NO BULLFIGHTING PLEASE

By Jaime Plata.

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(Version 1.12)

The main aim of this article is to give a brief point of view about this terrible ‘show’. It is divided into 3 parts: the first is a short summary of the history of Bullfighting; secondly, it shows you how it works and finally a conclusion.

First of all, it is important to mention that Bullfighting or “Fiesta Brava” is an old tradition which comes from Spain. There are sources which say that it started around the XV century, but was only in XVIII century when it was clearly recognized by royalty and after that it became a ‘mass show’. At that time different significant events occurred. The first bullrings were built and the main performers changed from rich to common people who received money to amuse people. Furthermore, Rondeño Francisco Romero who is considered as the founder of modern Bullfighting created the new rules, specifications and differences among the bulls, performers, fields and many of these are still in practice.

As a result, during the last 300 years, this tradition has spread rapidly across the entire world, including Portugal, the South of France and especially countries which were Spanish Colonies like Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and others. The type of people who usually attend these ‘shows’ come from every possible origin -Government, famous, rich, poor…- therefore this form of entertainment has strongly supported by people because it joins every social class.

However, this practice has had different obstacles and critics throughout history, even some kings, have banned it but it has always been supported by the majority of people. Although it is completely banned in some places today like The Canary Islands, small towns in Spain and some other countries, it is still very popular.

Secondly, it is imperative to describe how this ‘show’ works, in order to draw your own conclusions. It has different stages, but everything starts when the bulls are prepared by the staff. This is a process which begins with keeping the bull in a dark place for 24 hours; because they want the bull to jump and run around the arena seeming like it is ready to fight but that statement is not true. The bull is completely terrified by the light and the screams of the people because it is not used to these stimuli.

But before it enters to the ring, it is also violently hit in its testicles to make it weak. In addition, it has been made to drink special sulfates to cause diarrhea. Also they have put special liquids in its feet which make it jump and run because the chemicals literally burn its feet, and the staff put salt in its eyes to make its vision cloudy, everything to make sure the advantage is on the crew side.

As soon as the bull gets onto the field, the most terrible torture begins. First, it is stabbed by the “Banderillero” with lances or “Banderillas”, 8 cms deep, and immediately it starts to bleed inside. There is no limit to the amount of “Banderillas” that can be used, they depend on the strength of the bull.

Later the “Picador” rides a horse and nails a big lance several times in the loin of the bull; this lance breaks different parts of the bull like the trapeze, blood vessels, nerves and many muscles; the objective with this cruel part is to reduce the strength of the bull as much as possible.

Finally, the bullfighter or “Torero” nails a sword of 80 cms, into the back of its neck, this sword penetrates the liver, the lungs and other vital organs of the animal, making it start to agonize with fatal injuries. It usually walks slowly for 5 or 6 minutes until it falls over.

Later, the bullfighter’s assistants take the bull out of the ring, and stab the bull in the neck with the “Descabello”. This is a knife of 10 cms. Afterward they finish killing the bull with a “Puntilla” in the nape, this is a sharp tube 15 cms. However, the animal is very strong, and will still be alive. It generally survives 15 or 20 minutes longer while still feeling everything.

As you can see, this ‘show’ is both savage and atrocious, it is really difficult to understand why a lot of people in our century enjoy this murder while they are laughing, drinking and constantly shouting “Oooole, Ole, Oooole”.

Humanity’s acts are sometimes worse than any other living creature, and it is absolutely unbelievable to recognize that we are the “Intelligent Species”.

Thanks,