Comments on: Bullfighting Sans the Blood and Gore

By: DS

DS — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:30:40 +0000

Oscar – The bulls at Cheongdo have been fighting over territory since well before humans decided to watch them. Originally the bulls just fought there for grass and people would watch for entertainment. Now the bulls fight in the middle of an arena, which one could say was pretty much built around them.

These bulls are well taken care of. You should see the respect given to them by their trainers. It’s touching.

It’s a whole world away from stabbing bulls for sport.

By: David Carruth

David Carruth — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:08:06 +0000

Hi Amber,

This is waaay outside of Seoul just south of Daegu – you could take a train or bus but definitely not the subway.

You might want to see this Facebook event for more info (seats are all reserved but they might be able to give you some helpful tips):

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=364895311472&ref=ts

David

By: Amber

Amber — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:45:05 +0000

Where is this at and how do I get to it?
Subway?
Bus?

By: Amber

Amber — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:44:22 +0000

Where is this at?
Can I take the Seoul Subway?

By: Oscar

Oscar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:58:37 +0000

FACT: Your research is shoddy. Celtiberian bull-fighting existed well over a thousand years ago.
FACT: Bulls are being trained to fight in an arena for human pleasure. Gory or not, I’m sure the bulls would rather eat grass and talk about the sexy cows down the street.

You call Spanish bullfighting “bloodthirsty and savage” yet you admire the Korean standard of making animals fight for no apparent reason. Are they fighting for territory? For a mate? “…blood is rarely shed.” I’m quoting you. “Rarely” suggests blood is at times shed. So I guess you wouldn’t consider that bloodthirsty, just blood happens.

I didn’t come full circle in my argument because I don’t personally enjoy bullfighting, but I do understand and respect its cultural heritage and importance.

You’re a hypocrite and again, slanted, biased, and incredibly short sighted.

By: DS

DS — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:32:51 +0000

Exactly. The bullfighting at Cheongdo is incredibly civilised, and the trainers show their animals a lot of respect.

By: JT

JT — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:58:36 +0000

Oscar, have you ever seen a real bullfight? The article is correct in stating that it is “savage and bloodthirsty” by any definition of the words. Secondly, what the author was also trying to illustrate was the fact that the Bull fighting here in Korea is not violent at all and no blood is shed by the bulls. I have been going to this event almost every year since 2003. I totally disagree with you futile attempt at sound humane and well-read. Please read the above and take DS’ s advice.

By: DS

DS — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:50:15 +0000

Your argument is ludicrous. You question my research and say that bullfighting is not savage… but then admit that it is… and you come full circle. You make no valid point, except hinting that you’re offended by the phrase “savage and bloodthirsty,” which you describe yourself as “brutal and unnecessary.”

I’ll keep that little writing tip in mind next time I reference a sport which includes the torture of animals.

And by the way, no amount of artistry or sporting prowess justifies the torture of innocent animals. “Culture” is a word too frequently used to justify abuse – animal abuse, domestic abuse, racial abuse…

I suggest you formulate a real, coherent argument before commenting.

By: Oscar

Oscar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:11:50 +0000

Where do you do your research? Bullfighting can be dated as far back as the CeltIberian age in Spain, over a thousand years ago–not to mention it’s possible it began in Rome well before that. Stating that Spanish-style bullfighting is a “bloodthirsty and savage pursuit” is slanted, biased, and incredibly short sighted. It may be brutal and unnecessary, as many animal sports are (tracking and chasing bucks and foxes, etc.), but for many it runs deep within the culture. Beyond the blood and gore you speak of is a skill, a dance, and a sport. Man versus beast. You may not agree with it, but being a journalist does beg for a bit of perspective.

By: DS

DS — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:45:37 +0000

I can’t wait. It was great last year.