An Argument in Everything

Being in a world surrounded by stereotypes and evil, we are put into a position of our minds being filled with loads of information, some true and some not, that can alter the way we perceive the world around us and our thoughts on different issues. When dealing with stereotypes, they can affect multiple subjects including, skin color, hair color, height, type of animal, may it be a dog or cat; kind of animal, whether it be a Poodle or a Rottweiler; and many others. The area I’m dealing with is that of a pit bull. These animals have been unfairly and unjustly stereotyped and as this picture exemplifies, there is another side to this argument.

For years, pit bulls have been known as ferocious monsters that should be feared and put down before they have the chance to bring anyone harm. Because of the vicious dog fighting rings that were breeding pits to fight to the death, tearing each other apart, leaving no life in their opponents, people started seeing these dogs as killers. Along with the illegal dog fights were the gangs and rappers who would then get pits as pets and train them to fight and walk them around as protection and for show to represent how tough they were, bringing an even worse image to the poor puppies. With such harsh images connected to these pups, people began to not give them a chance and only see pit bulls as murderers.

One problem with most of the people who hold this view, mostly because of their ignorance, is that they ignore the fact that these dogs are not born with teeth bared and a deep bark; they are born innocent and scared of the world around them. Just like all other puppies, they are new to the world and all they need is love and affection to survive (along with the whole food and water thing of course). These animals are actually known to be one of the most affectionate breeds who are said to bond to their companions closer than nearly all other breeds. Ironically, compared to what most people believe, pit bulls don’t actually make the best guard dog either, for they are extremely fond of humans. Pits are more likely to greet the intruder, hoping that they will share their love, than ward them off. Because of their muscular jaw structure, pit bulls can seem intense, but as soon as they can manage to sneak their head under a gentle hand, the intense look of their jaw turns into a sturdy smile that will rarely disappear. Pit bulls are also very gentle creatures, which has been publically noted through the use of pits as therapy dogs for the less fortunate.

As someone who was become very close with a pit bull and has had multiple friendly and adorable run-ins with other pit bulls who, I was a stranger to at the time, I can say that when given the chance and treated right these animals just want affection and someone who will play with them and love them with all of their heart. This isn’t the face of a monster that wants to rip you to shreds, it’s that of a puppy that will unpack your suit case when it sees that you’re leaving and will curl up and snuggle with you as long as you will share your embrace.