Sonya Merced
Dr. Ashley Whitmore
English Composition 106
12 February 2018
The Fight Against Canine Racism
When most people are asked to list the characteristics of a pitbull, some of the most
frequent responses may consist of strong, aggressive, dangerous, or vicious. However, some of the
many qualities of a pitbull that are not listed are their loyalty, friendliness, and their family
manner. The image above is the profile picture of Twitter page called Save Pitbulls, however,
the page uses many different kinds of images in order to spread their message to their audience.
This page is dedicated to shedding light on the kind and loyal nature of pitbulls, and pushes to
end Breed Specific Legislation laws and regulations effectively through the use of unique
diction, appeals to the audience’s sense of empathy and compassion, as well as their appeals to
credibility. Each of the images presented on the page, such as the examples provided, present a
sympathetic view of the dogs, showing them in different moods, viewpoints, and perspectives.
frequent responses may consist of strong, aggressive, dangerous, or vicious. However, some of the
many qualities of a pitbull that are not listed are their loyalty, friendliness, and their family
manner. The image above is the profile picture of Twitter page called Save Pitbulls, however,
the page uses many different kinds of images in order to spread their message to their audience.
This page is dedicated to shedding light on the kind and loyal nature of pitbulls, and pushes to
end Breed Specific Legislation laws and regulations effectively through the use of unique
diction, appeals to the audience’s sense of empathy and compassion, as well as their appeals to
credibility. Each of the images presented on the page, such as the examples provided, present a
sympathetic view of the dogs, showing them in different moods, viewpoints, and perspectives.
The Twitter page primarily uses sympathetic lighting and priming in order to convince
their audience, giving very little, if any statistical or historical information to make their claims. The
strategy is to play the audience’s heart. However, in order to understand the argument the page is
making, the audience needs to have some background knowledge on what the issue is. The issue on the page’s
metaphorical table is the unjust Breed Specific Legislation laws and regulations, also known as the BSL
laws. These laws set certain restrictions on owning specific dog breeds which are often centered on
pitbulls. These laws can be just regulations as to keeping a muzzle on the pitbull, however, some ban the
breed entirely and force the owners to relinquish their dogs to the authorities. States such as Colorado,
Iowa, and Kansas, have banned the entirety of pitbulls, according to dogsbite.org. Many see these laws
to be necessary and crucial to the safety of the public. However, these bans are often declared to be not
only unjust, but “canine racism.” The creators of Save Pitbulls believe that in shifting the public’s
current view of pitbulls, the BSL laws may be abolished. However, in order to fully understand an
argument, one must posses some amount of background knowledge of how the current views of pitbulls
and how the BSL laws came to be. This is something that Save_Pitbulls does not provide.
their audience, giving very little, if any statistical or historical information to make their claims. The
strategy is to play the audience’s heart. However, in order to understand the argument the page is
making, the audience needs to have some background knowledge on what the issue is. The issue on the page’s
metaphorical table is the unjust Breed Specific Legislation laws and regulations, also known as the BSL
laws. These laws set certain restrictions on owning specific dog breeds which are often centered on
pitbulls. These laws can be just regulations as to keeping a muzzle on the pitbull, however, some ban the
breed entirely and force the owners to relinquish their dogs to the authorities. States such as Colorado,
Iowa, and Kansas, have banned the entirety of pitbulls, according to dogsbite.org. Many see these laws
to be necessary and crucial to the safety of the public. However, these bans are often declared to be not
only unjust, but “canine racism.” The creators of Save Pitbulls believe that in shifting the public’s
current view of pitbulls, the BSL laws may be abolished. However, in order to fully understand an
argument, one must posses some amount of background knowledge of how the current views of pitbulls
and how the BSL laws came to be. This is something that Save_Pitbulls does not provide.
According to a blog post by Jon Bastian, the history of the pitbull is actually a very sad
one. Once bred to herd and tame bulls in England, they were the perfect work dogs, and considered
to be “very child-friendly”. According to Bastian, the pitbull was apparently an “American favorite”
and used frequently as a metaphor of good health, strength and resolve; often, athletes were compared
to them in the highest compliments and forms of praise. All this changed in the 80’s, when dogfighting,
once again, became increasingly popular. For these events, the pitbull was “the dog of choice”.
