A Butcher Is Born - Ole!
Bullfighting is considered a sport. One that requires years of training to gain the required expertise to perform in the bullring, opposite bulls bred for their aggressiveness as suitable bullfighting adversaries challenging the skill and grace of the bullfighter. The sport is beloved of its aficionados. It represents a time-honoured tradition.The spectacle and the suspense, the intricate and beautiful outfits, the rage of the taunted bull speaks to an ancient ritual.
Bullfighting is, by its very nature, brutal and appalling. Its purpose is to pit the experienced skills of a matador who has undergone years of training and experience in the bullring against a confused animal. As adversaries it is quite an unequal challenge.
The matador preens and postures, and strikes to kill. In some countries of the world, it is true, the bull's life is spared. Pain, however, is not spared, as the picadors make certain to lance the bull, to further enrage it.
The glory of the spectacle is the object. And the audience is loud and generous in its appreciation.
A woman who owns and manages a bullring in Merida, married to a veteran French matador, is mother to two enterprising boys who aspire to become the outstanding bullfighters of their era. Their era is yet to materialize. The boys have not yet reached their teen years.
The oldest of the two boys, Michel Lagravere, is a 7th-grade student, twelve years of age. Who, at the age of four, was introduced to the sport that he already adored.
This 12-year-old boy who has garnered great admiration and acclaim and whose fearlessness in facing animals weighing many times his own inconsiderable weight, has fought in 46 bullrings in Mexico. He has performed his trade in Colombia, Peru and France. He has his sights set on performing in Spain.
His parents are inordinately proud of their son. And they are grooming his younger brother to become a matador as well.
Mexico grants the title of professional matador at age 14. Twelve-year-old Michel is a toreador, splendid in richly embroidered attire, fighting immature bulls and earning his keep through prize money. He is single-minded in his love for the bullring. He is not the least bit fazed by facing off against a bull, and he is proud of his accomplishments and recognition.
As are his parents. Who see nothing whatever amiss in encouraging a child to enter a bullring. Nor do the bullfight enthusiasts in the stands feel it the least bit inappropriate to cheer on the confrontation of child and bull.
Labels: Adventure, Social-Cultural Deviations
posted by Pieface @ Wednesday, October 06, 2010
<< Home