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Dwarf Matadors Stand Tall

Mexican little people hold their own in the arena

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Nov 19, 2007 1:11 PM CST

(Newser) – The image of a pint-sized bullfighter waving red at a calf might induce laughter among the more callous, but for Mexican little people, the bullfighting arena is serious stuff. The mini matadors acknowledge an element of humor in their act, but "if a little person can fight a bull, he can do anything," one fighter tells USA Today.

Mexico is home to 10 to 20 dwarf bullfighting troupes, many of which tour the US to perform for migrant workers. Discrimination against little people is rampant in Mexico, and a matador can earn $100 for a show. "The shows are denigrating, but some of these people have no other way of making a living," says one activist.

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

A dwarf matador prepares for a bullfight. USA Today writes that competition among dwarf troupes is so intense that many have added other attractions such as jumping through burning hoops on all-terrain... (the-two-malcontents.com)

Spanish matador Jose Tomas is seen fighting a bull in this Nov. 30, 2001 file photo taken in Quito, Ecuador. Pint-sized matadors are finding success in Mexico, and touring the US. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) (Associated Press)

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Dwarf Matadors Stand Tall