Raging Bull

[Tom Wetmore]

Is it the fault of the bull that charges into crowd and gores the first one in his way? Or is it the fault of the one that provoked him by poking him repeatedly in the backside with his sharp little barbs?

[Outta Here]

I've never seen a bull do anything that wasn't expected for a bull.

[Tom Wetmore]

I've never seen a bull do anything that wasn't expected for a bull.

Actually bulls might surprise you. As a boy on the farm, we had a huge bull that was as gentle as a kitten.

And the old sayings (reflecting the expected bull behavior) "bull in a china shop" and "like a red rag to a bull" are simply untrue. Mythbusters busted both of those. Bulls are actually quite agile and sure-footed around delicate obstacles and do not even see the color red.

But bulls can be easily provoked if you know the little things that get their attention by deceptively and skillfully getting them to think they need to defend themselves. And those of a truly perverse nature think it refined and genteel sport to so tease bulls into a rage and then gain great accolades for killing the bull that they so successfully provoked into a raging beast.

[Outta Here]

AUBREY

I think TOM was trying to get people to think

about what cause the problem

dgrimm60

Yes, I know. I was simply adding my two bits to the question--something more to think on, yes?

[Outta Here]

Originally Posted By: Aubrey

I've never seen a bull do anything that wasn't expected for a bull.

Actually bulls might surprise you. As a boy on the farm, we had a huge bull that was as gentle as a kitten.

And the old sayings (reflecting the expected bull behavior) "bull in a china shop" and "like a red rag to a bull" are simply untrue. Mythbusters busted both of those. Bulls are actually quite agile and sure-footed around delicate obstacles and do not even see the color red.

But bulls can be easily provoked if you know the little things that get their attention by deceptively and skillfully getting them to think they need to defend themselves. And those of a truly perverse nature think it refined and genteel sport to so tease bulls into a rage and then gain great accolades for killing the bull that they so successfully provoked into a raging beast.

The only bull I've been close to in a natural setting acted just as you've described. And yet, I've still never seen a bull do anything that wasn't expected for a bull. When provoked, a bull will defend itself. When left alone, it will likely be "as gentle as a kitten."

Here's another few questions: Is it the fault of the man that figuratively charges into crowd and gores the first one in his way? Or is it the fault of the one that provoked him by figuratively poking him repeatedly in the backside with his sharp little barbs? Have you ever seen a man do something unexpected for a man?

[Bravus]

A man (or woman) however, has the advantages over a bull of reason and self-awareness and the ability to *choose* how to react.

[Neil D]

Hmmmmmmm......Not to say that you have any buttons, but if I was to argue a position with you, and know what psychological/emotional buttons to push...would you not act as your bull the proverbial china shop?

[Bravus]

I'd like to hope not. There are things that make me angry, but I try to react in a way that is productive rather than destructive. Don't always manage it, but perhaps more often than a bull.

[Outta Here]

A man (or woman) however, has the advantages over a bull of reason and self-awareness and the ability to *choose* how to react.

And...isn't that exactly how you would expect a man to act? Using reason and self-awareness to evaluate the situation and act appropriately for a man.

[Neil D]