By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The Los Angeles Times published a feature story on Spike TV's new "Half Pint Brawlers" wrestling-themed show premiering tonight.

The Times story focuses on the "Jackass" style antics documented on "Half Pint" as the midget wrestlers travel around the country putting on shows. The Times also dives into potential controversies surrounding the portrayal of midgets on the show.

A spokesman for the advocacy group Little People of America questioned the motives behind the show when interviewed by The Times.

"I'm not sure what the motivation is, but the shows about little people, their families and pursuits and careers don't put us on display as freaks to be gawked at and laughed at," he said. "It says that we're not defined only as little people."

Spike defended the show as the type of programming where the target male demographic "wants to hang out with these guys." Spike also says advertisers have a clear demographic to aim for with the show airing in late-night prime time at 11:00 p.m. EST.

-- Watch the Trailer for the new show debuting tonight.

Caldwell's Analysis: It's pretty clear what the motivation is. Pro wrestling's roots are in the traveling carnival era where "promoters" made money parading around freaks, little people, big people, and all sorts of people with strange characteristics to attract folks willing to pay money to see something out of the ordinary. Advertisers are getting their piece of the pie with the new "Half Pint" show targeting a specific male demographic that Spike already caters to.

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