I can't even keep track of how many times I have run across a pit bull metaphor in a book. Often it will be in a crime or mystery novel, where a particularly tough cop is referred to as a "pit bull". Other times, a character will hold on to an object with the "ferocity of a pit bull". Most recently, it was a memoir all about voluntourism - the book is otherwise fantastic, yet the author mentioned his wife clenching down on ideas "like a pit bull and never let[ting] them go." Come on! Lately, it makes me want to throw the book across the room!
That big pittie smile - so "ferocious", right?!
How are intelligent, street-smart adults still perpetuating these antiquated ideas?! Pit bulls are not the vicious creatures the media makes them out to be, and if these authors did any sort of research at all- which I'm sure they don't skimp on for other parts of the book - they would know this! Writers, take note: This breed is incredibly misunderstood. Their jaws do not, in fact, lock or clench onto things any more than other breeds' do, and they are not an inherently aggressive breed.
It baffles me that educated people still seem to believe these myths. All of these authors - whether knowingly or not - are only further perpetuating the stereotypes that the media seems to so enjoy. With one simple sentence, they could be setting us back years in our fight against Breed-Specific Legislation and breed ignorance. With just one stupid metaphor or simile, their readers are encouraged to believe that bully breeds are tough and mean, with jaws like vice grips. This is wrong!!
One of the sweetest girls I've ever known <3
If I was to use a pittie-related comparison in a piece of writing, it would be to say, "The young boy bounced around joyfully like a goofy pit bull with a ball." Or maybe, "Her friend was nearly as loyal, playful, and loving as the pit bull she had had as a child." Because every single bully breed I have ever come across has been just that: Big, goofy sweethearts with smiles almost as big as their hearts who give the sloppiest kisses you'll ever receive. I have met pitties from all sorts of backgrounds - from both abusive and happy homes - and while I have met aggressive dogs of many breeds, I have yet to meet a vicious pit bull. Wake up, authors, and please stop insulting one of my favorite breeds... my husband is getting tired of me throwing books at the wall!
The face of a "dangerous" breed? Ha! I think not.
I agree with you! Seemingly small things like those phrases can make a big impact on the way people think. I hope a lot of authors will read this and change their phrasing!
ReplyDeleteThe power of the written word!
ReplyDeleteSo true, can reinforce all sorts of stereotypes.
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xx
Agree! Mom helps out at a doggie daycare with several pit bulls, they couldn't be any more sweeter and play so well with the others. So tired of the stereotypes!
ReplyDeleteThis is one reason my next thriller (which includes a dog-viewpoint character GSD service dog) takes on the dog fight issue. Main character September Day is a dog trainer/behaviorist and trust me, there will be some debunked "myths" covered along the way. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteAgree. It's all about the owner most of the time
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
I'm SO glad you wrote this. (Your first paragraph pretty much sums up my life, btw!) I was reading a book recently that I adored. Until she wrote something like, "the single-mindedness of a pit bull." I was so angry. It's so frustrating because those small phrases here and there stick in the minds of folks who aren't dog savvy. It just confirms what they already (erroneously) believe. Thanks for writing this post.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the media only covers the horror stories and never talks about what great pets they can be when they live in a nurturing and loving home. Wishing you a wonderful weekend from Portraits by NC
ReplyDeleteHave you checked out the Majority Project? You should make a picture to share with them. Details on Blogpaws.
ReplyDeleteVery nice article on an interesting subject. The written word does, indeed, have the power to confirm certain perceptions people have. I am 100% against BSL as well, and love the beautiful American Pit Bull Terrier as much as any other dog breed.
ReplyDeleteHere's to hoping that authors will think a little wiser before making subtle statements, and to less books being thrown against your walls :-)
We are so tired of pitbulls getting a bad rap! It's not the dog but the owner!
ReplyDeleteIt is so ridiculous isn't it? I remember reading a study that showed when there's any sort of dog attack the headline will always mention "pit bull" if that was the breed, but leave it at dog when it's something else. It's everywhere. And the sad part is that it's a vicious cycle - the more people keep perpetuating the stereotype the more revered they become to certain breeders and we'll continue to see a horrible pit overpopulation program. I think the last estimates I read were about 40% of dogs in shelters are pits or pit mixes. It's just so sad. It used to be Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or Dobermans - and now Pit Bulls get to be the stereotype I guess.
ReplyDeletePit bulls are so adorable! Any dog can be dangerous if not treated right. No more so than humans. ~Rascal and Rocco
ReplyDeleteSuch a good point! Ugh, this is frustrating. I can't recall ever coming across one of these ridiculous quotes in a book, but I do hear them in movies every now and then. Usually it's something alone the lines of "We'll attack'm like a pitbull" or "We'll fight like a pitbull" to beat some competition or something. I've also had friends say things like that and I can't even remember what they were referring to. I think it was something in politics, like, "that woman will never back off. She's like a pitbull." Good grief.
ReplyDelete