Pitbulls were quickly going from a breed of aspiration/adoration and respect to objects of fear. They
soon became the top choice of drug dealers, gang members and other criminals as guard dogs. Through
this, pitbulls became publicized as aggressive and incredibly dangerous. This reputation really took
flight when a dog of that breed was the culprit in a fatal attack of a two-and-a-half year old boy. This
pitbull was guarding a marijuana crop in California.
one. Once bred to herd and tame bulls in England, they were the perfect work dogs, and considered
to be “very child-friendly”. According to Bastian, the pitbull was apparently an “American favorite”
and used frequently as a metaphor of good health, strength and resolve; often, athletes were compared
to them in the highest compliments and forms of praise. All this changed in the 80’s, when dogfighting,
once again, became increasingly popular. For these events, the pitbull was “the dog of choice”.
Pitbulls were quickly going from a breed of aspiration/adoration and respect to objects of fear. They
soon became the top choice of drug dealers, gang members and other criminals as guard dogs. Through
this, pitbulls became publicized as aggressive and incredibly dangerous. This reputation really took
flight when a dog of that breed was the culprit in a fatal attack of a two-and-a-half year old boy. This
pitbull was guarding a marijuana crop in California.
The point of Bastian’s argument is that “it only takes a brief look at the history of pit bulls
to realize that the dogs are not the problem; the humans who misuse them are.” This message is similar
to the one the creator of Twitter page is trying to send to their audience; “Pits don't kill people it's the
people who raised them that do.” As a colleague of Cesar Millan, a famous dog trainer, the audience is
able to feel that Bastian’s word is reliable on this particular subject. Because of this, the audience sees
Bastian as a figure worthy to put their trust in, and accept his output. He further ensures this by using
historical references in the form of specific dates and articles rather than just images and other personal
accounts in order to make his argument, rather than rather than solely exploiting his audience’s
sympathetic responses toward the dogs. The way the creators of the Twitter page present this argument
and their persuasion techniques are completely different. While the blog writer, Jon Bastian, uses
appeals to the audience’s sense of logic and credibility, the majority of Save Pitbulls’ argument relies
on the audience sympathies. Which can be easily seen from the first image on their page, their profile
picture.
to realize that the dogs are not the problem; the humans who misuse them are.” This message is similar
to the one the creator of Twitter page is trying to send to their audience; “Pits don't kill people it's the
people who raised them that do.” As a colleague of Cesar Millan, a famous dog trainer, the audience is
able to feel that Bastian’s word is reliable on this particular subject. Because of this, the audience sees
Bastian as a figure worthy to put their trust in, and accept his output. He further ensures this by using
historical references in the form of specific dates and articles rather than just images and other personal
accounts in order to make his argument, rather than rather than solely exploiting his audience’s
sympathetic responses toward the dogs. The way the creators of the Twitter page present this argument
and their persuasion techniques are completely different. While the blog writer, Jon Bastian, uses
appeals to the audience’s sense of logic and credibility, the majority of Save Pitbulls’ argument relies
on the audience sympathies. Which can be easily seen from the first image on their page, their profile
picture.
In image A., the audience is shown a young pitbull pup. He is staring straight into the eyes of the
viewer, making meaningful eye contact. This visual acknowledgement to the audience makes this
message incredibly personal, for the audience sees not just an image of a dog, but is making an
emotional connection to the being in the photo. As the audience stands face-to-face with this puppy,
they realize that the dog himself is youthful, small, and still possesses his floppy ears. The perky yet
still floppy ears indicate that the dog is innocent, and this pulls at much of the audience’s sense of
compassion. Because the audience is already sympathetic toward the small dog, most likely having
the urge to pet and coddle him, their emotional attachment to puppy is made stronger.
viewer, making meaningful eye contact. This visual acknowledgement to the audience makes this
message incredibly personal, for the audience sees not just an image of a dog, but is making an
emotional connection to the being in the photo. As the audience stands face-to-face with this puppy,
they realize that the dog himself is youthful, small, and still possesses his floppy ears. The perky yet
still floppy ears indicate that the dog is innocent, and this pulls at much of the audience’s sense of
compassion. Because the audience is already sympathetic toward the small dog, most likely having
the urge to pet and coddle him, their emotional attachment to puppy is made stronger.
