The Newest American Gladiator Is Cuban

Just when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high, having become a priority issue for politicians, the newest induction to the top-rated show, "American Gladiator," is Cuban. Swam-90-miles-to-Florida Cuban. As we continue to stand rigid in our stance of embargo against Cuban primarily because they are Communists, the Olympics are being held in the largest Communist country in the world. Hmm, me thinks something isn't right here.

38-year-old Alex Castro is the mighty Militia, in true Marine Corps style: he barks orders at the contestants while flexing impressive biceps. Despite the small racy shorts he is wearing, he is scary. While he has years of formal acting school training, his military persona is not difficult, nor is it a persona.

In truth, the fact that he has battled his way to the top and emerged a symbol of physical perfection and battle-field acumen, is a perfect metaphor for his life, starting with the trip across the water to Florida when Alex, then 24, and five others attempted to flee. Their raft capsized but they kept moving. Only three made it to the shore in Florida. With the beach in view amidst a heaving sea, the Marines rescued them from the shark-infested waters. Almost immediately after becoming a citizen, he joined the military and was sent back--to Guantanamo Bay this time, in USMC blues. You can't make this shit up.

Having loved ones sink into the water just arms length away is something that is etched in his brain and fuels both his intense working schedule and gratitude. Alex tells stories of his life as if he, too, is surprised. When doing the History Channel production of Hannibal, he spent hours on an elephant's back (he has pictures of Rosie on his camera). He describes how they would move as if running, although they were standing in front of a green screen. He's just as passionate, but softens, when talking about the son he is raising as a single parent, an 11-year old who corrects his English in that merciless way only tweens can.

Yes, it's time for a change, Alex Castro. We want it too.

Comments

[littlejohn1]

You know . . . how do I put this . . . we have it pretty good here in the 'ol U.S. of A. I know we have a lot to work on; we have a lot of problems, and there are a lot of countries who treat their citizens better at this point than this one, but at least we don't have to swim all the way to another country when we want some hope for a good life. We can make that change right here at home. In that respect -- we are blessed, I think.

[sterlingcheese]

Yeah, I think experiences like this are things that most natural-born citizens can't even comprehend. That's why the anti-immigration crap just pisses me off. We have no idea what other people go through. We have the wealth here -- we need to just shut up and share.

[riseaboveit]

i noticed a few weeks ago that alex castro is now sponsored by a company that makes headshaving equipment called head blade. i read it in the new york post a couple of weeks ago on page 6 i think. he seems like a good guy. started shaving my head last tuesday b/c i thought it looked good on him and might look good on me. my wife agrees so i'm keepin' it~

[jubo]

And what indication is it that American Gladiator is the top rated show?

Chilling although it is noon in the Sahara...

[Gingerously]

yeah, well, i've been to cuba, and the island is full of beautiful people. the embargo is one of the most stupid actions taken by the US, and it's resulted in Cuba's impoverishment. to be fair, though, the lack of US intervention has created a nation with startling equality among its people.

[artsandcrafts]

Did anyone see "Sicko"? I was srtuck by how wonderful the Cuban people were to Michael Moore and his crew. Not only that, but how it appears they have better health care and take care of their people much more so than the US does.

[KaAp]

Cubans coming to our shores have never been branded as immigrants ... they have the legal status of political refugees ... there is a difference ... you need only to reflect back upon the time when Haitians were coming to Florida desperate and destitute and running for their lives from a terrible dictator .. but they are considered immigrants while Cubans were considered refugees ....

[gopackers]

Yeah, you know, sometimes television really isn't the "bad guy," like when they take risks like this that end up putting the spotlight on people's own prejudices and ignorance. I haven't been watching "Gladiator," but I will certainly be tuning in now. Thanks for the tip.

[Wilsonfisk89]

"Militia" was a gay porn star. No joke, it was all over the internets when the show debuted. There are raunchy pix of him to back up the claim, so this whole article is sort of hilarious in that context. This is not an inappropriate post.

[photojane]

Even if that is true, I don't think it takes away from Dr. Vranich's point.

[riseaboveit]

i agree it doesn't take away from vranich's point.... he took some nude shots. does that make him a porn star? geesh.

[olephart]

"Just when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high"

You left out the word "illegal".

"Only three made it to the shore in Florida."

Another remnant of the Cold War, those fleeing Communist Cuba arriving on American soil are granted amnesty. Those fleeing anywhere else, including Communist China, are not.

"we continue to stand rigid in our stance of embargo against Cuban primarily because they are Communists"

We continue this ridiculous stance because there is a voting block in the key swing state of Florida made up of the descendents of the Cuba Libres. No one wishes to offend this group for crass political reasons.

[baldblackman]

We can't piss off China, they own most of America's debt, as well as supplying most of our cheap crap!

[riotforchange]

I agree -- our stance on Communism is so hypocritical How can we support China when their human rights violations are so blatant, especially in regards to the Tibetans. Their governmental policies go against everything America is supposed to stand for. Just shows that our country really is guided by economic interests alone.