VIABLE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH BULLFIGHTING

COMMENTARY ARCHIVES, 6 Jun 2009

Anthony Judge

Challenge of Transcendence

Introduction

Bullfighting (or tauromachy) is considered by many to be a flagrant example of glorified indulgence in abhorrent human cruelty to animals and a highly problematic reflection on those who appreciate it. It is also considered by some to exemplify some of the highest values of humanity, notably courage, skill and elegance in the face of the immediate possibility of personal fatality. A bull is seen as the epitome of animal strength and courage, and much to be admired.

What follows is an exploration of how the challenges of global governance might be fruitfully understood through the lens of bullfighting — through two complementary metaphors.

A valuable context for any such exploration is to be found in the cultural, even archetypal, significance of the bull over millennia. Bull mythology was widespread in the ancient world where it had been the subject of various cultural and religious incarnations — now partly reflected in some neopagan cultures. Bullfighting traces its roots to prehistoric bull worship and sacrifice.

In the following metaphorical comparison, the significance of the "sacred bull" is seen as variously confused and semantically conflated through the appropriation and expression of the highest human values through "bull". The challenge is to understand how such values should be appropriately celebrated and under what conditions the "bull" should be "sacrificed". The current implications of the underlying archetypes are discussed thereafter, notably with regard to bullying, bullshit, bull-markets, financial bubbles, and to the dilemmas associated with globalization.

CONTINUE READING IN THE ORIGINAL – LAETUS IN PRAESENS

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 6 Jun 2009.

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