POV

Animal torture is not a sport

I don't care how long it's been in existence, whether it's participated in by men or women, or how many people "enjoy" it or admire its practitioners. It's cruel, it's unnecessary, and it's not entertainment.
I'll skip this POV.

by Bob Gotch from Hayward, CA
September 1, 2009, 5:59 PM

Nothuing empowering about this brutal "sport"

Analyzing the changing gender roles in the Latino culture in the context of bullfighting is tantamount to glamorizing the new trend of Muslims to allow women to act as suicide bombers. Neither elevates or empowers women. It simply brings them down to the level of the men in similar roles.

Shame on PBS, shame on POV and shame on KLRU.

by Gail Johnson from Spicewood, Texas
September 1, 2009, 6:06 PM

Cruelty is not a thing to be proud about!

Bullfighting is cruel, barbaric and should be banned!

by Lara Ebisuzaki from Etobicoke, Ontario
September 1, 2009, 6:56 PM

Retired

Murder, cruelty, insensitivity that spectafies, continues and propagates man and woman's inhumanity toward the four legged kingdom. Whereas another society dieifies and honors the bovine: Which do we see/hear more about?
It is the same culture as dog fighting, i.e. the one
Michael Vick grew up in. Hence the horrific product.

by Linda from Ventura, CA
September 1, 2009, 7:32 PM

It is cruel and should end.

by dore from Bedford Corners, New York
September 1, 2009, 8:18 PM

this is a *debate*?

What makes bullfighting any better than pitfighting, or than, oh, say, pulling the wings off flies? Sorry, but some things are just wrong. Female genital mutilation is wrong. Killing disarmed prisoners is wrong. Animal torture is wrong. This is not a difficult moral call, folks.

by Jolanta Benal from Brooklyn, NY
September 1, 2009, 9:10 PM

Mx

I am totally opposed to the mutilation and torture of animals. I remember reading years ago that in ancient times, in Greece, maybe, there was an annual festival to honor the fertility goddess and men used to grasp bulls by the horns and leap over them as part of the festivities. A graceful and dangerous sport which did not hurt the bulls.

by Natalie Zarchin from El Cerrito, CA
September 1, 2009, 10:56 PM

r.n.

beautifully filmed..........i love bullfighting !!!! thanks

by sheila shane from west palm beach, fl
September 1, 2009, 11:04 PM

Horrified

I sat in complete disbelief that these barbarians -- man, woman, or otherwise, carry on with this "tradition" of super-cruelty. The animal is literally tortured until death.

And for POV to financially support this as "art" is highly dubious... The show is a celebration of endless fetishism, from the bloody regalia, to bleeding saints in the street, to the bizarre sequence of night bull-dancing -- in the nude!

What is this obsession with gender equality that this series seems to be advocating, when it debases women, making them as inhumane as the men?

I'm baffled and sickened at this programming. It only glorifies what should be outlawed.

by BSA from Austin, TX
September 1, 2009, 11:08 PM

Does anyone remember...

Does anyone remember a bullfighter from the 50's, Patricia McCormack?

by Marsha Flowers from New York, New York
September 1, 2009, 11:09 PM

A well made and thoughtful treatment of a subject that is not often given the respect it deserves in the U.S.

Thank you,

ken vose

by ken vose from lackawaxen, PA
September 1, 2009, 11:10 PM

While I respect those who are offended by this topic, I do not agree with them. "Ella es el Matador" was fascinating: a look into a different culture, to be sure, but also a view on a very familiar issue....women undertaking a role formerly allowed only to men. I found these women to be courageous, strong, dedicated. Wonderful attributes in any field of endeavor. Glad I happened upon it tonight...thank you!

by Mary Beth Donnelly from Albany,
September 1, 2009, 11:34 PM

Outraged

I forced myself to watch this horrific story before commenting, but was not assuaged. It was heartbreaking to see one of these wretched women as a young girl walking among bulls who simply moved out of her way. I am outraged that you glorified her and this wretched, inhumane spectacle. It is not a sport. The bull hasn't a chance. The horses often suffer severe internal injuries. As for simply looking the other way to condone a “meaningful cultural heritage: BS. Throwing Christians and others to the lions, cheering as gladiators fought to the death, burning “witches” and heretics at the stake, all had their day. I am outraged that you not only glorified this egotistical throwback, but that you did so over and over again in your previews. Now give equal time to the animals … Emphasize what they suffer, and the majority of people who find that suffering appalling. Shame on you for showcasing this blood “sport”. That the killers interject religion into the mix is the ultimate outrage.

by Bonnie Towles from North Port, FL
September 1, 2009, 11:41 PM

Retired

Under the guise of feminism, this barbaric display of cruelty not only to the bulls but also to the horses, seemed to be a on-sided affair. Why not emphasize the picadors and banderiilos that render the bull almost helpless before the matador even gets close to the bull! POV sinks to a new low with this b***s***!

by Paul Guebard from Waukesha, WI
September 1, 2009, 11:45 PM

A Roman Circus where an animal is tortured and then finally sacrificed. It is not a fair fight, the bull is cut and bled to a portion of its strength so that he does not batter and kill the "heroic" bullfighter.

It is no different than the sacrifices that the Aztecs and the Incas and all pre-Columbian civilizations did to calm the Gods except that here the GOD is supposed to be the Matador..

