pitbulls-pitpaws-justice-blog

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Assumptions~

Is the pit bull breed different from any others? One of the most controversial questions most people ponder when it comes to the specificity of this breed. Randall Lockwood and Kate Rindy, educators of the Humane society of America, asked themselves this question as well and decided to try and find an answer. During their research, they found that breed-specific regulations commonly only affected ‘ pit bulls’, even though other organizations and clubs found that other breeds are more ‘dangerous’, which leads to the assumption that this restriction would soon span out to more than just this breed. Analysis of ‘pit bull’ bites on specific dogs has to do with certain factors that Lockwood & Rindy found throughout their research. The factors revolve around overreporting of dog bites, difficulty identifying specific breeds, underreporting population of specific breeds, and owner irresponsibility. In addition to these findings, they also found that most reports on ‘pit bull attacks’ often have images of other breeds that are short and stocky with a large head, which the media associates with pit bulls. This brings the increase of attacks and biting reports for pit bulls higher than what it actually is. As there work continued they found more patterns like this, and found that most of the time it wasn’t the American Pit Bull Terriers, but dogs of other breeds that look rather similar.

Lockwood & Rindy bring to the table, evidence that helps support the innocence of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, and just how much they are blamed for attacks that other breed committed. This controversy of the breed is so out of whack that most departments don’t even bother trying to figure out the breed, and just assume, which most of the time, leads to the conviction of an innocent pit bull. The information they provide and the evidence they gather leads to this overall conclusion that the controversy of pit bulls is something that society has created and isn’t exactly accurate. This brings to light the wonder of why, if this isn’t accurate, pit bulls are still seen as dangerous and still banned?

After reading this article, it made me realize just how much power and influence the media has over the opinions of the people. Something can be blasted across the media, and even if people believed the opposite, their opinion could change with the clip of a video, or a strong statement of the person speaking. If more organizations and men of the law actually took the time to examine the breed and figure out exactly what breed of dog it is. This idea would really help create this clarification over the different breeds and possibly clear the pit bull name. Then again, will this ever really be the case? Even though there is plenty of evidence to show their innocence, people still turn a blind eye and believe the media over the truth. It makes you wonder if belief of false factors can stick forever, even if evidence slaps them in the face.

Lockwood, Randall and Rindy, Kate. "The Pit Bull Terrier Controversy." Anthrozoos, Vol I, 2015, pp. 2.

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Stereotyping~

There are so many different things in this world that are stereotyped and judged. For example, our clothes, age, gender, rank, and even race, are judged daily. However, sometimes, stereotyped misjudgements become so well known, that it sticks regardless of truth.  A once perceived image of something can become nothing but a categorized stereotypical fallacy. An example of this would be the American Pit Bull breed. Once considered a very trusted loyal companion, they now are seen as aggressive, fighting dogs that aren’t trustworthy. Arin Greenwood, a writer for HuffPost Green, a news channel revolving around the environment and animals, wrote 10 Stereotypes About Pit Bulls That Are Just. Dead. Wrong. in hopes of raising pit bull awareness and getting rid of the negative stereotype. Tom Junod, an american journalist, wrote in his recent Esquire cover story about pit bulls is quoted here stating, “We kill anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 pit bulls a day. They are rising simultaneously in popularity and disposability, becoming something truly American, a popular dog forever poised on the brink of extermination.”  With this in mind, Greenwood brings up the point that some states even ban pit bulls from being pets, or living within homes which leads to them being euthanized, for just their existence. Greenwood, goes through the variety of different stereotypes like ”lockjaw”, “inheritably evil”, “bred to kill”, and many others and points out different facts that  help destroy each stereotype, shining a brighter light onto their bleak and dismal picture.

The evidence presented within the aforementioned text really helps people who are struggling to accept pit bulls, or those who see pit bulls as ‘inherently bad’, see with a clearer mind. Each and every stereotype that people could ever subject this breed to, is able to be proven wrong with the different textual evidence presented. Rather than create more of a negative visual of the breed, Greenwood helps people see that even stereotypes can be nothing but false myths.

