Reversible America: Cowboys, Clowns, and Bullfighters

Reversible America explores the intersection of rodeo, cattle ranching, and bullfighting, highlighting transcultural interactions and paradoxes between popular American performances, Iberian bullfighting, and Native American hunting methods, and the relationship between human and non-human beings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Rodeo, cattle ranching, and bullfighting are intertwined in the complex tapestry of race, gender, and ethics in Reversible America. In Southwestern California, these sports take on a vibrant and diverse form, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through the lens of an interdisciplinary approach, this unique exploration delves into the paradoxes and connections between popular American performances, Iberian bullfighting, and Native American hunting methods. It also examines the intricate relationship between humans and non-humans, as well as the systems of value that transcend borders. Rodeo, for instance, is a sport that originated in the American West and has since become a global phenomenon. It involves a series of events where cowboys and cowgirls compete in various rodeo events, such as bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing. While it is often associated with masculinity and toughness, rodeo has also faced criticism for its treatment of animals. Cattle ranching, on the other hand, is a centuries-old industry that involves the raising and breeding of cattle for meat, dairy, and other products. It has played a significant role in the development of the American West and has contributed to the environmental degradation of the region. Bullfighting, meanwhile, is a centuries-old tradition that originated in Spain and has since spread to other parts of the world. It involves a bullfighter engaging in a ritualized battle with a bull, with the goal of killing the animal. While bullfighting has been criticized for its cruelty, it has also been celebrated for its cultural significance and artistic value. In Reversible America, these sports converge in the arenas of race, gender, and ethics. The region's history of border crossings has played a significant role in shaping these sports and their cultural significance. For example, many Mexican immigrants have brought their traditions and customs to the region, including bullfighting and rodeo. These traditions have been adapted to fit the American context, but they have also retained their cultural roots. At the same time, the region's history of racism and discrimination has also impacted these sports. For example, Native American tribes have been marginalized and excluded from the rodeo industry, and their hunting methods have been criticized for their impact on wildlife. Despite these challenges, Reversible America has also been a site of innovation and change. For example, some rodeo organizations have begun to prioritize animal welfare and have implemented measures to reduce the harm that animals experience during rodeo events. Similarly, some cattle ranchers have begun to adopt more sustainable practices, such as organic farming and reduced grazing. In conclusion, rodeo, cattle ranching, and bullfighting are complex and multifaceted sports that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the American West. While they have faced criticism for their treatment of animals and their impact on the environment, they have also been a site of innovation and change. By exploring the paradoxes and connections between these sports and their cultural significance, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and non-humans, and the systems of value that transcend borders.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805395799