Horrible ANIMAL TORTURE AND ABUSE.

by Ovidius
September 1, 2009, 11:56 PM

Careers in bullfighting

To me this documentary was interesting from the point of view of work and careers. I would have liked to know more about the training and apprenticeship involved. I found it interesting that the few women in this type of entertainment industry dominated by men could not help each other more than by sharing experiences and giving advice.
Unlike other performance-oriented careers with which this practice has been compared (e.g., dance, ballet), it seemed that women who retired could not remain in the industry as trainers or agents - positions from which they could help newcomers. I wish the documentary had said more about the career paths of women matadors after they retired from the ring.

by Lena from Chicago, IL
September 2, 2009, 12:44 AM

It is What It is...Cruelty!

Bullfighting is nothing more than another way for insecure humans to satisfy their innate desire to kill. The participants --spectators & matadors, male & female alike-- can try dressing it up as "culture/tradition" all they want. It's torture of a sentient being.

No animal should have to suffer at human hands & ultimately lose its life for the sake of human entertainment. PBS/POV should be ashamed for glorifying this violence!

by Ahna from Phoenix, AZ
September 2, 2009, 2:21 AM

women bullfighters

I can't believe that you would put this documentary on OPB.

This documentary glorified her and presented her in an artistic and elevated spirtitual state, when in reality, she is nothing more than a person who finds entertainment in the suffering and death of an animal.
That OPB put this documentary on the air
is more than I can comprehend.
Putting an end to this barbaric form of entertainment should be at the top of OPB's to do list.
I am completely dismayed and disgusted.

Kathy L PRock

by Kathy L Prock from Portland, Or
September 2, 2009, 2:47 AM

ballet de blood

As someone not raised in a culture of bullfighting, i cannot understand the outlook of the participants who view it as an art form rather than a stylized, systematic murder of an animal. That being said, i thought it extremely interesting that there was a female bullfighter in Spain in the 1920s who then was forced to give up her career in her homeland--and the ban against woman matadors lasted 40 years there--due to another blood sport devised by men known as war...

by nia from portland, or
September 2, 2009, 3:24 AM

Ms.

While the focus of the program was the difficulties women face in entering into this barbarous activity, the focus really should have been on the barbarity of the "sport," a poor term to describe pitting a bleeding and weakened animal against people with knives and swords. When people derive pleasure from watching cruelty, they surrender something of their innate potential for kindness.

Bullfighting (and all forms of animal explotiation) needs to be outlawed.

by Eleanor Aronstein from Poughkeepsie, NY
September 2, 2009, 7:36 AM

Ms.

In advertising and glorifying sadism and cruelty in this film about female bullfighters, PBS and POV have lost their way.
A more truthful film on bullfighting would have:
1. explored the physical and emotional experience of the bull as he was repeatedly stabbed and forced to die slowly.
2. explored the psychological/emotional needs of the people who experience pleasure while hurting and killing
others as well as the needs of the viewers of this sadism.
3. explored what it means when language is perverted
so that hurting and killing are described as acts of
beauty, grace, and skill.
4. explored the implications of using religious symbols
for the purpose of hurting and killing.
5. explored what it means when a culture/country glorifies hurting and killing.
6. explored the relationship between killing for
entertainment, money, and fame and
other forms of violence.
7. and finally, explored what it means when filmakers
and television programs have such poor judgement as to show a film like this.

by Irene Muschel from New York City, New York
September 2, 2009, 8:47 AM

Smitten once . . .

I am frequently guilty of pointing my finger and dismissing others' POV.
Thanks for lettin me see how narrow minded and self-righteous it looks in print.

by prmullen@msn.com from St. Petersburg, Florida
September 2, 2009, 10:12 AM

Magnificent Creatures

I thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle of the Festival. The suit of lights, family support and overwhelmed fanatics in the stands cheering.
The matadors highlighted in the film are noble, courageous creatures.
When Maripaz showed me her scars I felt like she was showing me her heart.
Are any here willing to be that vulnerable and do the same ?

by Patrick Mullen from St. Petersburg, Florida
September 2, 2009, 10:18 AM

Bullfighting is a combination of blood thirst and ballet. I enjoyed the moonlight "dance" between the woman and the bull. The grace of the women was amazing. However, the blood and death of the bull was conveniently left out.

by Jill from Cody, WY
September 2, 2009, 11:13 AM

i thought the film was excellent in content and delivery. i loved how it showed the frustration with the "business" and corrupt side of the business. i love the bull fighters' tenacity, spirit, and skill. i have worked for many corrupt business men over the last 35 years as well as "bullish" co-workers where there is much corruption and far more heinous treatment of humans than these bulls...ditto for what's shown in the movies, and repetitious news reels...hmmm...come to think of it...many of our jails harbor and encourage the same activity. it's supposed to be a shorty and it was extremely well done and well thought out. i went to spain when i was a senior in high school and regretted that we did not have time to see the bull fight. Spain is a beautiful country and so are it's people. Maripaz is special...adventurous, fearless, beautiful, ambitous, and true to herself as so few young people are today. She is truly a conquistador. I loved her artistic renditions of the bull...who could do it better than one who comes face to face. I loved that her family was so in love with her and gave her support for her dreams rather than totally diss her off....i think it allowed closure on it for her. in fact, it was so well done...i watched it again this morning...just to be sure i liked it as well as i did last nite...i did....and wow...the costumes...the tradition is in the details. by the way...we don't eat pit bulls and my sister still pulls wings off flies (she started doing it at the age of three to "protect us from germs.")