The stereotypes presented in this text are the typical categories that people have a tendency to label “bad” when in fact, they are misunderstood and suffer because of it. Hard to believe that just a few misinformed scared people can cause what has almost become the extinction of a beautiful breed.

Greenwood, Arin. (July 28th, 2014). 10 Stereotypes About Pit Bulls That Are Just. Dead. Wrong. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/arin-greenwood/pit-bull-myths_b_5623555.html 

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Pit Bulls Length of Stay Affected by Labeling~

Going to an animal shelter can be quite the adventure, especially when looking for a potential partner in crime, but, have you ever looked at the different breeds and thought “Just how long have you been waiting for a home?” Three researchers from Arizona State University did. They conducted a structured three part investigation into different breeds, and their ‘lookalikes’ that were left within the shelter based upon phenotypes, the use of labeling, or perceived behavior.

Lisa Gunter, Rebecca Barber, and Clive D.L. Wynee, are the three researchers from Mary Fulton Teachers College and Department of Psychology, who decided to conduct extensive research to find out why certain breeds of dogs stayed longer in shelters than others.

The first section of their research revolved around the perceived ‘attractiveness’ of three dog breeds (Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull Terrier, and Border Collie), as well as the effects of a handler’s appearance on their perspective of pit bulls. They theorized that the pit bull breed would have a much lower desirability and adoptability rate compared to the other two dog breeds.. They also theorized that the appearance of a male child or an elderly woman alongside the pit bull would improve the public’s perception of the breed. However, a tough looking older male would cause a negative impact for the breed. By the end of the testing, and original final results were analyzed, they found that the pit bull was seen as a less approachable, less intelligent breed, and had a very slim chance of being adopted. Comparatively,  the other two, despite being rated higher for aggression and difficulty to train, were also found to have had a positive impact with an elderly woman or child next to them, and a small negative effect with a tough looking older adult male.

The next study was based around the labeling of the different breeds and how potential adopters viewed them attractive or not, and to see if this affected the length of stay for the different breeds. The theory was that the pit bull dogs would have a longer length if they were labeled as a pit bull, while those who looked phenotypically similar (lookalikes) but were labeled a different breed, would have a shorter stay. The end results were quite shocking. They found that the pit bulls labeled as pit bulls stayed three times longer, than their ‘lookalikes’. They concluded that the shelters labeling of the breeds,  influenced the result of how long the dog remained without a home.

The final part of their research seemed to be the most interesting out of the entirety of all their research put together. They decided that the second study needed to be pushed more. So the last part of their study was designed to further test the impact on labeling between pit bulls and their ‘lookalikes’. This time however, they would be using short videos of the dogs being presented along with a manipulated breed label in order to further expand upon the true impact on potential adopters views. They predicted that the pit bulls and ‘lookalikes’ viewed without a label would be rated as equal, and those with the pit bull label would decrease ratings while the ‘lookalikes’ rating would be significantly higher. The conclusive results exhibited exactly that.

Gunter, Barber, and D.L. Wynee created a factual experiment showing just how vital labeling and perception has to do with how the life of a dog, especially with breeds having a bad reputation, can be manipulated. Their main goal was to find a reason as to why certain breeds end up living all their lives in shelters, compared to the others. The results were quite eye opening, to say the least. The fact that a simple label can dictate the decision of whether or not a dog got a home or was euthanized, is to say the least, unbelievable and staggering.

Research like this goes on to show that people still haven't changed their minds on how they perceive the pit bulls. They may claim to want to end the fighting and the stereotypes, but if they were put to a test, like the people who were picked out for this experiment, would they really want to adopt a pit bull based upon the label, or would they go to there ‘lookalikes’ and pick them instead?  An article with this amount of evidence is quite valuable, and gives us an insight on just how much influence these shelters have in  what happens to these that live inside.  

