11/05/24
July 09, 2003
Ahh, Senor, but the bull, he does not always lose...(More inside)
What vito90 said. With bells on.
posted by Fat Buddha at 10:23 AM on July 09, 2003
Yeah, I'm overwhelmingly with vito90 on this one too. Anyone want to chime in with an opposing point of view? I don't say that to flame bait, I'm genuinely curious why this shit is still going on, and if anything, seems to be gaining in popularity. At least cockfights have had to go underground, this shit is so mainstream acceptable it almost succeeds in masking the fact that the bulls are on their way to a brutal slaughter for the amusement of the crowd.
posted by jonson at 10:31 AM on July 09, 2003
I agree, I find the whole spectacle sickening. Of course, I can't watch rodeos either.
posted by corpse at 10:39 AM on July 09, 2003
As a Taurean I'm naturally on the side of my soulmates the bulls. The Spanish (in general) seem to have a disregard for the welfare of animals, especially when it comes to fiesta time. Here's a few examples of the cruelty and details of an organisation opposing it. Warning: possibly NSFW and some people may find the images upsetting. (I know I do).
posted by squealy at 11:49 AM on July 09, 2003
The actual running I've got no problem with. You want to risk your life messing with bulls, that's your business. It's the bullfights at the end that bother me. In a perfect world, they'd run the bulls from their pens to a beautiful, beautiful meadow that had the most delicious grass in the world. Also, I'd have the ability to fly.
posted by Samsonov14 at 11:58 AM on July 09, 2003
What sammy said. The running, for the most part, doesn't seem to hurt the bulls and only helps us weed out some of the more stupid or annoying humans in the World. There actually was a point in time where I considered doing it but didn't due to a) cost and b) supporting the bullfighting at the end. And frankly, I'd much rather go to the huge tomato fight.
posted by Ufez Jones at 12:08 PM on July 09, 2003
I like this pic. Hey dude, Celtic had one heartbreaking loss in Spain this year. You trying to make it two? Yeah, the running and stuff is fine. The bulls generally win that round, no? Once the run is over and the bull "fights" start then it is another matter.
posted by gspm at 12:20 PM on July 09, 2003
Sammy, maybe you can Learn to Fly!
posted by billsaysthis at 12:52 PM on July 09, 2003
ufez, thats what I was gonna say. the tomato fight, now there's a great public display of completely acceptable hooliganism. and I had no idea how pervasive the slaughter and mutilation of animals is in spain. kinda creepy. though the whole 'siesta' idea is bullet-proof.
posted by garfield at 01:59 PM on July 09, 2003
but, they could atleast give the bulls some nikes or some footwear. the running is fine, but make it a fair fight. cobble stone and hoof don't exactly make for good grip. if the bulls had shoes, then i might splurge for PPV.
posted by garfield at 02:02 PM on July 09, 2003
oh, and billy, tom petty and the heartbreakers are the droids you are looking for.
posted by garfield at 02:38 PM on July 09, 2003
I've got an idea: To make this a true sporting event, you've got to have sponsorship! Yeah! Paint your logos on the bulls! This is hella good because: 1. The owners of the bulls make money, and have an incentive to keep these bulls for next year. 2. The bulls will not be allowed to be killed with sponsors names emblazoned all over them 3. Corporations can assimilate yet another cultural event (I was just kidding about the last one) You can call me at 1-800-MARKETINGSAVESANIMALS
posted by worldcup2002 at 04:38 PM on July 09, 2003
This is one of the few times where I can say whole-heartedly "Go Bulls!" Bullfighting is seriously sick stuff. That's no sport, it's ritualized animal torture. The running of the bulls, I don't mind so much. Rodeo isn't quite as bad, though. What, no rodeo fans? And this being Stampede week? On the plus side, Ralphie got pied... Hahahahahaha. Damn! That's priceless. I kid you not, pretty much the entire city of Edmonton (or Redmonton, as it's often called) is busting a gut over that. What FatBuddha said. With a cherry on top.
posted by alex_reno at 09:16 PM on July 09, 2003
Those wacky Canadians! Man, what better way to say, "I think your outlook on domestic issues is flawed and needs to be better thought out," than a banana creme pie to the face.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:27 AM on July 10, 2003
Just attended a pancake breakfast this past weekend, complete with 5-piece blue grass 'orchestra'. Damn, I miss the Stampede. Though the last time I went I had chicken pox, but nobody could see them under my bandana, stetson, and cowboy sunglasses. Nothing like being covered head to toe in clothing, going out in the July sun and having a fever. Thats what I call quality time with the family.
posted by garfield at 09:56 AM on July 10, 2003
I'd like to hear opinions on this...am I just too sensitive or does this whole activity of running with the bulls, even with all its storied tradition, drive anybody else batshit? Personally, my favorite images are the ones where the soused up jackasses who terrorize these bulls get gored and/or tossed around like ragdolls. If every single one of them got trampled it wouldn't upset me one bit.