I had mixed thoughts about bullfighting when ordering tickets for our overnight stay in Madrid, but went ahead and did it; unusually, I found myself quite torn as a both a lover of animals and a hunter.
When walking into Plaza De Toros Las Ventas I acknowledged that I might be exposed to the possible suffering of an animal, so I swallowed, sighed and sat down as simply a visiting spectator.
Since 1765, those who support bullfighting consider it an important tradition and art form of which is evident when watching the matadors nonchalantly slip past the charging bull. The matador’s timing is crucial (of course) but he makes it appear so effortless. It reminded me of the ‘tango’ –a very fluid movement between two living things. At times it can be a bit macabre, but the final sword-thrust results in an immediate death. Of course, like us hunters, the meat’s not wasted and jobs are created.
Sadly, animal rights activists consider this a blood sport and have been incredibly effective in their efforts to stop the bullfights. To the Spanish and Mexican cultures bullfighting is their heritage, history and tradition; celebrating where we come from is something so many of us have lost and I fear that in the not-to-distant future, all bullfighting will cease to exist –the Brits did it with foxhunting and bullfighting is next.
Much like foxhunting and bullfighting, our hunting heritage is also threatened since so many of our youth prefer video games instead of the outdoors – if we don’t get children involved in the outdoors soon they won’t understand our heritage and join the anti’s in protecting Bambi.
Personally, I believe bullfighting is a historical art form of which needs to continue; what do you think?
