SP 2018: The culture of bulls in Spain by Laura Mulas https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i For this Padlet discussion you will post 2 items by Wednesday April 18th: (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 20th you will comment on at least 3 other posts. en-us 2018-04-02 10:15:28 UTC 2018-06-06 18:35:21 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Optimplaces.png Hello! mperezddie https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/247766016 It is curious because I grew up in the capital of Spain, Madrid, and I have never met someone in my life who likes bullfighting. Plus, most of my friends and relatives think like me. It is a cruel act. I love animals and I think they need to be respected.
Here in my village people hunt, or kill animals but just for eating. They are much healthier than those you buy at the markets. I respect hunting but I can not understand killing animals just for having fun.
I hope foreign people know our culture more for our food or buildings than for bullfightings since most of Spanish people (at least in my area) don't even agree or never celebrated this cruel tradition.


]]> 2018-04-02 10:15:28 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/247766016 The Bulls icolton https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253229186 I think its interesting seeing this split in viewpoint on the bulls and the dichotomy. Along with this, the fatalist mindset that is apparent with both the running of the bulls and the bull fighting is surprising to me. The running of the bulls in particular was fascinating to see from the view of someone who participated in it. It’s terrifying and there’s an admitted chance you might not live. It reminds me of adrenaline seeking individuals who may rock climb without rope for example. They do it for the thrill and ignore the potential consequences for the sake of that rush. 

For the bullfighting, its unsurprising and yet fascinating to see there is this belief of a romantic air to the bull fighting. The idea of the bulls ‘fighting as bulls’ and showcasing that they are bulls as one article put it is hilarious in the belief the bulls are fully aware they are fighting to entertain humans and have to put on a good show. I personally disagree with the necessity of bullfighting; we don’t sacrifice animals in certain religions anymore. The world and culture changes, and there are alternatives.

here is another link on bullfighting: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/818508/bullfighting-Spanish-matador-death-banned-divides-Spain
]]> 2018-04-18 23:17:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253229186 Bullfighting ckose https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253234588 I found the articles very interesting, and I am relieved that the majority seem to be against bullfighting.  To me, the more pictures I saw of the events (and the pictures were amazing!), it does seem quite cruel.  I have never understood killing animals for ‘sport’, and there is a lot of it in many different forms around the globe (dogfighting, cockfighting, fox hunting).  Bulls and horses are not naturally predatory animals; the only way to get them riled up enough for these spectacles is to taunt them and torture them.  These articles really brought to my mind our rodeos here in the United States.  They have proponents and opponents just like the bullfighting in Spain.  I’m not a full-blown PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) member, but I do appreciate their bringing to light (and to public attention) the injustices done against animals all over the world.  I do see the point of those who would like to carry on Spanish tradition, but can’t we eliminate the animal cruelty and still celebrate tradition?

]]> 2018-04-19 00:01:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253234588 American Rodeos ckose https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253235010 Here is an article about Rodeos in the United States (and it even compares it to bullfighting). 
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20120207-ethical-traveller-are-rodeos-a-form-of-culture-or-cruelty]]> 2018-04-19 00:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253235010 Bull Fighting in Spain beach3 https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253242416 Reaction/Opinion 
After reading the articles, I found it interesting that the bull runs vary depending on the time in the day. I have heard about bull runs in Spain but had no context to about what they were really about. I had no idea that those participating wear all white with a red scarf. This is meant to honor saints. I found this really cool! Bull fighting is a very dangerous activity. Many get injured every year according to several articles. The dangers of this activity are not just to humans. Bulls used to be speared to death at the end of the festival before it was banned. This is crazy to me. I couldn’t imagine how gruesome that must have been. I understand why some think that this festival tortures the bulls. Overall, the festival is centered around torturing the animals for entertainment which is obviously very controversial. 
Another article... 
http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1908948,00.html 
Within this article, photos of the bulls and the crowds are embedded. This was shocking how packed the streets are. Once again, there is room to argue that the bull is being tortured. 
The article also refers to a brief history of the festival. The tradition was thought to start around the 13th century and used to be in September (not it is in July). I thought this was interesting. It makes me wonder why it was changed from September in the first place. 
]]> 2018-04-19 00:52:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253242416 Culture of Bulls in Spain cyakos https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253246974 From reading the articles, I got more of an insight about the actually opinions from the people of Spain and how they view this tradition of bull fighting in the modern day. I have been to Mexico where this is also a practice that still goes on, so it was interesting to read more about bull fighting from a country that has been practicing this for so long. A very great point from one of the articles that I really understood was when many of the citizens of Spain discussed the issue of trying to end the sport of bull fighting was that since it has been a tradition for so long, it is extremely difficult to get rid of. This is extremely sad because since it has been such a prevalent part of Spaniard culture, it is difficult to let go of the tradition for many, but many of the citizens are now more opposed to bull fighting because it is truly a sport that supports animal cruelty. I really enjoyed learning more about the tradition and the reasons for citizens wanting to voice their opposition and raise awareness to this issue in order to change this tradition for the better. 

