I’ll let you fill in the last four letters in the title above. Could the word be nice? Or cool? Or neat? Or is the last word more likely to be crap? Or something a little more… uh… colorful?
Bullfighting is, in my opinion, one of the top ten most horrible, abusive, degrading, cruel, and ridiculous things in the world. However, I do realize and appreciate – to an extent – that in many countries, bullfighting has a proud, cultural history. According to our new Internet buddy AI, bullfighting evolved from ancient religious rituals and sacrifices in the Mediterranean and Near East, seen in Minoan frescoes and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
In the Roman Empire, public bull vs. human games, called venationes, spread, influencing Moorish Spain. The tradition was formalized in Spain by the 12th century, evolving from noble horseback contests to modern, foot-based bullfights in the 18th century, with specific schools and rules developed by figures like Pedro Romero and Joaquin Rodriguez. The sport became a prominent cultural symbol but has faced increasing controversy and opposition due to animal welfare concerns. Ya think?
Maybe someone can explain it to me. What is the attraction of seeing a person trying to painfully inflict as many swords as they can into a confused, terrified, hurting creature… who’s only looking for a way out? How is that entertainment? How is that a “sport”? What part of this nightmare is supposed to highlight our human integrity and compassion? And which parts of that shameful, disgraceful act should be cheered on by other humans? It’s beyond me.
Apparently, people who actually like bullfighting argue that it has cultural, artistic, and symbolic value:
- Cultural heritage: For many, bullfighting is a vital and long-standing part of Spanish and other Hispanic cultures. It is celebrated in festivals and has inspired music, literature, and art for centuries. Defenders argue that preserving this tradition is a way of honoring national and regional identity. Honoring identity? As what – an arrogant bully? You’ve got to be kidding me! I am of proud Hispanic heritage (my dad’s family is from Mexico); I am deeply ashamed that this cruel spectacle is attached to my lineage.
- Art form: Many proponents view the corrida not as a sport but as a form of fine art, or tauromaquia. The matador’s movements are seen as a stylized, choreographed dance that requires great skill, courage, and grace. Nope. What the matador does is bullying. Anyone can do that. Where is the skill, courage – and grace – in that???
- Symbolism: Bullfighting is rich with symbolic meaning, representing a ritualized drama of life, death, and the struggle between man and nature. The bull is seen as a symbol of untamed nature and brute strength, while the matador represents human intellect and control. If you want to explore the relationship between “untamed nature and brute strength,” read a book on the subject, write a poem, or join a discussion group. But leave the poor bulls alone!
- A heroic struggle: In this perspective, the event is a test of human bravery against a formidable and instinctively aggressive animal. The spectacle reveals themes of ambition, failure, success, and despair, condensed into a single performance. There’s absolutely nothing heroic about animal abuse. Sorry. Anyone who hurts an animal or thinks it’s cool to beat up or kill an animal is a COWARD.
- Economic impact: The bullfighting industry supports many jobs and generates revenue through tourism and bull farming. Some defenders highlight this as a factor for its continuation. Find another way to generate income! PETA has worked diligently to bring the atrocities of bullfighting to the fore. The organization’s good work inspired me to get involved. What did I do? Wrote a letter to the Pope.
Last October I wrote to Pope Francis, asking him to offer a public pronouncement of divine and compassionate intervention regarding the terrible injustice of bullfighting. Sadly, the Pope died before he could read my letter. So, I just finished a letter to Pope Leo XIV, making the same request. You can read my letter below. I also sent His Holiness some pictures I found online. I felt it was important for him to have those images in his mind and heart as he considered my plea. I mailed the letter to the Vatican on Friday, September 18th – during Animal Remembrance Month.
I would be so honored and excited to hear back from His Holiness, via letter – or hear His Holiness actually make that public much-needed pronouncement.
Bullfighting is bullying. Period. It needs to end. Now. Unless… they turn the tables in that awful arena of death and give the bull the swords so it can torture and bully the matador. A beautiful African Proverb offers: “Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Change the lion mention to bull, and the hunter mention to matador. Then
think about that for a while.
“Forgive us, Lord… for we KNOW what we do…”
