Event affirms bullying those with less power

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District recently gave a thumbs-up to “wild cow milking” at the Rowell Rodeo, an event where human males force female cows into the ring in order to chase, harass, dom- inate, stress, restrain and violate them.

As a doctor of psychology, I am concerned about the message this event sends to children. Cows produce milk for their babies, not for violent human men who wish to participate in a senseless, frivolous competition that involves grabbing the cow’s udder and squeezing out some milk.

This sexist, speciesist event affirms the message that it is OK to bully those with less power, just because you can. All mothers should be protected and respected; all beings should be treated with kindness and compassion.

— Laurie Powell, San Jose