Gunter LM, Barber RT, Wynne CDL (2016) What’s in a Name? Effect of Breed Perceptions & Labeling on Attractiveness, Adoptions & Length of Stay for Pit-Bull-Type Dogs. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=d73c5db8-7274-430e-a694-476097b6ee2c%40sessionmgr120

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Pit Bulls and Parolees “Lifts”

A sense of uneasiness sweeps over as we enter the clip from this episode of Pit Bulls and Parolees. Pit Bulls and Parolees is a show about a pit bull rescue called Villalobos ran by Tia Torres and her family, along with a few select Parolees, who Tia has given a second chance to change their lives around. As the eerie music plays, Tia begins to explain that her and her team have been asked to come to an animal control shelter called St. Martin Parish, in order to take some of the pit bulls the shelter just rescued from one of the worst dog fighting rings ever reported in that area.  Collecting a total of forty-seven dogs, the shelter and police disclose their belief that one of the most dangerous suspects of the fighting ring is still at large. They urgently request, that for the safety of the dogs, Tia take them back to Villalobos where they can be safely taken care of by her and her organization.

The camera transitions to a woman approaching Tia.  We find out this woman’s name  is Michelle, and she is the women who contacted Tia regarding the dog’s situation. We then see Michelle in an exclusive camera frame stating, “I called Tia maybe because, it’ll help relieve some of the pressure of having the dogs here…”   (Pit Bulls and Parolees, Season 6, 2014)  After Tia and Michelle exchange a brief conversation, Michelle takes Tia and her crew back to an outside area  where we see a line of chain linked pens, holding different pit bulls.  Michelle begins to retell what she experienced when first arriving on scene to collect the dogs.  “We showed up on scene and it was like walking into hell.”  (Pit Bulls and Parolees, Season 6, 2014)  She begins describing the horrific conditions these poor abused animals were in.  Even how some were kept in small chicken coops. She then further describes how every single dog was so severely emaciated from the scars of  their miscellaneous broken bones, open wounds, and many other indescribable things they were exposed to. The combination resulting in their inability to walk out, they had to be carried.

[Transitioning to Tia giving attention to a very eager, skinny pit bull, she begins to recount what she sees and makes a very interesting statement.]

‘They’ve gone through the most horrific treatment any animal could ever go through, and yet they're all happily wagging their tails…. You think ‘Wow,  you should hate me right now,  you should be attacking me… these dogs here are true pit bulls.” (Pit Bulls and Parolees, Season 6, 2014)  As she strongly, makes this statement, it leaves a sense of wonder and amazement for the audience to reflect upon.  Tia then has to make the hard decision of what dogs she can and cannot take due to their increased population. Villalobos already has an overwhelming number of recovered survivors of  hurricane Katrina.

After watching this clip a few times, it really makes a person think on what exactly causes a dog to want to attack someone. You see this group of dogs jumping happily, wagging their tails, and just wanting to play, but yet, they came from one of the worst dog fighting busts ever recorded in Martin Parish, Louisiana.   Tia and her team do everything they can to help people see the truth in just how different the pit bull breed is compared to the stereotype and stigma that many people hold against them.

"Lifts" Pit Bulls and Paroles, written by Lauren Stone Jackson, directed by J. McMahon and Lance Jeffery, Animal Planet, 2014.  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu2RYCTDKbQ 

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Perception of American Pit Bull Terriers~

Perception of American Pit Bull Terriers, by Beatriz Karinme Mendoza, a Barrett Honors student, is a thesis about a study the author did in two different locations, Pet Smart and Walmart, to see the different reactions people had while being around pit bulls. She started her thesis with a hypothesis believeing that people would have a more negative reactions with the breed then a postitive one. By the end of her research, she found that there was a more positive vibe around the breed, more than what she expected. She also realized that the stereotype of “pit bulls” seems to have a more positive vibe to them then what was expected. The author believes that in order to rid them of this stigma altogether, that more research should be conducted and shared throughout the world.

