Generation conflict
Mexico’s capital discusses the end of the bullfight
Spanish bullfighter Jose Tomas performing in Mexico City. It could have been his last.
© Picture Alliance
Mexico City will vote on a bullfighting ban early next year. The closer to election day, the more heated the moods of the population. The debate is representative of a conflict between tradition and modernity.
A deep social rift runs through the almost nine million inhabitants: inside Mexico’s capital. While the younger generation is seen as liberal and open-minded, the older part of the population carries the burden of a glorious history. This generation conflict has been simmering for several years, but now it seems as if it has reached its climax. The trigger: the city congress of the capital will vote in a few weeks on a general ban on bullfighting.
So far, popular sport has been exempt from the ban on cruelty to animals and illegal cruel behavior towards animals. According to the new draft law, however, all public events at which “bulls, bulls and calves are mistreated, tortured or killed” would be banned. An offense could result in a fine of a good 230,000 US dollars.
In the city congress of the Mexican capital, the vast majority of the ruling Morena party appears to be in favor of the law. The ban on cruelty to animals can no longer be reconciled with bullfighting, said the MPs who initiated the draft in the Animal Welfare Committee. It is considered unlikely that your party colleagues in the city congress will have a different opinion in the vote.
Last showdown in the Plaza de Toros México
Even if a ban is getting closer and closer, 40,000 spectators could not be dissuaded from their love of sport on Sunday. All seats in the traditional bullfighting arena Plaza de Toros México were taken. Many of them wanted to see what was possibly the last bullfight in the Mexican capital with their own eyes. Several counter-demonstrators gathered in front of the stadium: inside. One of them even stormed into the interior of the Plaza de Toros México to draw attention to the suffering animals.
Bullfights have been held here since 1526. The controversial drama could end as early as next month. With the ban, the capital Spain, Ecuador and smaller Mexican provinces would follow suit. With Madrid and Seville, two of the three largest bullfighting centers have already fallen. The end of popular sport in Mexico City would now herald a final end in Central America as well.
Generation conflict is coming to a head
There is hardly any other topic of conversation in the city at the moment. Many people from the older generations still orientate themselves to a large extent on the traditional value system of the Catholic faith. They feel offended by liberal legislative changes such as the right to abortion in 2007 and the legalization of same-sex marriages in 2009. Now the beloved national sport shouldn’t have to believe in it too.
Bullfighting was first brought to Central America with the Spanish conquistadors. Over the second half of the past millennium, the sport then spread like wildfire across the nation. Today Mexico is one of the few countries where bullfighting is still allowed.
Bullfighting Association opposes a ban
While animal rights activists have long been pushing for a ban and denounce the often painfully slow dying process of animals, supporters see the draft law as a renewed affront to their way of life. They feel that they have been treated unfairly and that their rights of freedom are restricted.
The bullfighting association Tauromaquia Mexicana also criticized the planned law. In their view, the government plans to abandon a centuries-old tradition because of a small liberal minority. Economic aspects should also be considered. The industry would bring the state 800 million pesos annually. In addition, up to 80,000 jobs would be lost in the event of a ban.
The conflict has long since spread to social media. Under the hashtags “TortureNotCulture” and “ProhibitTheProhibition”, opponents and supporters have been forming up on Twitter for weeks. The tone between the camps is getting rougher and the fronts are hardening. If the politicians have not reached an agreement by the next fight, fans and demonstrators will probably face each other again in real life.
Sources:The Washington Post, Mexico News Daily