I live in New York City but I come from a Hispanic background so I'm pretty informed (or so I would like to think) about my heritage. However sadly, I'm mostly aware of the entertainment side of the Latin and Spanish world. I know one of the main "attractions" for Spaniards is the bullfight, however, I didn't know the amount of pride Spaniards take in this "art" until I got here.
I don't want to offend or sound ignorant about the bullfights, however, I'm entitled to my opinion and I don't like them whatsoever. I think that might be one of the biggest cultural differences that we have. I feel bad for these poor bulls that in my opinion shouldn't be raised for fights. I'm not the biggest animal lover but I think it's so cruel to see how they kill this animal after a match. And what surprises me the most is that the majority of people are okay with this. They love it, and I don't understand why. I mean back in time, the Romans used to fight very gruesomely too as a sport inside a forum, but we're not in the Roman time. I'm sorry but I'm just very surprised to see how many people enjoy this art.
I had a talk with my host parents about bullfights, and they were telling me that I should pay attention to the art of it, not the killing of it. But coming from NYC where we don't have this kind of sport, and there's a billboard or a commercial for PETA everywhere you look, it seems impossible for me to even appreciate it. Yes I'm going to go to see a bullfight, but is not like I really want to go. My host father was actually showing me one today on TV and they watch it like if it's baseball, but I just can't sit there and do that to myself.
It is also very surprising to me to see how the media shows everything on TV, magazines or in newspapers. Spanish TV is very open and liberal, and I guess in a way it's good because we see the "real' stuff, but sometimes it's a little harsh. The newspapers we see in class each have a very open opinion about what they like and what they don't. Who they favor and who they dislike. It's very interesting to see that they don't thrive for neutrality.
Spain is a very interesting country that I will explore, and give my opinions through this blog for the next couple of weeks so I hope we all enjoy this journey.
Interesting. Don't be fooled into thinking it's the national sport. There is quite a big opposition too. Just look at the audiences they get when they show them on TV. Tiny. I think most people don't like bullfighting, haven't been there and don't appreciate them too much, but aren't bothered by it.
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