Among the many Spanish traditions, probably the most world-renowned and polemic one is bullfighting (‘corridas de toros’).
The "spectacle"
We are quite sure you've heard of it at least once, and you probably know what it is about: It takes place in a bullring, where a bullfighter or torero teases a brave bull with a cape for a while, then stabs the back of the animal with colored sharp sticks (banderillas) and different swords until the bull finally dies. We could make a much longer explanation here, but we'd probably find the information in the same places as you would, so if you want to read details about the whole spectacle, you can find them here:
-▲ (where you can also read about different styles of bullfighting in other countries)
Now go to Google and just type ‘bullfighting’ or ‘corridas de toros’. It’s hard to find really impartial information, isn’t it? Well, that's what we’d like to tell you about:
The polemic: for and against
Unlike a lot of people think, not all Spaniards like or agree with bullfighting. In fact, not even the majority of us do. It’s extremely hard to find reliable statistics about the percentage of people who are for and against this tradition, but as the years go by bullfighting has less and less supporters and more and more detractors.
So, while some Spaniards see bullfighting like this:
Others think of it this way:
As you can see, the first picture shows the bullfighter dressed in his traditional suit (called ‘traje de luces’) and teasing the bull. People who like bullfighting see this tradition as an elegant and exciting ART, a vital part of our culture that must be preserved, a beautiful spectacle where a man shows his courage by fighting a huge animal.
Nevertheless, the second picture shows a very different side of bullfighting: the bull has already been stabbed by the big sword carried by the torero, and it lies on the ground choking on its own blood and about to die. Besides, the other man in the picture is getting ready to cut the bull’s ears and tail, which will be given to the bullfighter as a trophy for his performance.
The protests
Obviously, people who are against this tradition want to ban it because it’s a cruel spectacle consisting in torturing and killing animals just for the enjoyment of the public. Defenders of animal rights organize different protests and demonstrations every year in order to stop bullfighting. Some examples:
 |
| The sentence “Torture is not culture” is the main slogan against bullfighting. |
 |
| This was a very popular and polemic protest: a lot of animal defenders laid on the ground in front of a bullring pretending to be dead and 'stabbed' with banderillas, just like bulls after a corrida, showing how cruel the spectacle is. |
Some ecologists even get into the arena in the middle of bullfights, making them stop.
This division between detractors and supporters has caused a lot of arguments, which sometimes lead to very agressive situations, and which have grown even more since Catalonia, a region of Spain, has banned the corridas de toros.
What do you think of this? Had you heard of bullfighting before? Have you ever seen a corrida de toros? We’d like to hear your opinion :)
Hello! I am a student of beginning Spanish at Harvard University Extension School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Though I am aware of bullfighting, I hadn't considered how it resonates with contemporary Spanish culture. It's a tough decision: do many Spaniards relate to this sport today? Will something more important besides money and fame be lost if the sport were to disappear? I have a hard time answering because I can't think of an equivalent situation in the US. Yes, race dogs and race horses have notoriously unpleasant lives, but I don't consider these races to be an essential component of American identity. The only equivalent I can think of involves Thanksgiving, which we will celebrate in a few weeks. People could protest the killing of what I imagine to be an absurd number of turkeys during this time of year. And for what reason? Ostensibly, to fight the animal cruelty present in the meat industry, and our subsequent overcompensation of animal products. If, in theory, Thanksgiving were to be canceled, I would be saddened. Not for the lost right of eating a turkey, but for the lost holiday -- one dedicated to family and friendships.
ResponderEliminarThis is an interesting issue that requires further consideration. Thanks for the post. This is a fun blog, too, and your English is great! Keep up the good work.
-Aarin
Hola! Soy Jen de UNH
ResponderEliminarWhat powerful pictures! I have not seen a Bullfight before. I studied in Northern Spain, so it wasn't something that I was exposed to on a regular basis. Part of me finds it interesting. I would consider attending because it is part of the history of Spain-regardless of whether people are slowly pointing out that it is inhumane (which I for the most part agree with).
The few errors I noticed are VERY minor, your English is impressive.
"Besides, the other man in the picture is getting ready to cut the bull’s ears and tail..."
It make sense that you would think to use "besides" here, because it has the word "side".
But we use "besides" in a different way. Sort of to support a previous statement.
For example:
"I don't want to go to class today, besides, it's raining and absolutely freezing. I'm not going".
"She asked me to drive her to the airport. I told her that I was running late for a meeting, besides, gas is really expensive and she didn't even offer me gas money"
I think to say what you are trying to express, you would say "Stands beside (singular) him"
Crazy how one letter can change the meaning of a word!
"It’s a cruel spectacle consisting in torturing and killing animals just for the enjoyment of the public."
This isn't wrong per say, it just sounds a bit awkward...this sounds better:
"It's a cruel spectacle that consists in the torture and death of animals, just for the enjoyment of the public"
Thanks for writing! I hope you find my comments helpful! :)