Spring 2019: The culture of bulls in Spain by Laura Mulas https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1 For this Padlet discussion you will post 2 items by Wednesday April 17th (1) Your reaction and opinion about articles that you read concerning the culture of bulls in Spain. (2) Another link and commentary: Find some more information about bulls in Spain on the internet. This information need not be limited to the topics in the articles. By Friday April 19th you will comment on at least 3 other posts. Then by Monday April 22nd you will need to respond to all comments posted to your post. en-us 2019-03-26 12:14:49 UTC 2025-10-12 13:31:17 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Optimplaces.png The Culture of bulls in Spain tcastan2 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/351769602
After reading through the content provided, I realized I had little background on bullfighting and bull running. I assumed that it was dangerous, but I did not fully consider the animal cruelty that coincides with it. These traditions of bull fighting date back to the 13th century and are considered by many to be a Spanish tradition. After reading each article and considering each side I was in support of this tradition coming to an end, although after reading the New York Times article I found it interesting that Mr. Hollander had a much different view point then the others from the articles I read before. He stated that it was not a tradition that was a sport but rather a way to pay homage to the bulls. This made me consider the tradition in a different way, not that I believe it is a tradition that should be kept but rather it helped me understand why those who support it want to preserve the tradition. 

After learning that in 1974 woman were then allowed to take part in the bull fighting tradition, I became interested in learning more about how woman are involved in it now. Below I have provided two links, one explaining the controversy surrounding bull fighting in Madrid and the second is a 4-minute interview of a woman who is a bull fighter and her experience. She explains that she feels mostly supported and her triumphs with her profession of bull fighting. 

Spain’s Traditional Bullfighting Sparks Controversy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3bhUumFgSM

Spain’s Elite Female Bullfighter – BBC REEL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZhMB9xZU6M

]]> 2019-04-15 18:32:34 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/351769602 The Culture of Bulls in Spain khod https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/351864900 The concept and topic of bull runs has always made me grimace when contemplating it. These thoughts have coincided with an image of potentially getting rammed by the horns of a bull, and that always made me shutter. These articles reminded me of the sobering reality of the painful experiences of not only the people who have gotten gored in these events, but also of the bulls, who are usually fatally wounded by the end of the run. It interests me so much that an event that would make me so incredibly uncomfortable could be something so meaningful and exciting for others. The New York Times article included in our readings spoke a little bit about this perspective, and I appreciated being able to explore a completely different approach to bull running. I think that perhaps the most interest thing to me from the sources was that Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises, was the story that made bull running a phenomenon of international interest. I would have never guessed! 
 
The article that I found outside of the sources given to us was one about the events that occur after the bull runs. The story covers the work of Martin Moro, a taxidermist who has a deal with the organizers of the bulls at the Festival of San Fermin. He preserves the heads of the animals, post-run, and sells them to the runners, and interestingly, those who are near fatally wounded by the bulls. I thought the article was very insightful to the culture of the people who are devoted to these events, and how they view bulls outside of the runs. 
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/sports/taxidermist-running-of-the-bulls.html
]]> 2019-04-16 03:29:03 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/351864900 Spain and Bullfighting michab2 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352002013 When I think of bullfighting, it seems like a very touchy subject. On one hand I see it as cruel and unfair to the animal, but on the other hand I also try my best to respect various cultures and their traditions. That being said, the article, “Thousands rally in Madrid to demand an end to bullfighting,” claims that thousands of people gather in Madrid to protest bullfighting. I am very curious to see what Marta’s opinion on bullfighting is because no matter how hard I try to understand and respect this tradition, reading about it makes me upset. I disagree with the act all together, but the instances where the bull is essentially prodded, poked and tortured to death makes me see red (no pun intended). In my opinion, if bullfighting can be done in a respectful manner towards the animal I am sort of okay with it. When the animal is killed for essentially celebration is when I become concerned. Below I have attached a link to an article I found on bullfighting. This article discusses the facts and myths about bullfighting. After reading this article the myth that bothered me the most is that bulls are very aggressive and dangerous animals. This is in fact untrue, it is the acts of the matador that makes the bull act aggressive and erratic, because it is frightened and confused.  http://www.stopbullfighting.org.uk/facts.htm]]> 2019-04-16 15:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352002013 Spain and Bullfighting rjyakos https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352359563 I've known about Spanish bullfighting and when I was younger I thought they just left the animal alone after. I had know idea till later that they had a spear under the red cloak and the point was to kill the bull. It makes me a little happy to know people are protesting this now. I don't see the point of killing animals just for sport, it seems unreasonable to me and inhuman to do this to an innocent animal that you keep caged up and then agitate for it to become aggressive. 
I can understand that this is a big part of Spanish culture and that that should be respected but I see no point in harming animals just for the sake of tradition. I think the most interesting thing is Ernest Hemingway's novel about the interest of Spanish bull fighting. 
Here is an article I found that is very recent about the debate on Spain and it's long tradition with bullfighting 