Here is a link of another article discussing the bullfighting culture in Spain: ]]> 2018-04-19 01:17:27 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253246974 "Will Bullfighting Survive?" reb3salar https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253250617 I originally thought bullfighting was somewhat of a dead tradition before last week. These articles were quite shocking to read because they expressed completely opposing views: some of them recorded the grand protests against bullfighting activity, while other articles glorified and almost romanticized bullfighting within Spain. Regardless of the view, it's clear that it's a deeply-engrained tradition in Spanish culture; that in itself makes it incredibly difficult to remove. Throughout many cases in history, torturous acts that were part of a certain culture were nearly impossible to remove because it's just part of their identity and has an emotional aspect to it that outsiders may not understand. That's why I found the last two articles so interesting because they had a romantic tone toward an act that is torturous. I found a new article that explores whether or not bullfighting is expected to live on--and the article suggests that it will still continue. ]]> 2018-04-19 01:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253250617 Bullfighting urquidez https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253254969 The tradition of bullfighting brings up an interesting characteristic of culture and the importance of understanding the difference between cultural values, even within the culture itself. While some see the bullfighting tradition as cruelty to animals, others view is as an art form. It was very interesting to read about the different sides of the controversy, both provide valid statements. As a global society, or what I have seen in my limited travels, we tend to move away from violent customs throughout the span of our history. However, it would be really unique to witness a tradition that has been around since 711 A.D. While I would be interesting in watching the running of the bulls if I have the chance to travel to Spain, I would not be interesting in participating in the event. I also thought it was interesting to learn that the tradition attracted the attention of other countries through Ernest Hemingway’s novel, “A Sun Also Rises.” The link I decided to use talks a little bit about the history and the phases of the event.]]> 2018-04-19 02:07:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253254969 Bullfighting cop3 https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253271499 For this week’s research into the Spanish custom of bullfighting, one particular concept that transcended the numerous articles presented to us was the connection people had between the tradition of bullfighting in Spain, and their own individual connection to their Spanish identities through their support and/or dissent of the tradition. Within the first article presented, NPR’s “Momentum Grows Against Bullfighting in Spain, As Thousands Rally” includes an exclamation from a protestor, Chelo Pozo, stating that “Bullfights are a national shame and if they represent me, then I am not Spanish” (NPR). The article presented by the Guardian, “Thousands rally in Madrid to demand an end to bullfighting” embraces both this exact testimony, as well as creates space for those in support of the cultural tradition. The Guardian article highlights the perspective that “they [Aficionados, or supporters of bullfighting] see bullfighting as an art that is an integral part of Spanish culture, like flamenco” (The Guardian). After reading these articles and seeing the contrasting influence that this tradition has on Spaniards’ identity to their nation, national traditions, and culture, I was compelled to sit back and think of American traditions that divide us and make us feel questionable in our national identity as well. I am interested to ponder this relative question further. 

