Within the pages of this blog, I've written a lot about the changing narrative of Pit Bulls over recent years.
It seems that while the mainstream media still likes to cover a pit bull attack story, they have also been far more inclined to also show 'pit bulls' in a positive light.
This, along with the growth in popularity of pit bulls among all segments of the population has really helped solidify pit bulls back in the position of truly being "America's Dog".
In the August issue of Esquire, the trend continues in an article by Tom Junod entitled "The State of the American Dog" (my photo of the story lead above).
The article itself takes an interesting look at pit bulls as "America's Dog". It's not always positive. I don't always agree with it. But it did make me think about how in so many ways, what is happening, and has happened, with pit bulls in this country is very much a reflection of who we are as a people.
"You learn a lot about America when you own a pit bull. You learn not just who likes your dog, but you learn what KIND of person likes your dog -- and what kind of person fears him. You generalize. You profile.....You learn that the argument about pit bulls takes place along the lines of class and, to a lesser extent race. The opposition to pit bulls might not be racist; but it does, however, employ racial thinking...."
The article then goes on to talk about what the mass killing of dogs in our shelters, most of which are pit bulls, has to say about us as a country:
"America is two countries now -- the country of its narrative and the country of its numbers, with the latter sitting in judgment of the former. In the stories we tell ourselves, we are nearly always too good, too soft on criminals, to easy on terrorists, too lenient with immigrants, too kind to animals. In the stories told by our numbers, we imprison, we drone, we deport and we euthanize with an easy conscience and avenging zeal. We have become schizophrenic in this way, and pit bulls hold up the same mirror as the 2.2 million souls in our prisons and jails and more than 350,000 people we deport every year....
"We are not a pure country, or one that values purity. We are a country of adoption, a country of rescues, a country of mutts. At least that's how we like to think of ourselves. But we are also a country that likes to create idylls of its own good intentions and then penalize what doesn't fit. Pit bulls don't fit."
It's a good piece - and I would encourage you to go check out the piece in the magazine (on newsstands now and show the folks at Esquire a little love for a thoughtful piece.
It sounds as though somebody has written a piece that is well thought out. I will try to find a copy of the mag tomorrow - I hope this runs in Canada.
Posted by: Selma | July 10, 2014 at 10:52 PM
I was very impressed with this article. Yes..it can be a tough read, but it's open, it's honest and it's thorough. We love our dogs but we have to stop insisting that they are perfect and can do no wrong. They can. And in his story a 10 year old knew that better than an adult..that's saying something. I didn't agree with everything he said, but my experience is also different than his, so that can be why. I admire him for writing this though.
Posted by: Kristy | July 10, 2014 at 11:04 PM
Selma, I will scan and send it to you if you can't find it in CN or online.
Posted by: MichelleD | July 11, 2014 at 11:52 AM
Agreed Kristy. I particularly like the section where he notes that we have basically narrowed the window on what constitutes responsible pet ownership so tight that no one can live up to it (in much better language than what I just used there). And yes, the 10 year old knowing better than the adults did show a connection there that was really telling.
Posted by: Brent | July 11, 2014 at 12:00 PM
I have a dog that's likely part Pittie, but she's enough of a mix of everything else that she doesn't raise eyebrows here in (Chicago) suburbia. However, when I foster more Pittie-looking Pitties, I've gotten a few rude & ignorant comments from people. I had one woman come up to me & tell me what a negligent mother I was to allow a PIT BULL around my young children. I told her that my kids have been around scores of dogs in their lifetimes & the only one that ever tried to hurt one of my kids was a tiny little Yorkie. And, with all due respect, I'd much rather my kids were around any breed of dog than a human spewing ignorance!
Overwhelmingly, though, we have gotten a positive reception, or at least, an interested one. A few times, parents & kids have petted one of my Pittie fosters, gushed about what a sweet dog she/he is, then asked: "What kind of dog is s/he, anyway?" When I say pit bull, they respond: "Really? That's a pit bull? But, s/he's so friendly/gentle/sweet/cute!" This has started some good conversations about stereotypes, media coverage, BSL, & so on.
If anyone gets a chance to scan the article, I would love to read it. Thank you in advance, fellow dog lovers!
Posted by: Claire | July 11, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Claire,
Keep an eye out on this blog (or on the blog's facebook page). I'm sure the article will be posted on the Esquire website at some point and I will definitely link to it when it is made available. Because of copywrite infringement, I'm usually not the biggest fan of scanning and posting articles like this...
Posted by: Brent | July 11, 2014 at 12:38 PM
Esquire has previewed Junod's story by posting his print piece from 2002 about the death of his dog, "Marco Died."
Park a box of tissues next to you before you start reading.
http://www.esquire.com/features/marco-died-0702?click=feed
Posted by: Karen F | July 13, 2014 at 06:31 PM
here's the article online
http://www.esquire.com/features/american-dog-0814?src=soc_fcbks
Posted by: EmilyS | July 14, 2014 at 03:48 PM