https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/europe/bullfighting-spain-politics-scli-intl/index.html ]]> 2019-04-17 16:58:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352359563 Spanish culture diego43 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352430085 I think That the running of the bulls in Spain represents a very important par of Spanish culture. I slo think this is s perfect example of how traditions change over time as peoples opinions change. I think there are two sides for this argument. One of them is preserving the past of Spain even though it might seem as crude or offensive. Because at its core its an important part of the country’s history. ON the counter argument this can be seen as a massive waste of life for both the human participants of the events and the animals that participate in it. I found an article from CNN that stated that 8 people where injured during the opening day of the runnung. Yes there are traditions that have to be upheld and preserved , but when people are getting hurt and animals are dying I think that it is important to look past traditions and look at what is being risked. I think that this topic will face some difficulties when trying to end or change the event because of its history. I thought that it was really interesting reading the guardians article about bullfighting , especially people denouncing their nationality because of the running of the bulls representation in spain. 


https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/08/europe/running-of-the-bulls-injuries/index.html]]> 2019-04-17 20:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352430085 Bull Fighting mmallory3 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352461666 The culture of bull fighting in Spain is a very interesting debate between history in sport and animal cruelty. Being a naive American I guess I had always assumed that in bull fights and the running of the bulls ended in the bulls being tired out and taken back to stables not killed in the stadiums for the enjoyment of the audience. I can definitely see both sides of the argument. On one hand it seems extremely unnecessary to kill the bulls in such a gory and public fashion for the entertainment of on lookers especially considering there are a myriad of sports to watch now. I can also see the people that want the fights to continue because of its traditions. Personally, I think killing the bulls is wrong and it seems that there would be other options. That being said I have always wanted to go to the run of the bulls it sounds like such an adrenaline rush.   


https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/10/spain-bullfighting/2327089/

This article is about
 young bull fighters and their thoughts on the sport and what it means to them. ]]> 2019-04-18 01:28:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352461666 Bulls in Spain brgotting https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352469540 Whenever I watch a movie with Spain as a central location, the plot almost always includes a bull scene. Its incredibly iconic, and definitely something that makes Spain and its history so unique. I am a large proponent for animal rights, but saying so is still hypocritical. Its such a touchy subject, and I despise discussing it. I'm not a vegan, and still eat meat relatively frequently. The slaughter of animals for food is by far more gruesome and savage than ending a bull's life in the ring, but its not stopping anytime soon. Out of sight out of mind is okay for most people, but we can't ignore the facts. I can't argue for or against bullfighting. As with most things, its unclear where to draw the moral line. Bullfighting may be barbaric, but at least its transparent, has cultural importance and a deep history. 

As for the bull run, I don't think I'd ever do it, and I don't have to! That's the point. Nobody is forced to, they have to volunteer. They know the risks, and as with everything else, should be held accountable for their decisions. 

https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/31/movies/film-review-on-bullfighting-as-ritual-and-code-of-machismo.html]]> 2019-04-18 02:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352469540 Bull Fighting gms41 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352477206 My first reaction to reading these articles is that I am shocked. I knew that this had been a tradition of Spain, but I was unaware that it was still such a popular aspect of the culture. One of the articles makes a point of how the Bull fighting to Spaniards is more than hurting animals, and brings to light the  point that  it is apart of their history and culture. I was very surprised to read that cities were the ones funding the bull fighting. The article stated that many cities had now cut the funding to these events. I think it is interesting that they refer to them as majestic and look at them with admiration. I am having a hard time understating the connection between that, and the harm that is done to these animals through the fighting process. As animals rights gain momentum and continue to grow, I am interested to see for how many more generations this will continue to be a strong tradition for Spaniards. https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/europe/bullfighting-spain-politics-scli-intl/index.html