by Sandra from phoenix, az
September 2, 2009, 1:43 PM

hmmm...i just reread all the comments and my own...i must be numb from all the bodybags hauled out of my previous neighborhood. sorry

by Sandra from phoenix, az
September 2, 2009, 1:51 PM

Ella es el matador

I think everyone who is opposed to bullfighting does not understand what is all about. It is not to enjoy the goring or the blood, it is about witness the spiritual connection between two animasl, "El matador and the bull." They are fighting, but they are also communicating and they both know that there is only one who will be victorious. To watch men or women perform in this kind of artistic, dangerous, bloody, but nonetheless beautiful sport is really amazing. I grew up watching "toreadas" in a small town in Mexico and we learned to appreciate the good and the bad of bullfighting. Those of you who do not like it, I respect it, but do not condemn it, just because you don't have the sensitivity and the courage that is required to enjoy it. I applaud the women who have the "cojones" to fight and kill a bull.
Aguila in Oakland

by Maria from Oakland, CA
September 2, 2009, 4:31 PM

A beautiful documentary!

by Chris from El Paso, TX
September 2, 2009, 5:07 PM

POV

I am a vegetarian and an animal lover and indeed, found it difficult to watch the bullfighting scenes (I put my hands over my eyes whenever a bull was shown). However, as this show is entitled "POV." That is exactly why I watch it. It provides a point of view that I may not agree with nor condone. Where would we be if we closed ourselves off to others' point of view? What kind of information would we have if we dictated how and what people could film or write about? The documentary was beautifully shot with extremely interesting subjects and characters. While I'm totally against bullfighting, I am all for the human spirit.

by Adorala from Los Angeles, California
September 2, 2009, 5:20 PM

A great commentary on bullfighting can be found in the short story, "The Madness of John Harned" by Jack London

by Ryan from Cody, Wyoming
September 2, 2009, 6:17 PM

teacher, parent

This POV has helped me look mindfully at a popular sport that I was able to attend in Madrid many years ago. I now understand more of the art and withhold judgment. thank you for this doorway to understanding.

by Louise from windsor locks, ct
September 2, 2009, 7:51 PM

Romance of the morbid. It gave me vivid dreams of which I am grateful but so did the bulldozer I watched the day before. I feel like telling the generations of all genders to go pick on someone with your own extreme penchant for premeditation. An excellent film about human frailty.

by Mandy Wallace from Oakland, CA
September 2, 2009, 11:39 PM

Support Cantalonian anti-bullfighting petition

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has a petition to support the 180,000 Catalonian citizens who have united behind the Prou ("enough") campaign, which calls for a change to the Catalonian animal protection law that currently safeguards all animals except the bulls and horses used in bullfights.

Overwhelming public support has forced the Catalonian Parliament to schedule a vote on removing the exemption. A "yes" vote in this key region would be a groundbreaking step towards making bullfighting history across Spain.

Please add your name to the WSPA petition to show the Catalonian Parliament that their citizens' campaign to end bullfighting has worldwide support.

You can sign the petition here:

http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=24&ea.campaign.id=4016&ea.param.extras=Source:e-action

(or just search for WSPA)

by Bonnie from North Port, FL
September 2, 2009, 11:48 PM

Ella Es El Matador

I was deeply touched by the movie. It gave me a completely different way of looking at bullfighting.
I thought the story of Maria Paz was somehow sad but very powerful. Thank you for showing this movie. I loved it.

by devorah ginden from Campbell, CA
September 3, 2009, 2:13 AM

ELLA ES EL MATADOR

JUST HAPPENED TO FIND THIS AFTER IT WAS ALREADY IN PROGRESS & THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES FROM MY YOUTH. IN THE 60'S, SOME FRIENDS WHO WERE AFICIONADOS INVITED ME TO ATTEND BULLFIGHTS IN TIJUANA, MEX. I ALWAYS DECLINED BUT ONE WEEKEND AGREED. I WAS THANKFUL THAT I WITNESSED A WELL FILMED PIECE THIS EVENING. BESIDES THE FIGHTING OF THE BULL, THERE IS PAGENTRY WHICH I DID NOT SEE. THE BAND PLAYS THE CORRIDA & THE ENTIRE GROUP SOLEMNLY ENTERS THE RING LEAD BY THE AGUACILE (KEEPER OF THE KEYS)TO UNLOCK THE GATE WHERE BULLS ENTER BULLRING. THERE IS USUALLY SILENCE & ALL EYES ARE ON THE MATADORS. I SAW BULLFIGHTS IN A SMALL RING IN ENSENADA, IN TIJUANA, AT THE PLAZA MONUMENTAL IN MEXICO CITY & IN SPAIN. I SAW MANY OF THE GREAT MATADORS OF THAT TIME & REMEMBER PAT MC CORMICK, ALSO SIDNEY FRANKLIN, THE 1ST JEWISH BULLFIGHTER FROM BROOKLYN. I BELIEVE THE MAN WHO SAID HE DID NOT LIKE BULLFIGHTING BUT WAS GOING BECAUSE OF HIS DAUGHTER WAS PORTUGUESE. IN PORTUGAL, THEY HAVE SAME PAGENTRY, USE PICADORES & THE MATADOR USES CAPE BUT IN THE END THE BULL IS NOT KILLED. LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. I ADMIRE THE WOMEN WHO CHOSE TO APPEAR IN THIS FILM WHICH TRIED TO SHOW A CIRCLE OF EMOTIONS. APPARENTLY MARI PAZ DID EARN THE RESPECT OF THE OTHER MATADORS.

by MYRTA TASKER from LOS ANGELES, CALIF
September 3, 2009, 2:54 AM

Hard to understand but really nice

El mundo de los toros is dificult to understand but once you really know it you will love it.
Please before condemn it try to know it.
Here you can find some information about an association of Mari Paz Véga´s friends.
http://ptaurinamaripazvega.blogspot.com/
Saludos

by Javier from Zaragoza, Spain
September 3, 2009, 6:24 AM

Major, U.S. Army (Retired)

I found it ironic that the portion of the film depicting the female matador training in the nude had been edited to obscure certain portions of the young woman's anatomy, apparently in compliance with the FCC to shield children from exposure to somehing harmful, in fact, those portions obscured were the only aspects of those frames that were not harmful.

