I had never been to a rodeo before this past Saturday afternoon. My image of a rodeo is based solely upon the movies 'Bus Stop' and 'The Misfits', both of which starred Marilyn Monroe. After actually going to the 'Florida Gay Rodeo', that image has been shattered. The closest thing to Marilyn Monroe at this rodeo was a drag queen who didn't just vamp around like Marilyn, but actually participated in the events. Unfortunately for the drag queen, she ended up being carried out of the rodeo ring after losing a wrestling match with a small steer. 
Mark has wanted to go the gay rodeo for the last few years, but I always said no because all I could envision was a lot of dirt, dust, humidity, and heat. I was right about all four of those things, but I enjoyed it anyway. It was an adventure in absurdity and corniness, that none the less entertained me.
After finding seats and getting refreshments from the 'Burger Barn', we were ready to watch a rodeo. The first event was bareback bronco riding. Now I don't exactly know what Mark had expected at a rodeo, I assumed he knew what it was, since he was the one who wanted to go. As the first contestant came out of the chute, and rode the bucking bronco to the middle of the ring, I could hear gasps and small squeaks coming from Mark. When the rider was finally heaved up in the air, and landed with a thud along side the still bucking horse, Mark let out a shriek and a string of "oh my Gods". It was as if he was channeling Marilyn in ‘Bus Stop‘. I almost expected him to run down into the ring to try to help poor guy, just like in the movie.
It went on like that for the whole afternoon. Mark at first fearing that the cowboys would get their heads caved in, and reacting to each bad fall or trampling with a loud shriek. At the same time he would cry out in horror at the awful animal cruelty we were witnessing, and loudly call for an end to it.
I don't know if it is cruelty, there are pros and cons on that subject. It didn't look like the animals were mistreated. At the worst, they looked a little pissed at being tossed around, and would get up and calmly walk away. What I thought was weird, is that Mark would worry so much about the poor 'cows' as he called them, while eating a cheese burger.
Mark has wanted to go the gay rodeo for the last few years, but I always said no because all I could envision was a lot of dirt, dust, humidity, and heat. I was right about all four of those things, but I enjoyed it anyway. It was an adventure in absurdity and corniness, that none the less entertained me.
After finding seats and getting refreshments from the 'Burger Barn', we were ready to watch a rodeo. The first event was bareback bronco riding. Now I don't exactly know what Mark had expected at a rodeo, I assumed he knew what it was, since he was the one who wanted to go. As the first contestant came out of the chute, and rode the bucking bronco to the middle of the ring, I could hear gasps and small squeaks coming from Mark. When the rider was finally heaved up in the air, and landed with a thud along side the still bucking horse, Mark let out a shriek and a string of "oh my Gods". It was as if he was channeling Marilyn in ‘Bus Stop‘. I almost expected him to run down into the ring to try to help poor guy, just like in the movie.
It went on like that for the whole afternoon. Mark at first fearing that the cowboys would get their heads caved in, and reacting to each bad fall or trampling with a loud shriek. At the same time he would cry out in horror at the awful animal cruelty we were witnessing, and loudly call for an end to it.
I don't know if it is cruelty, there are pros and cons on that subject. It didn't look like the animals were mistreated. At the worst, they looked a little pissed at being tossed around, and would get up and calmly walk away. What I thought was weird, is that Mark would worry so much about the poor 'cows' as he called them, while eating a cheese burger.
Now for the other point of view....
ReplyDeleteSorry for the dose of reality. I'm just the messenger.
Go to: www.RodeoCruelty.com
They state: Forget The Myth!
Forget the myth of rodeos as all-American sport. Rodeos are cruel and deadly for animals, corrupt through and through, and the crimes of rodeo people go far beyond animals, with horrific and despicable behavior that shocks the senses of decent people. These are strong words, but we back them up with undeniable and irrefutable documentation.
This was a highly sanitized version of rodeo. I honestly saw no animals being hurt. they didn't rope the steers that they wrestled to the ground, they just grabbed them and wrestled them down. About 20 seconds of wrestling.
ReplyDeleteAlan: I'm talking about the industry in general. I think the whole idea of a Gay rodeo is to put those butch men on display and not so much the steer wrestling and calf roping.
ReplyDeleteThey should just have a big ho-down where customers could wrestle and rope the gay cowboys. Now that would be fun!