]]> 2019-04-18 03:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352477206 Bulls being Injured & Harmed julis3 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352480499 Prior to reading the articles, I was familiar with Spanish bullfighting and bull running as a comical and very dangerous activity. A bullfighting scene has been depicted in many cartoons and movies. From my childhood I remember a cartoon that involved bugs bunny getting involved with a bull fight. In one instance bugs bunny waves the red cape and the bull comes running into it,  only there is a giant steel weight that the bulls runs into and gets knocked out. Afterwards, bugs bunny is applauded and showered with roses. This whole scenario popped into my mind when I read the article “Thousands rally in Madrid to demand an end to bullfighting.” Initially the event looks like a rodeo clown trying to not get injured by the animal, however it is the animal that is being abused. Although bull fighting has been a part of Spanish culture and tradition, I do agree with the statement in this article that, “[...]our laws should prohibit the torture of animals as a form of entertainment.” The event of bullfighting can essentially be viewed from 2 perspectives. One being it is a classic form of Spanish cultural entertainment. Or two it is an event that promotes the abuse and mistreatment of animals.

Bugs Bunny Cartoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14KTu4i27j8

Here is a video showing the bullfighting process which mentions flesh wounds occuring to the animal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyZTA3RX5Y8


]]> 2019-04-18 04:08:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352480499 Bullfighting ryzach https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352489249 It's difficult to have an opinion on a cultural activity like bullfighting, because I can't deny that it's a big part of Spanish culture, however, I feel the event is dated and too cruel to hold the same significance today as it did throughout Spanish history. In recent years, bullfighting has become less popular in many regions of Spain in the last couple of decades, but bull-related festivities still remain. I am completely against both. I hope that bullfighting will completely die and/or be fully banned within the next two decades, because it is something that cannot be justified in face of all the animal welfare laws we have.
However, it will be difficult to end other bull-related festivities. People in favour say that the bulls aren't physically hurt (arguably), and certainly they are not killed, but the amount of stress they are put into is not good and should not be allowed. There's also the issue that some festivities bring a lot of money, San Fermín ("the running of the bulls") brings millions to Pamplona each year.
]]> 2019-04-18 05:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352489249 Bullfighting clopezm2 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352489499 Bullfighting is very much an integral part of Spain's culture and history. Although I am all for honoring traditions and keeping history alive, bullfighting is not something regions of Spain should participate in. I love animals, and knowing they are being harmed because that is what was done in the 1500s and will continue now doesn't sit well with me. There are alternate way to show future generations these traditions. One of the articles mentioned museums and that these practices belong there. Videos also work just as well! As we are becoming more aware and begin to advocate more than even for ourselves, we also need to do so for our environment which includes animals. 
https://youngadventuress.com/2013/04/recortadores-bullfighting-spain.html 

“For me, there is nothing noble, brave or majestic about bullfights anymore in Spain. It’s just a show, an act, and ultimately torment and death. Whatever glory or honor there was in the days of Hemingway and Goya, nowadays is lost.” 

I chose to highlight the alternatives for bullfighting. If bulls and toreros are associated with Spain, why not do it in a positive way? Recortadores are bullfighting acrobatics. Basically, the recortadores do tricks and jumps over and around the bull in competition, this event is all nonviolent and they don’t kill or harm the bull at all. It is very rare to find these events as they are not attended as heavily as the violent bullfighting events. I find the men who participate in the recoradores to be very brave, it takes guts to be in the same are as a 1500 lb bull.

]]> 2019-04-18 05:32:24 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352489499 Bull Fighting Adya https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352494288 Before taking this class or reading about the bullfight I had seen it in a movie and my initial thought was “it is so dangerous and people are crazy to participate in something like this.” After reading the articles I have a much better understanding of the tradition and I can see it from different perspectives. It is hard for me to say that the practice should be continued but at the same time I totally understand how its a tradition followed by Spaniards from centuries and it is hard for them to let go of it. I liked how the articles gave perspectives of both sides and I even read through the comments on the articles which gave me a better understanding of what the local people think about it and why or why don’t they support it. 
Considering all the facts and opinions from both ends of the topic, I believe this practice should end due to the cruelty bulls have to go through. I strongly believe in preserving one's culture and traditions but with time, it is imperative to change our thinking with the passage of time. The killing of any animal on the name of tradition should never be accepted and it should be our responsibility, as humans to protect these creatures.  
https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/bulls-barbarically-killed-and-15-people-injured-at-pamplonas-running-of-the-bulls/
After watching the video attached to the article, I feel like taking my words back when I said I can understand why its hard for the people to let go of the tradition. The video showed a horrifying image of the bulls getting stabbed brutally. No logic can defend such brutal killing of the bulls. At first, I didn’t know about this specific killing of bulls by spearing them but after watching the video, I totally condemn it. 


