BULLFIGHTING – BARBARIC OR ART? |
Spain has become internationally known for its bullfighting, a tradition that spawns debate in many parts of the world and within Spain itself. Fans of bullfighting claim that it is a culturally important tradition, while animal rights activists argue that it is a bloodsport due to the suffering of bulls and horses involved. Whether you criticize it as an unfair bloodsport or look at it as authentic Spanish art, there is certainly much more to bullfighting than a man slaughtering a bull. In fact, bullfighting is not just a Spanish tradition; Portugal, Latin America and a few cities in southern France also have a history of bullfighting. The tradition as practiced today involves three toreros (matadors) who each fight two bulls, which are at least four years old and weigh between 460–600 kg. Each matador has six assistants: two picadores (lancers) mounted on horseback, three banderilleros (flagmen), and a mozo de espada (sword page). Jointly they encompass a cuadrilla (entourage). Bullfighting traces its roots to prehistoric worshiping and sacrificing of bulls. The killing of a sacred bull is called tauromachy and was a central iconic act of the Mithras. Bullfighting is also frequently connected to Rome, where humans fighting animals from horseback using a javelin was a common sport. This was normally performed as a warm up at gladiatorial events. Bullfighting was practiced by aristocracy as a substitute and preparation for war in the manner of hunting and jousting. It was also practised for religious festivities and royal weddings. By the 18th century the noblemen were replaced by commoners and the Spanish began fighting bulls on foot. This developed and men started using capes to aid the horsemen in positioning the bulls. This drew more attention from audiences. Bullfighting has always been controversial in Spain. Throughout history many of the ruling and educated classes have considered it to be barbaric. Pope Pius V issued a bill titled De Salute Gregis in November 1567 which forbid fighting of bulls and any other beasts. This was eradicated eight years later by his successor, Pope Gregory XIII, at the request of King Philip II. In the 18th and 19th centuries there were attempts to ban bullfighting but it never was actuated. During the Franco dictatorship bullfights were supported by the state as an authentically Spanish activity. Bullfights became associated with Franco and for this very reason, many people predicted its decline after the transition to democracy. To the surprise and consternation of many this did not occur. However, the socialist governments have been more opposed to bullfighting, prohibiting children under fourteen from attending and eliminating broadcasts of bullfights on national TV. Supporters of bullfighting regard it as a deeply ingrained, integral part of their national culture. The aesthetic of bullfighting is based on the interaction of the man and the bull. Rather than a competitive sport, the bullfight is seen as a ritual which is judged by aficionados (fans) based on artistic impression and command, which is why some convey it as a dance. In this respect bullfighting is about the exhibition of style, skill and bravery by its participants. Usually the matador does win and inevitably kills the bull, yet the bull is not viewed as a sacrificial victim, instead it is respected by the audience and viewed as a worthy opponent. Bulls learn quickly and their intelligence and strength should never be underestimated. The professional matadors may make it look easy but it is a dangerous sport and extensive training and talent is needed to perform a bullfight. Several bullfighters have met their deaths on the horns of a bull. A clumsy matador may find himself being pelted with seat cushions as he makes his exit. The skill with which the matador delivers the fatal drive is a key point. A skilful matador will complete it in one stroke. Two is barely acceptable, while more than two is usually regarded as a poor job. If the matador has done exceptionally well, the audience will give a standing ovation and throw hats and roses into the arena. The matador will also receive one or two severed ears and the tail of the bull, depending on the quality of his performance. If the bull’s performance was also exceptional, the public may request a vuelta, where the crowd applauds as the dead bull is dragged once around the ring. Bullfighting is extensively criticized by animal rights activists as a pointless and cruel bloodsport, because they believe that animals should not be tormented, killed or mistreated in the name of entertainment. The bull endures a brutal, slow, painful death. Bullfighting is banned in many countries; people taking part in such activity would be liable for terms of imprisonment for animal cruelty. In Spain, national laws against cruelty to animals have abolished most archaic spectacles of animal cruelty, but specifically exempt bullfighting.
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