The one continuing factor through different show renditions and cast members was the presence of their beloved dog “Petey,” a black and white “Pitbull type dog” with a distinctive black bulls eye ring around one eye. Petey never seemed to age and the kids no matter where their families emanated from across the globe, had the loyal, protective and loving “Petey,” as part of their little troupe or gang, throughout the shows history. These iconic long lasting black and white television hits were entitled “Spanky and Our Gang” and “The Little Rascals.” If you’re old enough you might remember them with fond memories. I must admit that I still do!! Of course, the show’s kids always got into some sort of soft but sweet mischief .. a TV formula viewers adored and the theme was enjoyed with accolades for years. These shows were some of the most popular and long running TV series of their time and featured the “Pitbull,” as a show constant and dedicated and loyal mascot of the kids. Petey, was adored by the nation and no doubt many families got Pitbulls reminiscent of “Petey” for their children and households as well. When you also look back through the decades, you can also note that in England especially, the Iconic Pitbull was considered the “care giver” and “protector of children.” It was the nanny, the nurse. The Pitbull was the guardian of it's family. And the Pitbull would readily put its own life on the line without thought to protect its human family. Of course, this history was long ago when TV and TV shows were all in black and white and times were simpler. The Internet was nowhere in sight back then and local relationships and community spirit among people was strong. People were connected not separated by society. So, What happened? When you think of the word “Pitbull” today, one conjures up a fearless but rather feared animal with a terrible reputation of a fighter, destroyer and as a dog not to be trusted. This is a sad state of affairs and based on these thoughts countless numbers of sweet innocent and loving dogs have been euthanized, not because they present a threat to society, but because they have been "stereotyped" and labeled with prejudice to wear a "one size all" look of a breed that cannot be trusted. What a different reputation from yesteryear! Thus, Pitbulls in shelters suffer a terrible fate no matter their demeanor. They are often the first to be put down and the last to be adopted, through no fault of their own. Sound familiar? In America — and across the world people have suffered the same unfair judgement bestowed to Pitbulls. We have had a
constant fight for equality through the ages and through the countries of the world. Equality on behalf of people. Equality of one’s sex, sexual preferences, religion, nationality or race has unfortunately been a continual problem for people. We often judge a person by a characteristic we associate with a "negative past experience," or negative past person or a negative reputation that may or may not be true. It’s really unfair! But we have "All" been guilty at one time or another, of throwing people into the same proverbial box with others that might have had similar physical attributes but ultimately very different mindsets or behavior. The good news is that we as people and as a society in general are for the most part consciously trying to break free from this destructive pattern and trying to see each person as their unique selves. And this is the path we must travel with animals like "Pitbulls" as well.
Let’s get past the general stereotypes, and look at each living creature as similar but not the same. Know the difference of what is strictly a function of attitude and behavior, and not judge others, whether people or dogs, based on attributes that are not “universal” to the species.
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