However, the tinting of the image counteracts the warm and loving feelings going toward the puppy,
indicating that something dire is just below the surface, foreshadowing the sad reality the message is
portraying to the audience. The audience sees an old quality to the image, as the edges are faded away
to white, as if it were a memory of better times. These memories of a better time are, however, shaded
over with the grey issues of today. This issue would be the BSL laws, and unjustified fear of the
specific breed, which the young and innocent puppy in the image belongs to. This image seems to be
asking the audience, “Do you really want to take this innocent, young puppy’s life?”
indicating that something dire is just below the surface, foreshadowing the sad reality the message is
portraying to the audience. The audience sees an old quality to the image, as the edges are faded away
to white, as if it were a memory of better times. These memories of a better time are, however, shaded
over with the grey issues of today. This issue would be the BSL laws, and unjustified fear of the
specific breed, which the young and innocent puppy in the image belongs to. This image seems to be
asking the audience, “Do you really want to take this innocent, young puppy’s life?”
The writing in the image clearly states the pages message; which is to judge one by their actions and
not their breed. The essence of the message is written in the form of a short and catchy poem, allowing
it to stay fresh in the viewers mind. It is short and sweet. In the poem, the word “sentencing” gives the
content so much more meaning than if they used a more common word, such as send. This is so
because the word implies that those who support the BSL laws are personally condemning the puppy
in the image to death. It shifts the perspective of the audience into seeing the puppy as not just a puppy,
but perhaps an inmate. The word “sentencing” bring to mind the death sentence. The very final word
of the short poem,“Die”, rings in the audience’s mind. It makes the issue seem so much more dire and
gives the audience a sense of urgency in rectifying their implied mistake.
not their breed. The essence of the message is written in the form of a short and catchy poem, allowing
it to stay fresh in the viewers mind. It is short and sweet. In the poem, the word “sentencing” gives the
content so much more meaning than if they used a more common word, such as send. This is so
because the word implies that those who support the BSL laws are personally condemning the puppy
in the image to death. It shifts the perspective of the audience into seeing the puppy as not just a puppy,
but perhaps an inmate. The word “sentencing” bring to mind the death sentence. The very final word
of the short poem,“Die”, rings in the audience’s mind. It makes the issue seem so much more dire and
gives the audience a sense of urgency in rectifying their implied mistake.
Separately, the image and the words could still pose as arguments. However, the wording and image
both interact to enhance their own individual argumentative properties. The style of the lettering as
well as the greyish-blue contrast of the image complement each other very well and add to the image’s
empathetic and encouraging theme.
both interact to enhance their own individual argumentative properties. The style of the lettering as
well as the greyish-blue contrast of the image complement each other very well and add to the image’s
empathetic and encouraging theme.
The audience that the creators of this image intended to expose to this image to would be young adults,
teens, millennials, and animal lovers. These groups of people make up a large portion of Twitter’s popu
lation. This crowd mostly consists of young adults, teens, millennials, and animal lovers. These people,
who have had a lifetime of experience to social media and technology, not only make a great audience,
but messengers. The profile image is coupled with the hashtag summary message and its’ call to action,
#PitBullLivesMatter. This encourages the audience to spread the word and indicates a meaningful
movement and worthy cause. The many images and memes of the Twitter page are easily distributed,
and shared throughout this audience.
teens, millennials, and animal lovers. These groups of people make up a large portion of Twitter’s popu
lation. This crowd mostly consists of young adults, teens, millennials, and animal lovers. These people,
who have had a lifetime of experience to social media and technology, not only make a great audience,
but messengers. The profile image is coupled with the hashtag summary message and its’ call to action,
#PitBullLivesMatter. This encourages the audience to spread the word and indicates a meaningful
movement and worthy cause. The many images and memes of the Twitter page are easily distributed,
and shared throughout this audience.
The page in which the image was posted is filled with many similar images. The page and their message
mainly acts on the audience’s pathos, presenting many different pitbulls in a positive light. All of the
pictures shown reveal a more docile, and family friendly side of the pitbull. Most of the images are
positive, endearing photographs of these dogs playing, sleeping, enjoying being pet, trying new food,
or making new and unlikely friends with other species; such as newborn pups or other creatures such
as kittens or monkeys, like images B and C. The audience finds these pictures to be endearing and
humorous. However, there are a few reminders of what the world can do to these curious creatures in
the pictures of the abused provided by the page. These picture consist of the beaten, and starved dogs
who were forced to fight by their abusive owners. One example, Image D., was posted with the caption,
“Bad people don't deserve good dogs, they only make good dogs suffer.” In this image, the audience
sees a a pitbull, who is not only older than the one in Image A., but so much thinner. It is very clear
from the image alone that the canine is emaciated, for the viewers are not only able to count each of
the poor dog’s ribs, but see every vertebrae of his spine and the sharp ridges of his skull behind his face.
