| Show Olympic Rodeo Rounds Up Protesters Students came to vent frustrations over rodeo events By Shiloh Winder Staff Writer Of FARMINGTON-Of the many groups protesting for various causes at these 2002 Winter games most prominent and vocal have been those by PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and related related related ed groups in opposition to a Rodeo being included in the Cultural Olympiad Animal rights groups object to the having a Rodeo because according to literature provided at the protest by Utah Animal Rights Coalition is attempting to glamorize ize animal abuse and further the widespread lie that rodeo is a apart apart apart part of our cultural heritage In spite of the poignant protests the proceeded with the rodeo on February 9 10 And 11 II at the Davis County PAGE 2 J 1 Fairgrounds in Farmington Animal rights activists from allover allover all allover over Utah flocked in to voice their opposition Although there is no group at which formally participated in the demonstrations demonstrations demonstrations were still active in helping the cause Erica of West Valley City is in her first semester at and joined in the protest because she says she's seen proof of cruel things happening at Rodeos such as and electrocution electrocution electrocution elec She dismissed arguments arguments arguments ments that The Rodeo is an important part of American culture culture culture cul cul- ture saying Its hillbilly culture culture culture cul cul- ture you know I look at the license plates and coming in inhere inhere here her and its it's just Utah Idaho and Wyoming When asked about the historical perspective of the Rodeo she noted that It used to be that wives were their husbands husband's property and that didn't didn't didn't did did- nt change until 1970 We need to grow up and stop treating treat treat- treating treating ing things that cant can't speak for we do have feelings Another student Amber Mathieson of Bountiful said that she didn't feel the rodeo was right because it is a disgusting part of our culture to harm and hurt other crea crea- tures I dont don't think that should be part of peoples people's culture We should embrace the good side of our humanity instead of the evil side that hurts things She said she felt a better cultural display would be if we could instead like look at the world and grow something beautiful instead of doing something ugly and hate hate- ful The protesters estimated ed that between two and three hundred d people participated in protests d during ring the three nights combined The protesters came from PETA DARK and ShARK Show Animals Respect and Kindness The American Civil Liberties Union was also on hand to ensure the protection of protesters' protesters First Amendment rights A 0 |