The evidence that Mendoza conducted, shows just how friendly and loving pit bulls are, as well as, how much of a difference people act around pit bulls now compared to a years before. Mendoza wrote this thesis to show the audience just how much different pit bulls are compared to this ‘dangerous’, ‘angry’, stimga that the past has defined for them. This negative point of view that people of America has put upon pits, due to their dangerous bite and past, just goes to show that even those with the most horrid past can change and be ‘reborn’.  

Through her evidence, I learned that not everyone views pits in such a negative matter as what I thought they did. It really has helped me shape my idea more and lead me in a more interesting path then the way I was going towards. With this idea, that not everyone has such a bias, stereotypical view on pits, I want to change it directly towards those who are either on the edge about pits, or completely against them.

Mendoza, Beatriz Karinme. “Perception of American Pit Bull Terriers” Accessed via ASU Thesis Repository https://repository.asu.edu/attachments/184015/content/Mendoza_B_Spring_2017.pdf 

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In the Beginning~

The “History of Pit Bulls” is written by Lydia Zaidman and Meghan Wells, the founders of Love-A-Bull. Love-A-Bull is a social community that advocates for the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, to show that “they are dogs, just like any other dog, they just happened to be called pit bulls.” [Love-A-Bull] Their main purpose within the article is to inform those who know very little about where the breed came from, and how their cultural image went from American sweethearts, to America’s most dangerous and feared animals. Zaidman and Wells give an overview of the breed’s fighting history revealing that Pit Bulls started off in the UK as fighting dogs, until 1835 when the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed. As time went on they became so trusted that they were seen as nanny dogs, hunting dogs, Shepard dogs, and many more roles including man's best friend. During the two world wars, they were used as the nation's mascot, they were called “America's Sweethearts” and were used in commercials, company logos, TV shows, movies, etc.. Unfortunately, in the late 1980’s, dog fighting began to reemerge and people began to seek out pit bulls specifically. Soon these once loving dogs, were now seen as dangerously protective, and overly aggressive. Then after an article from Time Magazine that was released in 1987 depicting an image of a pit bull showing aggressive behaviors, soon the public's eye began to see nothing but fear for these once loved animals. After this, more magazines and media began to claim “Beware of dog”, “Dangerous killer” and many other titles that changed the face of pit bulls. Suddenly, pit bulls were being euthanized left and right, and a need to rid of the breed began to emerge; until twenty years later. In the early two thousands, ‘Sports Illustrated’ took a chance and posted an article with an image of a pit bull in a loving matter. This was mass media’s first step to help the pit bull breed no longer be seen as monsters, but as loving home pets like they really are. 

Love-a-Bull’s history of pit bulls may have an affect on those dog-lovers who still house some innate fear the breed to help them rethink where that fear came from. It helps educate those who are unaware of the real history of pit bulls and gives an insight on how this breed was once viewed, as well as, show how everything changed in the snap of a finger for them. I know that most people no longer see pit bulls as aggressors, but the few that do should read through the article, as well as my blog, to try to see through the lies and fears, and discover the breed's history and story. While the authors have a clear mission— to promote pit bull awareness— they also do their homework. This history is well-informed and the intentions to invite their audiences to read into the lives of pit bulls then moving forward to see them in a new way.

After reading this article, my insight on the breeds background story really took an emphasis on where to direct my audience towards while writing my blog. I can now understand why people got such negative vibes towards pit bulls and why, after so long, they still fear the breed even with the many different professional sources that it's not the breed, but the owners. Pit bulls have so much potential to integrate into human families as a loving companion, and unfortunately, so does the thought of this stigma being stuck on them with those who are uneducated, and closed minded. I believe that with the right amount of information, and evidence, we can change the mind of thousands to soon rid of the bad stigma and make these once loved dogs, seen as amazing as they are once again.

Zaidman, Lydia and Wells, Meghan (Year, Month Date Published Unknown).“The History of Pit Bulls”. Retrieved from http://love-a-bull.org/resources/the-history-of-pit-bulls/