Bullfighting to Be Televised Once Again in Spain
In the face of “falling popularity” and “economic crisis,” state television in Spain will begin to air bullfighting after a six-year hiatus, reports the New York Times. This change in policy comes via the conservative Popular Party government, which, unlike many animal rights groups in Spain today, is staunchly pro-bullfighting, and opposes animal rights groups that protest the fighting. According to the Times, “under the previous Socialist government, state television had stopped showing live evening bullfights for economic reasons and because they coincided with children’s viewing times.” Perhaps this new policy will reignite the sport’s popularity, as attendance at bullfighting rings has been severely diminished due to Spain’s economic crisis.
It’s sickening that an act as barbaric and archaic as bullfighting is not only legal in Spain but is televised on state television in the name of economic practicality. The economic benefits of an activity should never be used as justification to overlook the serious ethical violations taking place in events like bullfighting. Slavery, too, was economically beneficial; that doesn’t mean it was right, and that doesn’t mean it should be practiced.
While I do not like bullfighting, I do believe that it is an important part of Spanish culture. Because of this, it really is hard to say what should be done about it.
I find bullfighting to be a crazy and primitive sport; however, since it is important in Spanish Culture I believe its up to the Spanish people to decide for themselves.
I agree that bullfighting is one of Spanish culture’s most distinct features, even though it can be quite inhumane. I think it’s a little disappointing how this seems a bit like an act of economic desperation, however.