I am sadened for a culture that glorifies activities which, in almost any other culture, would certainly reuslt in a long and well-deserved sentence in prison for felony animal curelty.

I also noted a second irony about the censorship of the scene with the nude training. Considerr this. Had an identical scene, except about a male matador, been shown, the chest at least, would not have been blurred by the censor. In a program allegedly about sexism, I can't imagine anything more blatently sexist than this arbitrary discrimination, based only on insignificant anatomical differences. A documentary about such American sexism and the abuse of the 1st Amendment by the FCC would be an interesting assignment for POV.

I am disappointed in PBS for even aring this story which seemed to have much more to do with glorification of a brutal and primative human behavior than about a struggle for equality by women in a male-dominated occupation.

by John Shea from Lexington, SC
September 3, 2009, 9:24 AM

Ella Es El Matador

On bullfighting in general, I think it's an artform, but one at the expense of a defenseless animal. I love the pagentry, but I loathe the end result, and can't bear to watch it.

On women matador's, like any other sport, it's a male dominated world. It's unfortunate, but a reality, and in any country outside the US, the discrimination is worse. You have some very talented women in your documentary, and it's too bad the world will never see either of them be able to fully showcase their talents because of the 'politics' of bullfighting.

by shelli from chalfont, pa
September 3, 2009, 11:44 AM

I second all the comments above where people are disappointed and outraged about this program. Why show anything that glorifies suffering? If you read up on bullfighting, it's a very cruel, horrible, painful death for the bulls. PETA, where are you???

by Anna Drummond
September 3, 2009, 1:14 PM

So, this is 'progress' that women are allowed to be as cruel as men in a torture killing?? This is not a sport; it is barbaric cruelty to animals. Nothing glorious about it. And for those who refuse to pass judgment on something so morally wrong in the misguided sense that it is intolerant of other cultures, hello, there is a TIME to pass judgment on moral offenses. if a culture practices female genital mutilation, it is morally wrong. If a culture glorifies cockfighting, it is morally wrong. if a culture practices dogfighting, it is morally wrong. if a culture believes in the right to obliterate certain religious or ethnic groups, yes it is morally wrong. And moral offenses need to be confronted and condemned, not tolerated by a cowardly society that is afraid to offend anyone. period.

by Anne Rose from Cameron Park, CA
September 3, 2009, 1:32 PM

SHAME ON POV & PBS airing this 'documentary' on animal abuse. I am shocked that PBS who depends on contributors like me would be a part of this.
I will NOT give my money to support the glorifying of pain & suffering inflicted on innocent creatures in the name of 'sport'. They aren't called blood sports for nothing!
Again: SHAME!SHAME!SHAME!

by Barbara Pixley from Penn ,
September 3, 2009, 2:29 PM

Animal Abuse

I am shocked that PBS an educational program would air a program that glorifies animal abuse. It may be a cultural sport but it is still animal abuse any way you look at it. The bull dies a very slow an painful death with every breath taken in fear. It is a blood sport! I will not support any organization that promotes animal abuse....period.

by Nancy Picker from Smartville, CA
September 3, 2009, 3:18 PM

I lived in Spain 3 1/2 years. Although I never went to a bullfight in person, it was shown live on TV, like any sports event here. At the time I was there, over 10 years ago, Christina Sanchez was the number one female matador. I know men would not fight in the arena because of her. The story on PBS was great, but for any viewers who are not familiar with bullfighting there is so much more to it than just going out there and fighting the bull. All the pomp and ceremony leading up to it, the Picadors and all the other people involved is quite spectacular to watch. I am not in favor of or against it (there are many here who think football is brutal). I really enjoyed the show.

by Nancy Arenas from Mesa, Arizona
September 3, 2009, 3:53 PM

Don't see the sport in this

I think it is a bloody sport that tortures animals.

by NEWDAWN DOG RESCUE from Grass Vakkey, CA
September 3, 2009, 4:48 PM

Torture of Bulls is Not a Sport

For those defending this barbaric practice as a "cultural art form" ("I loved it..."), I can only picture you drooling in your beer with no more feeling for the suffering of these sentient beings than for a stone. Bullfighting is a misnomer; there is no fight. It is a desperately wounded, pain wracked, often blinded by its own blood, animal trying to save itself. This is no form of art from any point of view in spite of all the sequins and silver, pomp and circumstance. You can have all of that without torturing an animal. China and Korea skin animals alive for their fur and throw the skinless, still breathing animal on a pile of its comrades to die - for fashion. Google it; it's horrifying. They call the beating deaths of their dogs for aphrodisiacs and the boiling of their cats for an arthritis soup cure "cultural." Next time you cook bacon, picture the pig hanging by its neck from a rope, taking many long minutes to die. That's here in our farm belt. The jury ruled it was not cruel. Pigs have i.q.'s in the range of a 3-yr old human. Not cruel? In the eye of any beholder, whatever rose-colored glasses you choose to wear, it is still torture TORTURE of a living thing. Those of you who appreciate and "love" this practice and this film are missing something vital to qualify for humanity: empathy. My opinion of PBS/POV is down to zero and I will no longer support you in any way. I guess ratings are more important than teaching our children that animals have feelings, feel hunger, feel pain, and most of all want to live out their lives just as we do. We are already raising a generation of psychopaths; PBS should not be contributing to it. This is sheer animal/human pornography with the ranks of any snuff film, "crush" films where a spike-heeled Asian woman kills puppies and kittens with her heels (some folks just "love" that snuff stuff), dog-fighting videos and hog-dog rodeos. This is not culture; it's a bad habit. PBS just shot itself in the foot, or should I say spike heel.