Anonymous, you forgot to say (he,he).
ReplyDeleteHow did I know that Garet would be the first one to respond? I have to agree with him 100%. I don't care if it's gay or straight, it's cruel. I wouldn't mind it the animals got to ride the mo-boy, they would probably love it. You can rope and ride all you want, in my opinion, leave the dumb animals alone (the four legged ones).
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I still like a good hamburger.
Well, I don't know what to say now. I wanted to go to the rodeo this year but had to work instead. I did go last year and had a nice time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alan, that I don't think these animals were really abused in any way except being kept in captivity. Just like any pet we have. Don't we train our pets to do tricks?
I'm glad you went and had a good time. Isn't it nice to try new things?
I don't ride on the back of my pets and dig my spurs in their sides just to make the buck a little more to make me look good or twist their heads to make them flip over. Sorry...it's cruel.
ReplyDeleteAnother nice weekend trip you guys might like to take is to Camp Mars. It's a hoot and they have themed weekends. Right Russ?
ReplyDeleteI would much rather see "Drag Races" like they have at some of the gay campgrounds. Guys run around a track dressing in womens gawdy gowns, wigs, heels, earrings, and makeup along the way. It was hilarious, fun, entertaining, and no one was forced to perform. I even joined in once (you'll see the pic's on my blog someday)and won first place and a free 3 day weekend package of camping!
ReplyDeletehe-he
ReplyDeleteAlan says, " I honestly saw no animals being hurt. they didn't rope the steers that they wrestled to the ground, they just grabbed them and wrestled them down. About 20 seconds of wrestling."
ReplyDeleteAlan: As pictured in photo #4 where the cowboy appears to be twisting the neck of a baby calf in order to bring it down: If this isn't perceived by the both of you as a cruel "sport" after watching that you've been desensitized.
As Dennis stated that he wouldn't twist the heads of his pets and flipping them over just to make some money. Some people have these type of animals as companions and would never dream of hurting them in such a way yet alone exploiting them for money and entertainment.
There is alot that goes on "behind the scenes" in the animal food, entertainment, research industry that you might not be aware of. PETA (peta.org) exposes alot of them as does the ASPCA (aspca.org) and the Humane Society of the United States (hsus.org). Goes to their websites and learn what goes on by watching the disturbing videos, pictures, and undercover reporters.
I hope everyone that reads this does the same and in the future does not support this industry. Besides there are so many more other weekend activites to enjoy.
You experienced it once, just say "never again" in the future.
You'll then join the millions who have become part of the solution and not part of the problem to this exploitive industry.
Animal do have rights. The right not to be forced to perform, do tricks, dress in frilly costumes, and especially being prodded, poked, necks twisted, roped, branded, or many other thing that our animal brothers must endure to satisfy our hunger, entertainment, and redundant repetative outdated medical research.
Gee, anonymous you seem as passionate as I. Oh by the way...FREE TIBET!
ReplyDeleteOh, My!!! This has definitely struck a nerve. Perhaps it's time to move on to the next topic. Forgive me and anyone else that may have offended the readers.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we talk about how we are all so good at buying only US made goods or something.
I'm sorry did I forget to say it was a vegan rodeo. All the animals were made out of soy bean curd.
ReplyDeleteSilly
ReplyDeleteRuss: I believe that it is not that anyone was offended by this blog article. It just sparks good healthy conversation, communication, understanding, and a dose of education. All good for friends to engage in.
ReplyDeleteGaret: Perhaps you are right. I just thought that a couple of the responses were a bit curt. As long as people can respond without getting upset and/or judgmental I am fine.
ReplyDeleteI checked out your blog. Are you sure you shouldn't call it KIttyCorner?
I think Alan needs to attend more controversial events to boost his blog comments and spark discussion. We need to send Alan & Mark to the China Olympics next. That ought to create an interesting blog article.
ReplyDeleteNot much to write about in the forest, but it's a start at learning to do a blog.
ReplyDeleteWow! 20 comments. This must be a new record!!!
ReplyDeleteHow about the Pope's visit for a controversial event? WOW, he apologized for the pedophile priests!! Guess it's all okay now so you good catholics can keep on throwing money into the collection basket...the "priest defense league account" is low.
ReplyDelete