Friday, May 25, 2012

Jericho Flag Stomping Controversy in Brazil


As you may have heard by now, there was a rather big scandal yesterday after a WWE House Show in Brazil, where Chris Jericho stomped the flag of the country. Which is not something that is permitted in Brazil, as the fact that someone could get arrested for such a thing. Which Chris Jericho nearly did, due to his flag stomping actions. Jericho apologized, was taken out of the country, and suspended. 


The suspension was obviously WWE covering their own backsides from a Public Relations standpoint. Not that there's anything wrong with that, because they are running a business. Of course, one must wonder why something like this was thought it would be a good idea.

In another day and age, such an act would be considered to be cheap heat, but in the politically correct world that we to, you can't say anything against anyone, with it coming across as racist, sexist, or just generally offensive. But that's beside the point. The fact is that given this day and age, if you really think that something would be offensive, then it may be best not only to not do it, but rather make sure what you intend to do is illegal.

Plus WWE in General is walking around on egg shells, as Linda's Senate Campaign is kicking up once again. It seems like a foolish over site not to figure out what can and cannot be done when you enter a country. Far lesser things have been used to undercut people in the political realm.

Given the culture of Brazilians, it was quite fortunate that a riot was not spark and Chris Jericho got out of the country alive. They can be passionate, almost to an obsessive degree.

It doesn't matter whether someone is acting or not. The actual act of stomping the flag for purposes of heel heat, that's not the issue. The issue is lack of foresight from WWE, from Chris Jericho, and everyone else involved. Much like the JBL goose stomping fiasco in Germany years back, the idea of getting heel heat is all well and fine, but there are lines that might not be the smartest to cross.

As of right now Chris Jericho has been suspended. Exactly how much of a work the actual suspension is, we'll find out before too long. Regardless the act of stomping a flag in Brazil for cheap heat was not a smart mood in hindsight.

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