There’s nothing patriotic about rodeo

By To the editor:

American “traditions” have long been abandoned when informed people recognize said traditions are based on the suffering of others.

The Alaska State Fair, and other Alaskan festivals, should condemn the rodeo as inherently cruel and end its practice. Cruel? That’s a strong word, right? Rodeo is cruel because it subjects an animal to chaotic, violent, and inhumane activities. Its purpose supplies little more than cheap thrills at the expense of an animal.

Rodeo promoters claim the rodeo is similar to ranching, but that is not true. No rancher would treat their animals as rodeo cowboys do today. The risk of injury was too high and they were too valuable.

Do you want to show your patriotism? Support a veteran, vote, show up for jury duty, celebrate diversity in your community, but don’t pretend that supporting animal cruelty somehow demonstrates your patriotism or connects you to your cowboy ancestors.

Rodeo has had its day. Let’s leave it behind in the ash heap of history, along with cock-fighting and greyhound racing. It’s 2021, we can find better methods for entertaining ourselves outside of sanctioned animal abuse.

Cheyenne Breshears,

Wasilla