Claire Thompson
In the HBO series Eastbound & Down, the main character Kenny Powers, played by Danny McBride, relocates to Mexico in the second season. McBride explained that the character envisions himself as an outlaw in Mexico, and outlaws participate in cockfighting. McBride also mentioned that the crew fell in love with the locations in Mexico, where cockfighting is legal, and attended a few cockfights, which they found mind-blowing and crazy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cockfighting in TV show | Cockfighting was featured in the TV show Eastbound & Down |
| Legality of cockfighting in Mexico | Cockfighting is legal in Mexico, where the show is set |
| Animal cruelty in film and TV | There is a history of animal cruelty in film and TV, including the use of real animals in dangerous situations |
| Use of CGI | The use of CGI can reduce the need for real animal cruelty in film and TV |
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What You'll Learn
Cockfighting is legal in Mexico
Cockfighting, or "rinha de galos" in Brazil, is a traditional blood sport that involves putting two roosters in a ring to fight, often to the death. It is a practice that dates back to ancient times, and it is still legal in many parts of the world today, including Mexico.
In Mexico, cockfighting is a deeply ingrained aspect of the country's culture, with roots that can be traced back to pre-Columbian times. For Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs and Maya, roosters symbolized bravery, strength, and even divinity. The sport was seen as a ritualistic offering to the gods of war and fertility. With the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, cockfighting was introduced to Mexico, and it has been a popular pastime ever since.
Today, cockfighting is legal in most parts of Mexico, but there are strict regulations in place to govern the treatment of birds, the conduct of matches, and the age limit for participants. These regulations, however, are not always consistently enforced, leading to ongoing debates about the ethics of the sport. While cockfighting is still popular in rural areas and among certain segments of the population, its appeal has decreased in urban centers and among younger generations who view it as outdated or morally questionable.
The legality of cockfighting in Mexico stands in contrast to many other countries, which have banned the sport in response to animal cruelty accusations and opposition to gambling. In the United States, for example, all states have outlawed cockfighting, and countries such as Brazil and Canada have also implemented bans on the grounds of animal welfare. Despite these bans, clandestine cockfighting still takes place in many parts of the world, highlighting the enduring appeal of this controversial tradition.
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The crew witnessed cockfights in Mexico
In an interview with The Arizona State Press, Danny McBride, the creator and star of HBO's Eastbound & Down, revealed that the crew witnessed cockfights in Mexico. McBride mentioned that cockfighting is legal in Mexico and that the crew attended a few cockfights, which they found mind-blowing. This experience inspired the storyline for the show's pilot episode.
Cockfighting has been a traditional form of entertainment in Mexico for around a hundred years. Local farmers breed and train roosters specifically for cockfighting, and the fights usually take place in a circular arena called a "palenque." The combat is brutal and often continues until one of the roosters dies. While cockfighting is considered a part of Mexican cultural heritage, it has also been associated with violence and animal cruelty.
In recent years, there have been campaigns against animal cruelty, leading to the prohibition of cockfighting in several Mexican states. However, it remains legal in some states, such as Ixmiquilpan City. Cockfighting is still passed down from generation to generation and is defended by many Mexicans as a symbol of their worldview. The practice is tied to Mexican culture and is considered a source of identity and continuity.
Despite the efforts to ban cockfighting in Mexico, it continues to be a popular pastime in some parts of the country, often held clandestinely. The sport has also been linked to drug cartels and trafficking, with several mass shootings occurring at cockfights in Mexico. These incidents have underscored the violence and criminal activity associated with cockfighting and the trafficking of fighting animals.
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Cockfighting is gruesome to watch
Cockfighting is a blood sport that involves pitting two roosters against each other in a fight, often to the death. The birds are equipped with metal spurs, which are attached to their legs, and they fight in a small pit or arena. The fights can be extremely violent and result in serious injuries or death for the roosters.
In some countries, cockfighting is considered a traditional sport and is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. However, it is widely condemned by animal welfare organizations and is illegal in many parts of the world. The sport has been criticized for its inherent cruelty, with roosters suffering from severe injuries, such as deep wounds and broken bones, and being forced to fight even when injured or exhausted.
The gruesomeness of cockfighting lies in the violent and brutal nature of the fights. Roosters may suffer from extensive bleeding, pain, and fear during the fights, and the losing bird often dies from its injuries or is killed by the winning rooster. The sport has also been associated with gambling and illegal activities, further contributing to its negative reputation.
While some may argue that cockfighting is a traditional practice or a test of the roosters' strength and agility, the gruesome reality of the sport cannot be ignored. The physical and psychological suffering endured by the roosters, as well as the spectacle of violence, make cockfighting a disturbing and inhumane activity.
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Kenny Powers takes up cockfighting
In the HBO series Eastbound & Down, Kenny Powers is a struggling baseball pitcher who relocates to Mexico in search of a fresh start. The show's creator and star, Danny McBride, explained that the choice of Mexico as the character's new location was inspired by the idea of Kenny envisioning himself as an outlaw, similar to the gunslinger portrayed by Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven.
As part of his new life in Mexico, Kenny Powers takes up cockfighting. Cockfighting is legal in Mexico, and the crew's exposure to this practice influenced the storyline in the show. In an interview with TV Guide, McBride acknowledged the gruesome nature of cockfighting and confirmed that it would be incorporated into the narrative, stating, "If Kenny's down in Mexico, he's not just going to be braiding hair or friendship bracelets. He's going to be cockfighting."
The inclusion of cockfighting in the show aligns with McBride's intention to "push the envelope" and explore darker themes in the second season. In an interview with TIME, McBride shared that the narrative arc of the show revolves around Kenny Powers falling into similar situations and making tragic decisions, reflecting the character's nature as "a dude that's fallen really hard and he tries to find the answers to fix the situation and he never really listens to the proper guidance."
While Eastbound & Down received positive reviews for its broad humor and irreverent tone, it was also recognized as a show that might be too profane and obnoxious for some audiences. The show's exploration of cockfighting adds to the crude and offensive nature of Kenny Powers' character, contributing to the show's reputation for pushing boundaries.
The depiction of cockfighting in Eastbound & Down can be analyzed within the broader context of animal cruelty in Hollywood. While CGI and special effects have reduced the need for real animal torture, there is a long history of controversial scenes and practices involving animals in films.
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Cockfighting is part of the storyline
The inclusion of cockfighting in the show has sparked some controversy, with some viewers finding the scenes gruesome and disturbing. However, it is important to note that the show is fictional and meant to be humorous, and it is unlikely that real animals were harmed during the filming of these scenes.
Eastbound & Down is known for pushing the envelope and featuring profane and obnoxious content, which has garnered mixed reviews from critics and viewers. The show has been praised for its broad humor and irreverent vibe, but some have found it too crude and offensive.
The depiction of cockfighting in Eastbound & Down can be seen as a reflection of the show's willingness to explore taboo and controversial topics. It is worth noting that the show is not intended for a sensitive audience, and viewers who are opposed to animal cruelty may find these scenes disturbing.
While the inclusion of cockfighting in Eastbound & Down may be disturbing to some viewers, it is important to consider the context of the show's narrative and the creative liberties taken by the filmmakers. The show is not endorsing animal cruelty, but rather using it as a plot device to showcase Kenny Powers' character and his journey in Mexico.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the crew attended a few cockfights in Mexico, where cockfighting is legal.
No, the crew did not participate in cockfighting. They were only observing.
There is no evidence to suggest that the crew of Eastbound and Down engaged in animal cruelty.