In regards to bullfighting, one additional article I found that interesting was the article “Tensions Are On the Rise in Spain Over its Bloody Tradition of Bullfighting” by Time Magazine, published in 2016 by author Amanda Calvo. This particular article is interesting due to the fact that it highlights the catalyst for much of the current tension on the topic of bullfighting stemming from the media’s coverage and portrayal of a prominent Spanish bullfighter who died while bullfighting. 

]]> 2018-04-19 04:05:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253271499 Bullfighting sok3 https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253272979 It was very interesting to reflect on the readings this week on the bullfighting.  While I had always heard of bullfighting, I didn’t realize that it was highly controversial.  I can certainly understand the firm opposition to bullfighting.  I also understand how people want to preserve their culture, particularly as times change so rapidly.  So far in my research of bullfighting, I am firmly against it.  However, that being said it is also something that I am researching as an outsider and I do not have any experience with it, nor is it something rooted within my culture.  One aspect that surprised me about bullfighting, on top of the cruelty, is how dangerous it is in general.  Another aspect of the readings that surprised me was the perceived romanticism behind bullfighting.  While I had never heard that before, I can understand it in many ways, particularly with it being such a historic tradition that so many generations have experienced. 
The related article that I read and am sharing is:
http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1908948,00.html

]]> 2018-04-19 04:14:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253272979 Bullfighting rbetcher https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253273592 After reading these articles, I have more of a sense for the arguments put forth in support of and opposed to bullfighting. I think that the new york times article did a good job articulating why it's an important part of Spanish Heritage, as did the other articles on this matter. I don't think the arguments opposed to bullfighting are very strong, as I am unconcerned with animal suffering, if such suffering leads to something such as Bullfighting, which has become a pillar of spanish culture. This articel talks about Bullfighting tourism: https://www.tripsavvy.com/bullfighting-in-spain-1642940 
I was in Spain around seven years ago, but I was in Barcelona, and it;s banned their, which I didn't know until this article. So even if I wanted to, I could not have seen a Bullfight. Interestingly, this article floats the idea of the EU stepping in to ban the practice. That gives rise to an important question; should good global citizens use supra government agencies such as the EU to intervene into nation states and tell them what to do?]]> 2018-04-19 04:20:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253273592 No Bull vrg21 https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253285035
I had heard about the Cierros tradition in Pamplona, but wasn’t familiar with how expansive this tradition was. I had assumed it was a singular event in one city, once a year. Learning that this is a fairly frequent game of spectacle I agree with the members of PACMA, that this tradition doesn’t need to progress. Learning that Valencia had an event in which bulls ran with their horns a flame, sounds pretty awful for the animals and I’m glad they decided to ban that activity. Reading Mr. Hollander’s account of the passion he has for this tradition, I can understand why many people would want to continue this event. The days leading are fun, and the event itself feels like it would be exciting, for many people I can see them thinking back on this event fondly. However, Mr. Hollander personifies the bulls saying that they die with honor. I don’t believe animals search for a fight, they react to how they are treated, if they are scared or in pain, they will fight.
The article I found, agrees with my opinion, but I was surprised that the event doesn’t seem to be as popular with the locals. This article also mentions that there isn’t much money to be made for those funding the event:


]]> 2018-04-19 05:58:03 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253285035 History of Bulls in Spain staggers https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253285251
I think the articles we read showed a full spectrum of the argument surrounding bulls in Spain. I do think the pro-bull side could've been captured more, even though I don't agree with it, to give us a bit more understanding of why they feel so strongly. I'm left wondering why bulls are so incredibly central to the Spanish culture, and while a few articles gently touched on, I'm not 100% sure I understand. I'm glad people are standing up for the animals, it takes a lot of courage to acknowledge that your cultural history is problematic.

I did some digging into the full history and found a couple things: first, that running in front of bulls was a way herders/butchers guided their animals during transport when they arrived in the town. And second, San Fermin was the first bishop of Pamplona, and was killed in France. So the fiesta of San Fermin combines these two things into one event, that has important but storied history.
http://time.com/4386999/pamplona-spain-running-of-the-bulls/]]> 2018-04-19 06:00:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mulas/o9fimzrl697i/wish/253285251