Why Wasn't I Informed?!

Apparently today is Banzai Mexican Matatdor Day. That's the only reason I can figure for a strange coincidence in my newspaper reading today. First, USA Today has a story entitled (I so swear I am not making this up) "Mexican Dwarfs Seek Respect in Bullfighting," which details the struggles of the "Original Bullfighting Dwarfs of Mexico":

Critics worry that the shows propagate stereotypes, but the troupes provide steady jobs in a country where employment discrimination is rampant. The bullfighters say they try to tread a fine line between being laughed at for their size and respected for their skill.

'When we run around, our movements are just naturally humorous,' said Gustavo Vázquez, the manager of a troupe known as the Giants of the Bullring. 'But we also put on a quality variety show, and the bullfighting is real. The goal is for the audience to see past the fact that we're little people.'

Unlike traditional bullfights, the animals are not harmed. Calves are used instead of bulls.

Then today's New York Times has a story titled "Child Matadors Draw Olés in Mexico’s Bullrings." They're apparently all the rage in Mexican bullfighting (children fighting bulls isn't allowed in Spain).

I understand the public interest story lurking in tales of mini matadors. It just seems odd that they all his the presses on November 19, 2007!