'Nacho' review an insult to wrestling fans

I never imagined seeing the phrase "one man's racism is another's legit ethnic comedy" in the hallowed missives of the Post-Gazette.

Nor did I imagine seeing a more half-hearted and ignorant movie review than the one Barry Paris provided for "Nacho Libre" (June 16).

While most respectable publications across the nation treated the subject matter of this comedy with respect -- lucha libre is a serious entertainment staple of Mexican culture and is represented by the likes of El Santo, a cultural icon to millions -- in the eyes of the PG's movie reviewer, the film's subject is comparable to fads, the tiniest of subcultures and "studio wrestling."

For those who care to know, the term "studio wrestling" is archaic, unless one considers Universal Studios in Orlando, and more accurately SoundStage 21, where TNA wrestling conducts its TV tapings, a legit use of the term. "Studio wrestling" was a term associated with production at a local TV station, typically in front of several dozen fans -- and in the case of the old WIIC, painted cardboard cut-outs.

It's hard to imagine how the most popular entertainment form in Mexico this day could be treated with such disdain from a newspaper otherwise culturally sensitive to people just outside our southern border. Lucha Libre draws over 10,000 fans to certain promotions (AAA, CMLL to name the majors) and runs shows on a daily basis across Mexico. Both numbers are far more than the WWE sees or produces.

The wrestling fandom has proved itself to be literate, passionate and a lot less stereotypical than is hinted at by this pathetic review. And, by the way, a movie is far more "fake" than the worst of pro wrestling in any cultural form, which rarely (if ever) involves a full scripting of actions, moves and lines.

While ignorance of a hard-hitting, lucrative and popular entertainment form may be tolerated by the PG, and slighting the tens of millions of professional wrestling fans across the world merely another reason for punch lines from a lazy reviewer, I remain far more disgusted by Paris' outlandish, ill-informed and ill-advised racial commentary.

Joe Babinsack
Brighton Heights

The integrity of the Artists Market

Monday's Post-Gazette ran a story about the Arts Festival ("Arts Festival packs them in," June 19) and a small controversy over the festival's inquiry of the authenticity of an artist's work in the Artists Market. The Three Rivers Arts Festival's Artists Market, along with every other major market in the country, regularly qualifies artists' work to protect the buyer and other artists in the show.

We regret that Hanna de Volska was upset by our inquiry and that the situation was most likely unpleasant for her.

I am confident, however, that the market coordinator, Sonja Sweterlitsch, handled the situation as best she could. Sonja is one of the kindest, most considerate professionals who has ever led the festival's Artists Market, and we fully support her efforts in maintaining the quality and integrity of the market.

Patricia Elmes Farley
Chair, TRAF Artists Market Advisory Board

Politics as juvenile

I am shocked that WPXI/PCNC, one of Pittsburgh's leading television and cable stations, is daily endorsing the display of threatening images against a U.S. Senator, Hillary Clinton, on one of its "talk" shows. How dare they? The backdrop behind the narrator, Fred Honsberger, shows a framed photograph of Sen. Clinton with a red line drawn diagonally across her "face."

What is WPXI/PCNC suggesting? That someone should eliminate a U.S. senator? Is that what the station is advocating? Should the proper authorities be called in to investigate its motives? This is not "politics as usual." I believe it is an attempt at dangerously juvenile politics. The station obviously missed its classes in United States Government 101.

Joe Martinelli
Monroeville