This comment has been edited by the moderator for content.

by Susan Trear from Lake Forest, CA
September 3, 2009, 5:03 PM

Bullfighting

As an animal lover bullfighting and other related events are barbaric tortures in which animals are brutally forced to perform and then are killed. Even if this is for some a cultural event, times change, and what was once acceptable, is no longer considered valid.
If people ever get judged by how they treat animals, many of us would not do well. And it is not a sport, it is a cruel manipulation and exploitation of an animal.

by Johanna Operschall from Grass Valley, California
September 3, 2009, 9:14 PM

Bullfighting is old-fashioned, CRUEL and it must stop now. look for WSPA in the web to help the bulls!!!

by ela
September 3, 2009, 9:32 PM

Disappointed in PBS for airing this show

Very difficult to make a "respectful" comment as you require. Why are you even airing shows like this? I'm very disappointed in PBS! And I hope the bull sticks his horns up the matador's butt.

by Ginny Dershimer from Gloucester Township, NJ
September 3, 2009, 9:58 PM

Reading everyone's POV about Ella Es El Matador made me think I didn't have anything to add. I can empathize with much of what has been stated. The lasting feelings that reside in me from having watched the film have settled in my stomach. There is much I do not understand about the need for killing the bull. I found the scenes of the sticking the bull and the killing to be disturbing. Aside from those disturbances I am intrigued by the call of dreams, which I felt the film was artfully successful in capturing.

by Margaret from Chatham, MA
September 3, 2009, 10:40 PM

Thanks for sharing this fascinating story about two women struggling to make it in a difficult field. Perhaps, it is cruel to the bulls, but the way that Eva embraces them in her heart shows the respect and honor she feels for them as well. I wish these two ladies well and thank PBS for showing another side to this poorly understood activity. Would love to hear what they are doing from time to time, and a special thanks for the mention of other female matadors from the past.

by Christine from Pitman, NJ
September 4, 2009, 10:00 AM

STOP BULLFIGHTING IN TIJUANA

BULLFIGHTING IS A DISGRACE.IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL THE
WORLD OVER.STARTING IN TIJUANA.I DON'T UNDERSTAND
WHY CALIFORNIAN HUMANE SOCIETIES HAVEN'T TAKEN PART
IN BOYCOTTING TIJUANA OR IN TELLING CALIFORNIANS NOT
TO SUPPORT BULLFIGHTS.THIS BLOODY,UNFAIR SPECTACLE IS
WHAT'S LEFT OF IMPERIAL ROME.IT DOESN'T BELONG WITH
US.IF THE KILLING OF BABY FUR SEALS BY CANADIANS CAN
MAKE OUR BLOOD BOIL HERE IN CALIFORNIA,THE SAME SHOULD
BE WHEN BULLS ARE TORTURED TO DEATH A FEW FEET AWAY IN
BAJA CALIFORNIA.
DAVID NAVARRO

by DAVID NAVARRO from SAN JOSE, CA
September 5, 2009, 12:41 AM

I love animals and bullfighting.

The fighting bull is allowed to live three times as long as domestic beef cattle and it spends these years living like a king, roaming freely on huge ranches. The females and the males used as stud bulls live out their entire lives on these ranches. The business of the corrida is what guarantees these animals such a wonderful life. Ban the corrida and you condemn the species to extinction as they are too expensive and dangerous to raise without a lot of compensation.

After the bull dies in the ring it ends up on a someone's plate, but the difference is that the toro bravo had an amazing life - better than any other species that is raised by man for consumption.

And the manner of the fighting bull's death? I find it to be infinitely more humane than the slaughterhouse and the wretched life that the cattle suffer through beforehand.

I love all animals. I have an afinity for the beauty, power, and nobility of the toro bravo. Most of the aficionados that I know are highly sensitive people. You have to be sensitive to be able to appreciate the art and emotion of this spectacle.

Look beyond the cliches, the misinformation, and the attacks - there is a lot to this artform - as this documentary begins to point out. Thanks POV.

by Robert from New York, NY
September 5, 2009, 12:44 AM

I watched the film tonight I was fascinated by the sport. Many attack bullfighting because it is perceived as animal cruelty. That maybe true, but we are surrounded by acts of cruelty of one form or another on a daily basis. What I will say in the defense of bullfighting is that it does not lie. It is the matador against a powerful and enraged animal. It is a profound and bloody engagement, Yet, it is beautiful to watch. I watch a match and I see an enthralling ballet. The matador moves with grace and skill, challenging and dodging the bull's charges. With each pass, the matador is covered in the bull's blood; it is a very intimate encounter. And the matador must take the bull in a single, precise thrust -- there is no room for a sloppy execution. You don't see that kind of honesty about an animal's death in the meat aisle of the local supermarket.

by Brad Whitcomb
September 5, 2009, 2:52 AM

An animal with the low IQ of a cow, the bull, is raised without ever seeing a human on foot. Thereby preventing it from ever knowing anything about people or their abilities and leaving the bull ignorant of its approaching death by a group of proffessionals who have studied and traind in the ways to slowly disable and torture a dumb beast using spears and sword.

The beast is transported to a walled arena and then attacked with spears in its neck, designed to make it impossible for it to defend itself with its horns. When enough torturing has been done the bull can not lift its head with any speed or force, thereby while in intense pain and enduring much loss of blood, it is subjected to being stabbed to death with a sword weilded by some brutal and heartless coward who has convinced themself that they are a great human being who has heroicly butchered a great beast.

