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Is Hulk Hogan A Racist? Say It Ain’t So, Brother!

By Ernest Shepard
Published on: 14:56 PST, Jul 24, 2015

Is Hulk Hogan a racist? Say it ain’t so, brother! Sadly, the news that Hogan used derogatory language has opened up wounds that may never heal. It forces us to ask some tough questions regarding race and tolerance in the world. We also must wonder if we expect too much from our heroes and role-models.

To say that Hulk Hogan is an iconic figure is an understatement. Whether it was the flying leg drop in the ring or his acting chops, Hogan was one of the most visible figures of the 1980s. Hearing about an idol using the N-word as he reportedly used is bitter pill to swallow. It is also terrible timing.

“Take your vitamins and eat your breakfast!”

Fresh off of the death of Sandra Bland, a black woman who died while in police custody, and the horrific shooting which took place in Charleston, SC, the truth about Hulk Hogan is revealed.

Is Hulk Hogan a racist?

Just when the WWE reality series Tough Enough was gaining some steam, the story of Hogan using the N-word comes out.

This stings like a low blow from behind and jars like a stunner. It was totally off guard, but what can you expect? Nothing should surprise us these days.

The WWE has decided to part ways with Hulk Hogan after the vile comments from eight years ago were leaked to the public.

Everyone’s favorite wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, apparently had a strong lapse in judgement during a conversation involving his daughter’s choice in men. A joint investigation by the National Enquirer and Radar Online uncovered information that was leaked during Hogan’s trial against Gawker. It is a $100 million lawsuit that may have revealed Hulk Hogan in an unpleasant light.

In 2012, Gawker released a sex tape involving Hulk Hogan and a woman. The video quickly became the talk of the blogosphere, but no one could ever imagine what was said. Until additional footage of the video was released, no one would have ever known.

The use of the N-word was present and accounted for several times.

Is Hulk Hogan a racist?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hogan was adamant about his daughter Brooke’s boyfriend at the time.

“I’d rather if she f*** some n*****, I’d rather her marry an eight-foot-tall n***** worth a $100 million! Like a basketball player.”

Now Hulk Hogan did admit to being a little racist during the rant, but as a role-model who kids still today look up to, he should have known better. He is too prominent to risk endorsement deals and appearance fees. Hulkster, what were you thinking?

The truth is, he wasn’t thinking at all. He was venting out his frustration just like the rest of us. Many of us have used language we regret. For the use of the N-word, Hulk Hogan deserves a pass.

Now once we give him that pass we can snatch it away from him.

Hulk Hogan reportedly referred to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as “Sambo” as well as the N-word.

If there is a silver lining to this story it was the haste in which the WWE fired Hogan. Not only did they give him his walking papers, but they have eliminated everything Hulk Hogan on their website. This includes his name amongst the Hall of Famers list. Will this change a consistent narrative with the WWE brand itself?

There has only been three black WWE Champions, and or WWE World Champions: the aforementioned The Rock, Booker T, and Mark Henry.

Seldom are black wrestlers in the WWE involved in main events. It is just as rare for black wrestlers to be involved in the title picture with a legitimate storyline behind them. Many of the black wrestlers participate in stereotypical gimmicks that will never allow them to be taken seriously, as are other minority combatants.

One of the gimmicks, done in poor taste, involved Booker T, his wife Sharmell, and WWE CEO Vince McMahon. McMahon’s attempt at jiving fails miserably as he slips out the N-word. The video, re-released by the New York Daily News, which can be viewed here is still available on YouTube today.

Here lies the problem. If the boss is saying such despicable things as a joke how can Hulk Hogan, the brand’s biggest star ever resist?

Hulk Hogan is part of a culture of people who sees the world the way they choose to see it – inside a bubble.

Is Hulk Hogan a racist? I would like to believe that he is just a person who had a lapse of judgment. He was speaking with his emotions and not with common sense. He is yet another reason why we cannot hold our heroes and role-models to such lofty standards. These people are human beings who say despicable things, but cannot be lumped with the racist tag. Ignorant, yes, ignorant indeed.

Hulk Hogan needs to take his “vitamins” while living on a full dose of reality, unemployment and banishment at its purest form. That is the penalty for using the N-word.

Say it ain’t so, brother!

[Photo: Michael Dodge/AFL Media]

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