Bullfighting: To see or not to see?
 

My husband would really like to see a bullfight while in Madrid, however I'm a bit anxious about it. I understand the events are full of pagentry, but also very gory. If you have experienced the bullfight, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

I have not seen one, but my grandmother went to one in Mexico and she left soon after it started. I have never been to one because I don't have the stomach for it. If he wants to see it that badly and you are anxious about it, let him go alone.

My bet is that the people who have actually seen one will tell you "Go!" because they wouldn't have gone in the first place were they bothered by such things. Those of us who haven't gone can't be talked into it because we know it's horrible to see an animal taunted and made to suffer painfully and miserably until the entertainment value bleeds out of him, so at last he's killed.

I don't know why you're husband wants to see a bullfight in Madrid. Your "anxieties" are what I would call compassion, and I wouldn't put myself through it just to please your husband in satisfying his curiosity.

Excellent point above. I have never gone (in Mexico) because I KNOW I would HATE it. People who do attend obviously want to see it for whatever reason.

no

As a general rule I don't promote any activity that involves painful taunting/handling and/or killing of animals, be a bullfight, rodeo, cockfights, etc... I don't even care to find out what other people think of it. If my husband wants to go, I would let him go his merry way.

i was taken to one (in mexico) when i was a teenager, and had no idea what it would be like. i don't mind the matador/red cape bit, but the fact that they weaken the bull ahead of time, and then kill it regardless was sickening.

i was just reading about bullfights in the Camargue(sp?) part of Provence; supposedly there is a variety where the bull isn't killed?

I believe the Portugese bullfighters do not kill the bulls, but I'm not sure. In any case, it's of no interest to me. There are better ways to pass the time in these countries.

I would never participate in the intentional death of an innocent animal.
Not my idea of something one would want to do on vacation.
Go to the Prada instead.. :)

My suggestion would be to accompany your husband to a corrida and compare notes. It is very difficult to predict how you will react. I know hunters who despise it and vegetarians who find it thrilling.

I would suggest seats in the shade and well up in the stands. This will allow you to appreciate the pageantry while minimizing the perception of gore.

Hemingway's *Death in the Afternoon* is probably still the best introduction, and makes the critical point that what you are seeing is an art.

Thank you for the responses. I can tell this is a passionate group -- which is a good thing -- but no need to insult the hubby in the process. (Lots of tense responses on this board!) He certainly wouldn't subject me to this if I'm uncomfortable with it. I studied Spanish for years, so I have an appreciation for the event culturally, and therefore a curiosity. But, as an animal lover, also am not sure this is something I need to witness. Was just looking for some perspective on folks who had experienced it for themselves.

Hi th,

Bullfighting, like cock fights, dog fights and bear baiting, is enjoyed by those who get a thrill from watching animals being tortured and murdered.

If the bull had a fair chance, I would go.

((I))

Maybe look at Tylers trip photos to Spain and see how you feel about it - he's got a few pictures of a bull being repeatedly, painfully speared until it is finally dead and dragged from the stadium - all for the pleasure of the crowd.

http://www.tylernofziger.com/message...wforum.php?f=9

PS,

I also disapprove of shooting over bait.

((I))

Never been to a cockfight, dog fight or bear baiting, but there is a great deal more to the bullfight than you suggest. Are you speaking from experience?

Again, didn't intend to get everyone fired up. It was a simple question, please don't berate me for asking it.

There are certain questions that will obviously get people fired up - and you asked one of them

Wombat: Point taken. I'm new to the board, so want to be clear that I wasn't trying to offend. Just trying to ask an experiential question from folks who had in fact experienced it. I applaud everyone for being passionate -- but also really appreciate those who responded kindly.

I just read on another thread where folks were calling each other stupid ... guess this is just a very frank group.

thezanmiller, I believe you when you say you didn't mean to cause trouble. But the issue of bullfights comes up from time to time on this board, and since it is a controversial issue, it always seems to take a bad turn. Please don't take it personally, and if you have any other questions, don't be shy about posting to this board again.