If there was any truth to that then at least half of the time the bull would win and kill the matador, because trhe odds were equal. A.t that time the bull should be treated heroicly and put out to pasture.

I am a hunter and have killed for food. Not sport or trophies. My quarry has very little chance of survival. I carry the superior weapon. There is no sport to it. I shoot only at the head, in order to make the most rapid and humane kill.

Those who torture anything to death should be looked upon for what they are: small hearted, inhumane, scum, with no more true bravery than a vulture chewing on a cadaver.

The spectators who support such torture are just as bad as the sickies who make money by such butchery.

by Lawson from Portland, Oregon
September 5, 2009, 3:49 AM

Mr

It seems that many people have strong feelings on this subject. It also appears that they have judged these countries and their populous without respect of their tradition, their religion, their sport, their business. Bullfighting is not for everyone, just as hunting in this country is not for everyone. Sports like football, basketball are not for everyone. But as a fan of a sport, you would understand the basic structure of the game, like who makes ruling calls, who keeps players honest, who controls the players, then you find a favorite and you are a “Fan!”
All these cultural judges who have spoken out so loudly against this probably have never been to a corrida, they do not know who or what the Arena Director is, who is judging today, the Widows Box…who is sitting there this week, what ranches have brought bulls here today, what matadors are here today, how many poor people will the bulls feed after the day, last night what Matadors went out to celebrate the Saturday before Sunday, what chapel did they prey in this morning, what seats are the best. There is much to know about such an event that draws 30,000 – 45,000 aficionados to one of the major Corridas in the world on a Sunday afternon.
These people who know nothing of this ancient cultural event which is tied to the catholic religion are certainly quick to judge then cast their stones… must be awful to collect so many stones and always be so right… perhaps it is not just a President that foreigners are tired of, perhaps it is the egocentric, pompous attitudes of people that feel they are so superior to all others that they can chastise, belittle, and protest another cultures ways.
We have a lot to forget before we learn…

by Robert Keith from North Richland Hills, Texas
September 5, 2009, 10:09 AM

It was interesting that is broadcasting this excellent documentary that it was decided to blur out portions of the nude matador in a bullfight. I can't say if this was meant because of broadcast standards, or if it had more to do with the hypocrisy favoring depictions of violence over that which may be deemed sexual in context. I'm pleased that the online version of the film was unedited and this viewer was allowed to see the nude matador. It's a dream-like scene where the female matador challenges the bull. The scene of the matador's strong naked body is in graceful combat with the bull, I think, made bullfighting more accessible to the viewer. In the end, once you remove all the costumes and glamour of the bullfight as a circus, all it really is a depiction of human conflict at its most primal. It's one person against the world, nature, or a powerful animal.

by Brad Whitcomb
September 5, 2009, 3:54 PM

Arte y Honor

I grew up in Spain and every year as a child, I anxiously awaited the bullfights in Madrid. I didn't understand that outside of Spain there was controversy... that it was considered brutal and barbaric.

Just like the film explained, the bull is born to die... an honorable death... which is the aim of the matador. The bullfighter both fears and respects the bull... and the stronger and bigger the bull, the better for the bullfighter. All who love bullfighting love the bull as well... it's a beautiful animal, and this lifelong tradition both honors and respects it as well. There are some traditions that can't be explained or understood by outside cultures and societies... don't be so quick to judge what you don't understand... Ole!

by Dania Suarez from Winter Springs, FL
September 5, 2009, 4:32 PM

There is nothing beautiful nor artistic, nor noble about this sport. This is animal torture, pure and simple. Just because it is a culture does NOT make it right. Bulls feel pain.
Please don't honor this horrible display. End bullfighting.

by Ellen from Petaluma, CA
September 5, 2009, 5:02 PM

amazing how some people can be so incredibly cruel and actually feel good about torturing animals, and glorify those that do it. I hope those that support this so-called art form get a long drawn-out taste of their own medicine some day. Please show more animal cruelty documentaries, especially the people who are behind these atrocities so they are exposed for what they are, hearts of pure evil.

by rich kalbus from boise, idaho
September 6, 2009, 1:18 PM

Ella Es el Matador

I haven't been able to stop war, so I probably won't be able to stop bullfighting either. Until it stops, however, I think women should have the same opportunities to participate as men. In this film, where they demonstrate the heart and bravery of very few persons of either sex, they are really treated shamefully.

by Ruth from Topeka, KS
September 7, 2009, 12:40 AM

Documentary misses the point of feminism

The foundation of feminism is the basic moral sense that legalized mistreatment is simply unacceptable. It's not about women vs. men, but about ethics, about cultural progress and critical thinking. This basic moral sense was eerily absent in this documentary.

Was it absent because of the filmmakers trying to "focus"? Or was it a cultural blind spot? I worry that Spain and other countries that still allow these anachronistic obscenities will appear to lack a moral sense. This documentary may solidify the many stereotypes that already exist about latin culture. Just as sexism hurts women, bullfighting hurts the image of (and undermines the ethics dialogue within) latin America.

by Max Becher from Gainesville, FL
September 7, 2009, 2:10 AM

Bravo! Bravo!
The filmakers and "Las MatadoRAS" are to be praised for having the "cajones"
(balls) in daring to bring forward two contraversial topics: bull fighting and women's rights. It is unfortunate for those viewers who fell in the 'cruelty to animals pit'. While they were busy digging themselves out, they seemed to miss
out on the inner strength required by these two matadoras in wanting to pursue their aspiration despite being confronted by social criticism and financial barriers.
It is unfortunate that Spain, a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty is misunderstood by its association with bullfighting. Let's not be hipocrites! The rest of the world doesn't understand why in the U.S., a rich,great country, the pet food & pet toys is a billion dollars business in a nation with child poverty.
And Bravo too, to POV and PBS in providing though provoking documentaries.

by Carmen Julio from San Diego, California
September 7, 2009, 4:42 AM

Bullfighting is a great sport and should be brought back to the United States.

by Walt Kelly from Lancaster, NH
September 7, 2009, 10:06 AM

I have rephrased the comment posted to make this point:

A documentary about American mores and the bloody abuse of people in other cultures by our self-justifications of our rights to their production of wealth would be an interesting assignment for POV.