]]> 2019-04-18 06:25:55 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352494288 Bull fighting george65 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352686605 It's difficult for me to differentiate between the sport & tradition of bull fighting. I want to see past my personal frustration with the tradition, and I think some valid points are made in the NYT article where the author writes that the bulls live more than adequately up until the bull fight. Yet, I can't honestly say I agree with the tradition, especially when human lives are on the line. Reading all the articles, I feel as if I have a greater understanding of why the tradition is held. That being said, there are plenty of traditions and sports that can trigger the same adrenaline and aggression without involving animals in the matter. I read that bull fighting is on the decline in many parts of Spain, and I see a parallel to life in the United States; A lot of cruel or strange traditions we Americans have are becoming antiquated as appeals to tradition aren't as respected as they once were 100 years ago.

http://time.com/4386999/pamplona-spain-running-of-the-bulls/

In the same thread of thought, the tradition originally had a practical use: ranchers had to migrate bulls from one end of town to the other using the streets like a natural queue, and it was seen as a sign of bravery to run with the bulls in the middle of the night.

]]> 2019-04-18 23:28:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352686605 Bullfighting arbuzov https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352814210 The extent of knowledge that I had on bullfighting in Spain is from what I have seen in movies and cartoons growing up. That being said, the automatic association between Spain and bullfighting proves the strong cultural connection of deep rooted tradition. But I never quite took a moment to realize exactly what it entailed, besides the lighthearted way it has been presented. I was not aware that these bulls were getting speared at these different events, which is why I can see why it is such a controversial issue, because the act is collectively celebrated and encouraged. When I read about the Running of the Bulls festival, my first thought was "How many people have been injured from that?" It seemed incredibly dangerous and leaves it for people to decide at what point their safety is worth compromising for the sake of tradition.  Reading these articles shows there are people with strong feelings from both perspectives.

https://www.syracuse.com/us-news/2018/07/running_of_the_bulls_pamplona_photos.html

In 2018, nine runners were injured on the first day of the race. Four runners were hospitalized on the third day and two of those suffered head injuries. Additionally, in that same week two bullfighters were gored.]]> 2019-04-19 21:57:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352814210 Bullfighting noah281 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352996776  Generally speaking, casting off reactionary elements of cultural can be a difficult task, especially if those elements have been a cultural staple for hundreds of years. This isn't just endemic to Spain and bullfighting, this is a universal constant. The United States has only been a country for some 243 years, a blip in time compared to most European countries, and has deeply entrenched cultural aspects which are highly resistant to change. As overtly barbaric as bullfighting might seem and as public opinion turns against it, I assume it'll take at least a generation or two to make significant headway into its abolition. Again, this is assuming the current trend continues, and there isn't significant pushback in order to maintain it as a cultural staple.
 Anyway, here's a peer reviewed article showing the effects on viewing bullfights on younger people. It did have a negative effect regarding aggression and anxiety, but how the fights were contextualized also played a role in how they effected the children. 
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1df9/66bc534d8a0c14c50e82da4ab161d3182915.pdf
]]> 2019-04-22 06:47:45 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/352996776 Bullfighting medved1 https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/359735242
After reading all of the articles, I feel like I have a better understanding of both sides of those who support bullfighting, and those who are against it. I know I am not the most fond of bullfighting or the running of the bulls, but I now understand why individuals do enjoy it. In the article, Showcase: Running of the Bulls, I feel as though Jim Hollander expresses that bullfighting is not just a form of entertainment but there is a sense of beauty and respect to it, and to the bulls. It is a part of the Spanish history and the bulls that are put into the ring, or the running, go down to be a part of that history. With that being said, I agree with those who say bullfighting is not fair and inhumane towards the bulls. Many bulls die each year, and it is good that these things are being recognized and seeing that running of the bulls, and bullfighting is strongly linked to history, it is understandable that it continues on, but the recognition is good in a sense where the treatment of bulls is getting better. The first article mentions that recently it is now banned to kill a bull during the festival where bulls are speared throughout the streets. 


At the bottom of the article about Jim Hollander and his support for bull related festivals, I read many of the comments left by other individuals who read the article as well. There were many different opinions that were strongly for and against what he was saying. This really intrigued me to look further into the public’s thoughts about bullfighting so I found an article that really lays out given arguments that are for and against bullfighting, along with some videos and neat pictures of bullfighting rings.
https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/arguments-for-and-against-bullfighting




]]> 2019-05-14 03:02:17 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/8ui4vyq4fzu1/wish/359735242