China Daily Oct 25, 2004: Bullfight in Shanghai a mistake

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Bullfight in Shanghai a mistake

Fei Li Updated: 2004-10-25 08:55

 

For some, the past weekend was another milestone on Shanghai's route

to becoming a truly international metropolitan city.

 

A much-publicized series of bull fights was held over the weekend in

the city, China's economic hub.

 

The stadium-turned-bullring cost 5 million yuan (US$605,000) to

transform, and both matador and bulls were brought from Spain and

Mexico to Shanghai for a bullfight with a truly Spanish flavour, the

organizers claimed.

 

Clearly it was a commercial event, but what some people relish most

is the status the bullfight has brought to Shanghai - the first

bullfight to have been held in Asia.

 

To them, it underlines Shanghai's bid to become a world-class

metropolitan city.

 

The ecstasy over the first Formula One Grand Prix, which was held

last month and cost the city billions, is still apparent.

 

The city's preparations are already under way for the upcoming 2010 World Expo.

 

While it is understandable that Shanghai's ambition to go

international, an ambition shared by many other Chinese cities, means

some large cultural and sporting events are necessary to promote the

city, it should be remembered that all actions be done in a manner

that keeps an eye on conditions on the ground.

 

Cities blindly promoting their image just for the sake of attracting

the limelight go against their original intentions.

 

Literally a dance with death, bullfighting has been characterized by

its cruelty and violence, and is now something the civilized world

shuns.

 

Even in its birthplace, Spain, bullfighting, originally a sport

reserved for the aristocracy, has never been free of controversy.

 

Felipe V, king of Spain from 1700 to 1746, banned nobles from taking

part in the sport during his reign, fearing its adverse influence on

public education.

 

From then on, commoners took it up.

 

Barcelona, Spain's second largest city, has taken the lead by banning

bullfighting from April 6 this year.

 

Yet while it is being questioned or banned in its home country, the

centuries-old sport may not have expected to find a welcome thousands

of miles away.

 

Bringing in a cruel entertainment that has been widely condemned by

civilized society to promote the city's image is more likely to end

up bringing shame.

 

Even if it is used to spur on the local culture or sports market, as

some have said, such arguments do not hold much water either.

 

With tickets costing between 180 yuan (US$22) and 2,800 yuan

(US$301), the " virtual feast " is a little bit out of reach for

ordinary people, meaning only the relatively affluent can afford to

watch the bloody performance anyway.

 

While animal protection and anti-violence is becoming more

fashionable in society, Shanghai's " bravery " in staging this kind of

bloodsport betrays itself as one of China's most modern cities.

 

Rather than a milestone in its bid to become a much-coveted

international metropolis status - indeed, the bullfighting episode is

more like a slap in the face.

 

 

(China Daily)

 

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