Circuses

Bread and Circuses, a very effective form of authority throughout Roman history, were key contributing factors to the end of the Roman republic because they pacified the plebs to a point where they stopped thinking for themselves and allowed the government and politicians to become their lifeline for food, entertainment and the political direction of Rome. The Roman Bread and Circuses, wildly extravagant and free events, gathered masses of people to enjoy the violent and bloody spectacle of men fighting men and men fighting beasts. Juvenal, a famous Roman satirist, first mentioned the term "Panem et Circensus", which translated means "bread and circuses" (Devillier Donegan Enterprises, 2006) (unknown author, 1990). These events began in 122…

The term “Bread and Circuses” is used to describe a superficial meaning of appeasement. In the Roman Empire they used food to fill the people and entertainment, such as chariot races and gladiators, to distract them, so that emperors could rule as they pleased. Plebians, the average working class, had little power. However, there were far more people in this class than in the upper class. When there was unrest the rulers would become worried the plebians might rebel. Emperor Augustus was aware…

Should animals perform in circuses? Would you ever feel happy if your freedom all of the sudden is snatched away by an unknown entity and is forced to forever do their bidding? Would you ever feel at ease if suddenly you were taken away from your family knowing that you could never see them again until the end of time? And just imagine, how would it feel like to be embarrassed in front of hundreds if not thousands of people doing tricks that could bring harm to your body? Certainly never we…

Throughout history, sports have faced many challenges on the intentions that they serve. Some people may define themselves as a person who is apathetic to sports and do not understand the purpose of them. People challenge the idea of how sports are safe and why athletes are admired as much as they are; however, there are many ideas on how they protect their players and engage the audience into what is going on. Although David Ewalt states that football is similar to “blood sports,” his statement…

‘Panem et circenses’. ‘Bread and circuses’. This ancient Latin phrase helps one to understand the mindset of the characters in Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. The Roman emperors were in great control because they provided the two main things their subjects desired most- food and entertainment. The government-subsidized events held at the Colosseum were fully welcoming and open to those of all social classes. Like sheep, the common masses of Rome knew that they were being given something in…

The article “After SeaWorld, a ‘Blackfish effect’ on circuses and zoos?” by Kelly Wallace has gotten a lot of people feeling mixed emotions. In this article it says, “the public has completely changed its opinion on exploiting and killing animals for entertainment.” In SeaWorld animals are being killed and parents are not ok with this. This is no longer fun and educational for their kids. SeaWorld has banned the use of the bullhook which is a tool that helps handle and train the elephants. This…

Rebecca Engle Professor Smith English 102 14 September 2017 Animals in Circuses: The Fight to Put them Back Where They Belong The use of animals as entertainment for people is not a modern idea. Records of animals used in entertainment date as far back as 2,000 B.C.E., when lions and similar animals were kept in cages. The Romans were known for chariot races often ending in the death of the horses, and coliseum fights between people and large animals such as lions (Dragotta), all of which people…

Although circuses have used animals for many years doesn’t mean the animals are treated like they should be. Initially, circuses are saying animals are doing their natural habits but standing on their heads is not anything close to their natural behavior. Additionally, elephants in the circus have also been known to run loose and carry tuberculosis. At the same time, animals in circus undergo horrible lives from the circus caretakers. However, it…

Circuses are often entertaining to people but behind the scenes the animals are abused. It bypasses many people because they are overwhelmed with the fun of the circus animals. But there is a deeper story to what goes on in the circus. Many of the animals in the circus are abused and live in horrible conditions which is not only unsafe to the animals, but can also be unsafe to the public. Because of these horrible acts done to the animals, countless circuses should be declared animal free.…

This article proves how animals suffer in circuses. The have to go under deplorable conditions. It also explain how they can get back to a normal life. It is a long process, because they have to heal first, and then learn how to be “animals”. Merritt, Marianne R. "Circus Animals Are Abused." The Rights of Animals. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "Tatters in the Big Top." Animals' Agenda 20 (2000): 38-40. Opposing Viewpoints in…