The Slaughterhouse

I thought that The Slaughterhouse was a very powerful piece, depicting the major divide within colonial Buenos Aires and the greater Latin America as a whole. The major contrast that Echeverría explores is that of "civilization" versus "barbarianism." He also criticizes the violent rule of de la Rosas through grotesque scenes of meat and murder. 
I found the most interesting concept that he explored to be about people under the pressure of survival when trying to stay "moral." He states, "...the Church holds the key to all stomachs!" and continues in saying that on the "civilized" side, it is about reducing a man to the exact moral code or structure of the Church and the government. I agree that this can make people "machine" like when they look to the law or their religion for each and every decision. 
I think that the wild bull symbolizes the "Unitarian savages," fighting back to be wild and free even when roped up. Many people fear the wild bull, and would rather it be contained and slaughtered. 
Another topic thoroughly explored is racism. The races are distinct, and the young man who is murdered is done so on unjust terms with them saying, "Cut his throat, Matasiete; he was going for his pistols. Slit his throat like you did the bull's." 
In the conversation that follows between the Federalist and the Unitarian, the Federalist compares the man to an animal because of his strength, poking fun and dehumanizing him. The man responds in saying that he'd rather be torn to pieces by a tiger than plucked apart one by one like a crow. I thought that this was a very powerful image. How slaughter is a well thought out, cruel way to kill with ropes and devices. 
When he finally dies, a Federalist says immediately, "A report must be filed. Untie him, and let's go." Showing how unsympathetic and rule-bound they have become. In the end he calls the Federalists the barbarians, the butchers, and the thieves. He then refers to the "savages" as friends of enlightenment and freedom, showing how subjective "barbarianism" is.