The Darkside of the "Yellowstone Effect"
Celebrating Western Culture and Embracing Compassion
The revitalization of Western heritage, exemplified by the redevelopment of historic stockyards in cities like Calgary, Denver, and Fort Worth, is riding a wave of renewed interest in cowboy culture—a phenomenon dubbed the "Yellowstone effect." This trend, named after the popular TV series, has sparked a resurgence in Western-themed entertainment and development across North American states and provinces. However, beneath this cultural renaissance lies a darker reality: the continued promotion of rodeo events, which raise significant ethical concerns. While cities seek to honor their heritage through these initiatives, it's crucial to critically assess whether all aspects of this tradition align with contemporary values of compassion and respect.
The Allure and Ethical Dilemma
In Calgary, the ambitious transformation of Stampede Park into a year-round cultural and entertainment hub stands as a prime example. Part of the comprehensive Rivers District Master Plan, this project aims to create a vibrant community by blending mixed-use developments, residential towers, and cultural spaces. These initiatives not only preserve the rich cultural history of the North American West but also drive economic growth and foster community engagement. Yet, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also confront the ethical implications of including rodeo events in such celebrations.
Honoring Heritage Without Harm
As cities across North America rejuvenate their Western heritage through innovative redevelopment projects, it's worth reflecting on which aspects of tradition still align with modern values. While many aspects of cowboy culture are enriching, others—like rodeo events—raise ethical questions about their place in contemporary celebrations. It's here that we must critically examine whether such practices truly reflect the spirit of compassion and respect that we seek to uphold in today's society.
The Dark Side of Tradition: Rodeo Cruelty
Rodeos are often touted as traditional aspects of Western culture, yet they represent a form of legalized animal cruelty that has no place in modern society. The evidence is overwhelming: rodeos subject animals to unnecessary stress, fear, and physical harm for entertainment. Events such as calf roping and steer wrestling are particularly egregious examples. In calf roping, young calves are forced to run at high speeds before being violently stopped by a rope around their necks, often resulting in severe injuries or even death. Steer wrestling involves twisting a steer's neck until it falls to the ground, causing significant distress and potential injury.
Rodeo's Inglorious Origins
The origins of rodeo are not rooted in the noble aspects of Western heritage. Rodeo emerged from the boredom experienced by Mexican vaqueros and American cowboys in the 19th century. These informal gatherings, initially meant to test skills among ranch workers, evolved into commercialized events over time, with little consideration for the impact on the animals involved. Rodeos became spectacles where animals were subjected to fear, trauma, and even death for entertainment and profit, deviating from their original purpose of showcasing ranching skills.
Shifting Public Opinion: The Calgary Stampede Example
The Calgary Stampede, one of the largest rodeos globally, exemplifies this conflict. Despite its popularity and economic impact, the event has faced increasing scrutiny over its treatment of animals. Public opinion is shifting, with many advocating for a rodeo-free Stampede. A poll by the Vancouver Humane Society reveals that removing rodeo events would not significantly impact attendance and could even attract new audiences. This suggests that the public's appetite for cruelty-free entertainment is growing.
The Hidden Costs: Animal Fatalities and Transport Conditions
Moreover, the tragic history of animal fatalities at such events underscores the urgent need for change. Since 1986, over 100 animals have died at the Calgary Stampede alone due to injuries sustained during rodeo events. This is not a legacy we should be proud to perpetuate.
Transport conditions for rodeo animals further compound their suffering. Animals are often moved from one event to another in overcrowded trailers without adequate food or water. The stress and injuries sustained during transport add to their already significant suffering.
While rodeos may seem intrinsic to Western celebrations, many events have successfully shifted away from these harmful practices without losing their cultural significance.
A Vision for Cruelty-Free Western Celebrations
The celebration of Western heritage should focus on aspects that enrich our communities without causing harm. Music, art, history, and cultural displays can all honor our past while fostering a sense of belonging and connection among attendees. By excluding rodeo from these celebrations, we can create inclusive environments that respect both human and animal participants.
Several events have already successfully pivoted away from rodeo events while maintaining their cultural relevance and appeal. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, is one such example. This annual event brings together cowboy poets, musicians, and storytellers to celebrate the rich oral traditions of the American West. Another example is Western-themed horse shows such as those organized by the Extreme Cowboy Association. These events showcase skill and partnership between horses and riders rather than animal domination.
These examples demonstrate that there are numerous ways to celebrate Western culture that do not rely on rodeo or animal cruelty. Cities that embrace these alternative forms of entertainment can still honor their Western roots while aligning with contemporary values of compassion and respect for all living beings. By promoting cruelty-free alternatives, we not only preserve the best aspects of our heritage but also ensure that our celebrations evolve in ways that reflect a more humane and inclusive society.
Call to Action: Embrace Compassionate Celebrations
As we celebrate the rich tapestry of Western heritage, let us choose to honor it in ways that align with our contemporary values of compassion and respect. We have the opportunity to redefine these celebrations by embracing cruelty-free alternatives that enrich our communities without causing harm. By advocating for events that highlight music, art, history, and cultural displays, we can preserve the best aspects of our Western roots while ensuring a more humane and inclusive future.
Join the movement towards compassionate celebrations by supporting events that respect both human and animal participants. Encourage local leaders and event organizers to adopt cruelty-free practices, ensuring that our cultural festivities reflect the spirit of empathy and respect we aspire to uphold. Together, we can create a legacy that honors our past while paving the way for a kinder future.
Additional Reading
Beware the Los Angeles Rodeo Ordinance
Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks. He is available for consultations at animalpolitics8@gmail.com
I had forgotten that rodeos and stampedes exist. Besides Calgary, there are many lesser known rodeos and stampedes in western Canada.
In 1979, I was a summer engineering student at a mine in B.C., in a town called Williams Lake. They held what is called the Williams Lake Stampede. At the boarding house I was staying at, they tried to convince me to attend. "It will be fun." I resisted, knowing even then it was no fun for the non-human animals.
Thanks Ed for casting light on another form of animal cruelty.
Feels like we have a long way to go given how embedded rodeos are in our culture (and how the average person doesn’t know or realize the negative impacts on the animals) but events like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering give me some hope.