Interesting piece on the New Republic's website yesterday about Mexican-American pro wrestler Rey Mysterio, Jr., and how his rise is an interesting counterpart to the current debate about immigration.
Yes, Mysterio is a great immigrant success story, reaching the top of his profession in just a few short years. But author Elspeth Reeve left out one key detail: when Mysterio first came to the U.S. as a wrestler for WCW, he wore a mask, as is customary in wrestling south of the border. At one point in WCW he stopped wearing the mask (because WCW management thought he was good-looking and had star appeal). But when Mysterio came to the WWF/WWE, he started wearing the mask again. Perhaps an example of success despite counter-assimilation? Though at least Rey continues to speak English.
Posted by Stephen Silver at May 4, 2006 05:07 PMI actually thought Rey was kinda funny looking without his mask. (Psicosis looks all right without his, though.)
Posted by: Gib at May 5, 2006 12:31 PMhey he looks very sexy without his mask off