In the Dominican Republic, it is said, that cockfighting plays an
essential part to national identity, especially among men. The
attitude of a rooster is similar to Dominicans, many say. The
Dominicans are very proud people and think of themselves as
strong and tough, which according to their understanding the
rooster shares the same attitudes. So cockfighting is seen by
Dominicans as a celebration of the country's warrior spirit.
On the other hand more than 40 % of the the Dominicans live
below the poverty line. For them cockfighting is essential for
survival as betting is common and human treatment of the animals
plays a secondary role.
My work shows the similarities of this attitude, during my visit in a
rural gallera, a cockfighting arena.
