The animal abuser

In recent days it has become fashionable to criticize Sant Jordi, which, on the other hand, is criticizable like any other day of the year. The thing is that, traditionally, it is one of the most anticipated days for Catalans, who curiously and in general, are in a good mood and go out into the streets to mingle among roses and books, a combination that seems to me much more fitting than pineapple on pizza. But we cannot interfere with each person's palate, even though there are few things as disgusting to eat at the same time as pineapple and pizza. But we cannot interfere. The fact is that, with the number of things that don't work, wanting to criticize Sant Jordi's day is a desire to be seen, a fact that, on the other hand, I understand perfectly, because in some way one has to stand out among so many people who occupy space, among so many writers, among so many criticizing Sant Jordi's day is a desire to be seen, a fact that, on the other hand, I understand perfectly, because in some way one has to stand out among so many people who occupy space, among so many writers, among so many youtubers, influencers or podcasters. And listen, let everyone say what they think because everyone also opines what they feel like. Now we will not open the debate about the excess of both. And neither Sant Jordi's day, nor the world of books, much less the saints, are perfect, but I can think of a long list of things that need to be eliminated before this celebration. By the way, I remember that it is a working day, and that no one is obliged to celebrate it. Neither as a citizen, nor as a writer, nor as a florist. 

That Eduardo Mendoza says that “Saint George was an animal abuser and probably couldn’t read” and campaigns to remove him from the book festival, I find it amusing. That Javier Mariscal then joins in with a "now that soon the poor Pujol will leave us, we can get rid of Saint George" makes me even more so. As jokes, I buy them. As arguments, perhaps they should be worked on a little more to be solid. But let’s admit that seeing Saint George as an animal abuser and talking about his possible illiteracy is a new contribution from a knight whom we have never seen represented attending a book club. And that if you see the dragon as an animal, it’s possible you also see unicorns trotting down the street. I understand that neither of them has thought of talking about the inherent sexism of Saint George saving the princess, or the monarchical whiff of the legend. Honestly, I don't expect two gentlemen to come out and say that the princess could have defended herself or that they are against Saint George because they are against the monarchy. But when criticizing, let’s not miss any interpretations, because until the king’s daughter appears, the dragon devours everything and everyone in its path. The beast doesn’t eat out of necessity, it eats out of gluttony, and that is a sin. Mortal. 

I will not be the one to defend traditions as a concept, nor will I be the one to defend these gentlemen or their proposals. And when I say gentlemen, I also mean Jordi Pujol and Saint George, the knight. But even with your nose plugged, you can smell an anti-Catalan whiff, because when it suits us, we are poor provincials celebrating things, and the day of the book is universal, and we are all citizens of the world and blah, blah, blah. But I insist, let everyone feel comfortable killing the dragon, the princess, or the shop windows of bookstores and the signatures of those who write. You can also be against roses because they prick. And perhaps it shouldn't be a romantic flower considering the danger it carries on its stem. Although love is not just a velvet petal. Nor is Saint George the best day of the year. But almost.