Carlos Alcaraz supports the stabbing and torturing of animals

PETA have done this big but they are fundamentally correct in describing Carlos Alcaraz’s attendance at a bullfighting event at Plaza de Toros, near Murcia, Spain as supporting the ‘stabbing and torturing of animals’.

Tennis is a sport; animal abuse is NOT. There is nothing entertaining about the stabbing and torturing of animals – and the majority of young people in Spain reject bullfighting as the blood sport it is.

PETA

Perhaps observers and commentators have to give Carlos some leeway as he is a young man at a stage in his life where he is developing his thoughts. He is also Spanish which will clearly make it far more natural for him to enjoy bullfighting which can appear to be barbaric to outsiders.

BUT he is a bigtime role model to countless millions of youngsters. He needs to set an example. Supporting animal cruelty as a form of entertainment is not setting a good example even if it is stepped in Spanish tradition. Although I admire Carlos. He is a nice man and a great tennis champion. He’s being badly advised.

A lot of these ancient forms of entertainment described as part of a country’s culture are outmoded because they were started at a time when animal welfare was hardly discussed at all if at all. They need to be dumped.

To me it is totally unacceptable and barbaric. That is entirely personal and I don’t expect everyone to think like me, a strong animal advocate. I am disappointed that Carlos enjoys watching the torture and stabbing to death of a large animal for fun. To entertain the masses. Surely humankind has progressed beyond this base desire to voyeuristically watch the bloody slaughter of a fine animal.

But Spain is a bit backward on animal welfare. They allow bestiality provided the animal is unharmed in the process!

PETA pleaded with Carlos with these words:

Please don’t support bullfighting and pledge to never attend another fight again.

PETA

History of bullfighting

Bullfighting, also known as tauromachia or tauromachy, has a long history in Spain and is deeply rooted in its culture and traditions. The practice involves a matador (bullfighter) facing off against a bull in a ceremonial and often theatrical spectacle. Here’s an overview of the history of bullfighting in Spain:

1. Ancient Roots: Bullfighting in some form has ancient origins, possibly dating back to prehistoric times. It has been associated with religious rituals and athletic competitions.
2. Roman Influence: The Romans likely influenced the development of bullfighting in the Iberian Peninsula during their occupation. They had similar practices involving bulls and other animals in arenas.
3. Medieval Period: Bullfighting evolved during the Middle Ages when knights and nobles participated in bullfights as a display of their bravery and skill. However, the form was different from the modern corrida, with the emphasis on mounted participants rather than on foot.
4. Renaissance and Modernization: In the Renaissance period, bullfighting started to take on a more structured and organized form. Bullfighting schools were established, and rules and techniques began to be codified. The style we are familiar with today, with the matador on foot, emerged during this time.
5. 17th and 18th Centuries: Bullfighting gained popularity among the Spanish nobility and royalty. It became a prominent spectacle associated with celebrations, often held on special occasions such as religious festivals.
6. 19th Century: Bullfighting continued to evolve and gained widespread popularity. It became a symbol of Spanish culture and identity, especially during a time when Spain was dealing with political and social changes. Bullrings, purpose-built arenas for bullfighting, started to be constructed.
7. 20th Century: Bullfighting faced criticism and opposition from animal rights activists and some segments of society due to concerns about animal cruelty. However, it remained deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, and bullfighters attained celebrity status. The most famous bullfighter of the 20th century was likely Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez, known as Manolete.
8. Modern Times: Bullfighting remains a controversial topic in Spain and beyond. Some regions and countries have banned or restricted bullfighting due to animal welfare concerns. However, it continues to be an integral part of Spanish culture and is practiced in many parts of the country.

While bullfighting has been an essential aspect of Spanish tradition and culture for centuries, attitudes towards it have shifted, and there is ongoing debate about its ethical implications and whether it should continue in the future.

Is bullfighting immoral?

The question of whether bullfighting is immoral is subjective and depends on individual beliefs, values, and cultural perspectives. People have varying opinions on the ethics and morality of bullfighting, and these opinions are often influenced by cultural, historical, religious, and philosophical factors. Here are different perspectives on the morality of bullfighting:

1. Animal Welfare Perspective: Advocates for animal welfare argue that bullfighting is immoral as it involves the intentional harm and killing of a bull for entertainment. They believe it constitutes animal cruelty and is unethical to subject animals to unnecessary suffering and death for human amusement.
2. Cultural Tradition Perspective: Supporters of bullfighting often view it as an integral part of their cultural heritage and tradition. They argue that it should be preserved and respected as a form of art, performance, and expression of identity. From this perspective, the morality of bullfighting is seen through the lens of cultural significance and historical practices.
3. Aesthetic or Artistic Appreciation Perspective: Some individuals appreciate bullfighting as an art form, appreciating the skill, bravery, and technique displayed by the bullfighters. They see the choreography, movements, and drama as an artistic performance, emphasizing the aesthetics rather than focusing on the harm to the bull.
4. Economic and Livelihood Perspective: In regions where bullfighting is a significant economic activity, proponents argue that it supports livelihoods and the local economy. They see it as a necessary tradition that helps sustain communities, businesses, and tourism.
5. Historical and Traditional Context Perspective: Others argue that bullfighting should be understood in its historical and traditional context, acknowledging that cultural practices evolve over time. They suggest that efforts should be made to address concerns about animal welfare while respecting the historical significance of the practice.
6. Progressive Ethical Perspective: Some argue for a reevaluation of cultural practices, asserting that societal attitudes and ethics evolve. They advocate for transitioning away from activities that cause unnecessary harm to animals and promoting more compassionate alternatives.

Public opinion on bullfighting varies widely across different regions and cultures, and societal attitudes toward it continue to evolve. Debates surrounding bullfighting often consider the well-being of animals, cultural heritage, ethical progress, and the broader question of how societies reconcile tradition with changing values and ethics.