Actually, I know that you have already done that, more than enough but the current attitudes of US custom to denigrate other cultures, while ignoring the sadism of our own dictators is remarkable. It is our blind-spot. What seems unmentioned is that when a bombing took place in Madrid on the commutter lines,the people suspicious of the alibi that they were given that it must be Basque terrorists as usual, led to their turning an election and electing a President who would withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq.

I was glad of the comment by a poster who realized that the tradition of Crete origins matered(er,mattered in the formation of our psychology), as the Taurean era of these formative religious ideas was widespread in Asia Minor, and the Spaniards along with other Mediterranean early cultures were ultimately affected by trade routes and contact from the most eastern sector, in particular the Greek voyages out beyond Gibralter that brought Greek influences to the Iberian Peninsula.

Where the Christian religious tradition comes into play, it is not some perversity but the concept of sacrifice that again "matters" As odd as we may find the motivations of these women, one of whom(or was it both?) became Spanish as well as Italian, I often find that in the midst of a Penelope Cruz movie whether directed by Almodovar or others. The tangible, material culture of a people is their psyche in sensual form.

I guess that a high percentage of your posters have read Peter Singer(of Princeton faculty, although maybe today he is more with Bill Maher or Jon Stewart); although I doubt that a high percentage of them are Buddhists. This is admirable but they had better start looking outside the box.

It is better to not spurn other human cultures, to guard against prejudice.

by Diana Marie from Lancaster, PA
September 7, 2009, 7:20 PM

The film was pretty well-done, certainly interesting. But the idea that people pursue this as a career, and others travel, pay the price of a ticket and sit there to enjoy themselves is inconceivable at this day and age. We stopped animal sacrifices in most cultures, where religion required it.We have evolved!
Why doesn't the film touch on that? I thinks it lacks substance when there is no controversy, except for the comment that the Italian father makes.

I hope somebody makes a film that includes discussions, protests, legislation and all efforts towards the elimination of this horrible practice.

There could be a performance where the confrontation exist, with puppets and no blood or death. Do the Spaniards need to revisit death till the end of time? Don't the Inquisition and the conquest of the Americas hang heavily in their heart that they can also kill bulls, living innocent things?

Besides, the film talks about bullfighting as a career fro women "in Latin America" Not where I come from. In Argentina there never was and will be bullfighting. So, be specific and say WHERE in Latin America you can watch the fights.

by Cristina from Montrose, New York
September 7, 2009, 8:14 PM

Done with donations

I do have to say, reading comments from people who say that those who do not like bull fighting are "not sensitive" enough is about the most bizarre thing I have read all year.

I find bull fighting repulsive, and indicative of how Spain seems to treat most of its animals. This is out in the open; there are even more disgusting and primitive rituals performed in this backwards country.

I can't believe a show like this appeared on public television. What's next, a sympathetic documentary on women pedophiles?

by Donna from Edina, MN
September 8, 2009, 2:03 PM

I have lived in Spain and even still I appreciate that bullfighting arises from a culture whose depth and complexity I fail to comprehend. But on any grounds, I think that bullfighting would only be an acceptable and fair 'sport' if it was JUST the Matador and the bull. One on one. The bull with his horns and power and the Matador with her or his skill, cohones, cape and instruments of death. NO assistants to distract and rescue. NO horses and riders to aid in the kill. Otherwise, it is pure show. Daring, yes. A fair competition? No way. I would rather see a program that analyzes, from various perspectives, the deep psychology of people and cultures entwined with this, or any, blood sport.

by Sharon Royal
September 8, 2009, 5:36 PM

Sickened and outraged

I am speechless. I have spent my life working with children who have been horribly abused. A very small percentage of the children abuse animals; for this, they are considered to be severely emotionally disturbed and are often institutionalized. I have never known a child to do anything to an animal as premeditated and methodically cruel as what the team of killers does to a bull. I have worked so hard to help kids turn their lives around and develop compassion for themselves, other people, and animals that the idea of a person spending his or her life training to torture an animal is something I just cannot comprehend; that PBS would glorify this shocks me. I will never, ever make a donation to PBS again. I cannot believe you made and aired this show.

by Ruth Abramson from Baltimore, MD
September 10, 2009, 1:37 AM

No Comment

I live in the United States and am not familiar with Bullfighting or “La Corrida de Toros”. My lack of interest is probably due to lack of understanding. This film, however, looks beyond, what some would could consider, animal cruelty. To write it off as such would be to nullify the hard work and achievements of these two women. These are two Brave and Intelligent Women driven by their passions and struggling to make it in a “Macho” world. There is nothing cowardly about getting in the ring with a Bull. And, it isn’t stupid. It’s simply not ours to say. But, to say, it is simply cruel and barbaric and there is nothing to understand about it…. Oh yeah, that’s intelligent. Go hug a tree!!!

by George from Hacienda Heights , CA
September 13, 2009, 5:47 PM

Multiculturism

Fascinating program. The comments show the problems that arise when people claim they are multiculturalists. When are the habits and beliefs of others acceptable? How do we differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable?

by Bob of Newton from Newton, MA
September 13, 2009, 10:14 PM

¿Toro de lidia o buey de McDonalds?

