are such vital issues to discuss-including the Obama administration’s continued war against the State of Arizona. The sport doesn’t particularly appeal to me as a spectator, and I’m of the opinion that if I wanted to see men who didn’t know how to throw a punch properly, I’d watch boxing. However, I believe that an exception must be made for the much-anticipated UFC fight that will be broadcast on CBS shortly.

The reason being that this fight involves a fighter, Cain Velasquez, of Mexican heritage who I think embodies some of the more problematic aspects of this country’s immigration and acculturation policies with respect to Latinos.

Mr. Velasquez hails from Salinas, California, the birthplace of John Steinbeck, who immortalized his majestic, dry home in many of the 20th Century’s greatest novels. As this Fox News story points out, Velasquez takes great pride in his ethnic heritage, and exults in his ability to inspire other young boys who come from similar circumstances.

Yet, I couldn’t help but note the discordance of someone who is a native Californian-a person from a state that’s been a part of the union for well over a century and a half-uttering these words:

“I’m proud to be Mexican, and if I can be a role model for some people, I’m happy to be that person. I’m glad I’m in this position.”

[bigdirty]

He’s a piece of America-hating garbage.

[OddLane]

I don't know enough about him personally-as I wrote in my article, I'm not an MMA fan-to make that judgment.

However, everything I've learned in the past few days about him leads me to believe he doesn't think of himself as an American.

[Tax-chick]

... why Cain Velasquez is so proud of a country that his parents abandoned, yet so utterly dismissive of the country where he and his family have prospered beyond the wildest dreams of most Mexican nationals.

Looking at him, I would suggest it's because he's as dumb as a box of rocks.

[DJ MacWoW]

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[OddLane]

According to the Fox News story, he's educated.

But I have no idea what exactly that means in this context.

Human cockfighting isn't exactly the first thing that springs to mind when I think of gentleman-scholars.

[GrootheWanderer]

The Mexican American market is about the only thing sustaining boxing right now, but they haven’t caught on to mixed martial arts yet. The UFC has been trying to market to them for several years because of all the money they spend on boxing PPVs, but they haven’t had much luck yet. luck.

They are really pushing Cain hard with Mexicans, but on the MMA boards a lot of people are laughing because Cain’s Spanish isn’t very good. While his opponent, Junior Dos Santos, isn’t Hispanic but has very good Spanish.

[Tax-chick]

It probably means he graduated from his local California public high school.

[OddLane]

That is kind of amusing, although I suppose a lot of Brazilians know Spanish just by traveling through the rest of South America.

[dainbramaged]

I hope Junior Dos Santos (Brazil) cleans his clock. It should be a good fight as both are excellent strikers with an edge to Junior on the ground.

[OddLane]

Me too.

Coming up in T minus 18 minutes, EST.

[OddLane]

Just out of curiosity-since I'm not an MMA fan-why did Fox need an hour-long chunk of air-time to broadcast a fight that'll last less than five minutes?

[fr_freak]

However, everything I've learned in the past few days about him leads me to believe he doesn't think of himself as an American.

Before I ever heard him say a word, I knew Velasquez was just another America-hating chicano when I saw that "Brown Pride" tattoo across his chest. How would people react if Brock Lesnar showed up with "White Pride" on his chest? Enough said.

[OddLane]

Exactly.

[OddLane]

ping

[rellimpank]

—65 seconds-—clock cleaned—

[OddLane]

That's the one good thing to come out this fight. I've had sneezing fits that have lasted twice as long.

Why is this sport popular again?

[OddLane]

Immigration/assimilation bump