This was a fascinating documentary that I have already recommended to several friends. I am not surprised by the self-righteous indignation of people who speak up against bull fighting, but do not dare to peek into the meat packing factories that produce much of our food. It is much better to be one of these bulls, than the oxen we massacre on a daily basis and who spend their short lives being fattened in confining corrals. Along similar lines, I am certain that fighting cocks (another activity considered barbaric by many) have much better lives than the helpless chickens of our poultry plants. That reality, however, is not called torture, but modern civilization; humane because it is kept behind closed walls. Unlike their brethren in our food factories, fighting bulls have dignified lives, healthy food and pastures to roam until their very last moment, when they face their death in public. An interesting documentary would compare the lives of these two bovines. Then the debate could begin.

by Luis A. Marentes from Concord, MA
September 13, 2009, 10:53 PM

A recent spectator

I happened to be part of a group that was taken to bullfight in Madrid this summer. I hadn't any desire to go, for some reason without curiosity for this aspect of Spanish culture, especially since my Spanish friends have no interest in bullfighting either and the idea of animals being killed for sport is unsavory. Having seen the bullfight, I can tell you I found it rather gross and pathetic. The idea that Man has to go to such lengths to exhibit his power over nature seems cowardly to me, especially when the poor animal goes through various debilitating abuses until the torero comes out. There's no bravery in the sport; at best, foolishness – it's clear that the bull is in such a state of pain and confusion that when a torero gets injured it's simply by being that close to a large, dying animal. The bullfight I saw was of "junior" bullfighters, not yet considered toreros – one did such a poor job of killing the bull that someone else had to come out and stab the animal multiple times. En fin, ¡qué vergüenza!

by Ale
September 16, 2009, 5:07 PM

Passionate!!

I thought it was amazing!! So much life! I think a better deal for the bull than the slaughter house...the bull gets to be a bull. The engagement between man and beast was facinating. The nude bullfight in the moonlight was the most impressive ritual of passage that I've ever seen! I am now a fan!

by Kate from Boston, MA
September 16, 2009, 9:33 PM

Pro Woman Pro Bullfighting on PBS?

I was pleasantly surprized that POV would actual air this program on female Matadors. Was someone fired at PBS for letting this get by the PC police?

I have seen 3 bull fights in Spain and I was delighted by this combination of ballet, courage, and drama to an all too often ignored function of life, the slaughter of meat for feeding humans.

I only know of three sports were a woman is actually equal to males at all levels, marksmanshp, professional billards and bullfighting. Each is a single person game where the individual places her all on the field of combat.

Stylized animal slaughter is far from animal cruelty. The well cared for bull is slaughter in public with pomp and risk. The individual matador of either gender is placing her/his skills against that of a large dangerious animal. All matadors can be gored or even killed.

The bull is fully used for feeding the poor.

I also found telling the comment that females have being fighting bulls since the 1880's and meet restrictions by dictatorships. Many comments were against this program are not those who are opposed to this equality opportunity for all acting more like dictators than those that enjoy this stylized ritual slaughter.

I trust that all those who disagree with bullfighting or hunting are vegans.

by Karen Livy from St Paul, MN
September 23, 2009, 12:09 PM

WOMEN IN BULLFIGHTING IS NOT FEMINISM!!!

This comment is regarding your documentary on Cristina Sanchez in Ella Es el Matador (She Is the Matador). I am thoroughly disgusted with the torture of bullfighting. What keeps this practice alive is American tourist dollars, and I believe it is the worst form of animal cruelty. After watching your documentary, I could not sleep at night. I know that you are trying to explore gender bias, but bullfighting is opposed by animal lovers around the world and people are trying hard to outlaw it. Your documentary, even though unintentionally, makes it seem as if bullfighting is acceptable in today`s society. The torture over a duration of 20 minutes, drugging, and cutting off the animal`s ears and tail while it is still alive by a bunch of cowards is horrific to any civilized person. I would never want to see this documentary air again nor would I recommend it to anyone for bullfighting is barbaric. Sanchez is not a product of women`s liberation; women`s liberation should advance society in a moral direction.

by Joanne from Worcester, MA
October 2, 2009, 4:07 PM

First at all I would like to say couple words about filmmakers Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco. Both of them are wonderful and they deserving big applauds and many thanks from the viewers like us.

The main reason why they made this great documentary (I guess) is inside of their spiritual world. Both being females, of course having hidden rebellion part of their consciousness that women sometimes are still on the second row of world theatrical stage and etc. With this documentary and I believe I'm very much correct, they released huge lava of their rebellion volcano on the surface and it was done professionally very talented way.

I read many comments here and all I would like to say is that I’m not going to judge anyone around this documentary. This documentary wasn’t made because women in bullfighting ever were or are victory of feminism.

We see here two beautiful females Eva Florencia/Bianchini and Mari Paz Vega and their spiritual worlds. I believe that behind camera they very often even cried about bulls they just killed. It is obvious that they love animals and they love life. Only sometimes they play dangerous games inside the arena. Eva Florencia and Mari Paz having greatest personalities. Eva is a great artist and she is in a process where she is trying to find different path in her personal life.

Animal cruelty, torture or killing has nothing to do with this documentary Ella Es el Matador (She Is the Matador).

Bullfighting is shrinking around the world and hopefully one day it will disappear and Eva and Mari Paz will join PETA and defend animal rights around the world:)(I’m serious).
Like some Brits who were killing hundreds of lions in the Africa but one day they started defending lions and they stopped killing them.

Eva and Mari Paz you are great!

by Erekle from San Francisco, California
October 7, 2009, 6:33 PM