He is weak, unsteady on his feet. The audience also sees the poor dog is injured, as a part of his
skeletal front legs is bandaged. These images allow the audience to sympathize with the suffering
of the animals, and see them as other beings who can be hurt just like any other animal; and that
even with their tough reputation, pitbulls are just canines, not killers.
mainly acts on the audience’s pathos, presenting many different pitbulls in a positive light. All of the
pictures shown reveal a more docile, and family friendly side of the pitbull. Most of the images are
positive, endearing photographs of these dogs playing, sleeping, enjoying being pet, trying new food,
or making new and unlikely friends with other species; such as newborn pups or other creatures such
as kittens or monkeys, like images B and C. The audience finds these pictures to be endearing and
humorous. However, there are a few reminders of what the world can do to these curious creatures in
the pictures of the abused provided by the page. These picture consist of the beaten, and starved dogs
who were forced to fight by their abusive owners. One example, Image D., was posted with the caption,
“Bad people don't deserve good dogs, they only make good dogs suffer.” In this image, the audience
sees a a pitbull, who is not only older than the one in Image A., but so much thinner. It is very clear
from the image alone that the canine is emaciated, for the viewers are not only able to count each of
the poor dog’s ribs, but see every vertebrae of his spine and the sharp ridges of his skull behind his face.
He is weak, unsteady on his feet. The audience also sees the poor dog is injured, as a part of his
skeletal front legs is bandaged. These images allow the audience to sympathize with the suffering
of the animals, and see them as other beings who can be hurt just like any other animal; and that
even with their tough reputation, pitbulls are just canines, not killers.
Image E., is an exceptional example of the pages use of visual argument. This image, which may
even be called a meme, expresses it’s message from the unique perspective of a dog. It’s message,
in relatively large lettering, is “You Made Me”. It is usual that over a long list of items or sentences,
an audience will only remember the very first and last portion of the list. In this case, the very first
and last sentence of the message. Therefore, the creators of this image made these sentences hold
the most meaning in the image. The very last sentence, “I am only a reflection of YOU”, resonates
with the audience a great deal after being read, planting an idea in their brain and allows it to take
root.
even be called a meme, expresses it’s message from the unique perspective of a dog. It’s message,
in relatively large lettering, is “You Made Me”. It is usual that over a long list of items or sentences,
an audience will only remember the very first and last portion of the list. In this case, the very first
and last sentence of the message. Therefore, the creators of this image made these sentences hold
the most meaning in the image. The very last sentence, “I am only a reflection of YOU”, resonates
with the audience a great deal after being read, planting an idea in their brain and allows it to take
root.
Like the first image, the audience is shown a pitbull, however, this one is laying his/her head on her
owner's lap. The dog is completely at ease, while holding an intelligent gaze at his/her owner,
looking curiously up at the human who is relaxing with her. The dog’s ears are perked up, as if she
is in deep contemplation, listening intently, or having an interesting/meaningful conversation. The
setup of this image had much more warmth than the other. The trim is not faded, and the words
stand out in an incredibly bold white in contrast to the dark background. The message, rather than
being written in a poem, is written as if it is part of a dialogue; a direct message to the dog’s owner.
owner's lap. The dog is completely at ease, while holding an intelligent gaze at his/her owner,
looking curiously up at the human who is relaxing with her. The dog’s ears are perked up, as if she
is in deep contemplation, listening intently, or having an interesting/meaningful conversation. The
setup of this image had much more warmth than the other. The trim is not faded, and the words
stand out in an incredibly bold white in contrast to the dark background. The message, rather than
being written in a poem, is written as if it is part of a dialogue; a direct message to the dog’s owner.
Though the page’s driving form of rhetoric comes in the form of pathos, it also appeals to the
audience's sense ethos is in the posts from many different people on the page. A large portion of the
people who add onto the page are pitbull owners themselves, adding photos and videos of their own
dogs. Many of these posts with captions describing how loving their dogs are with their own family.
With a personal family photo or home video style of capturing the moment, these images are sure to
turn heads. These touching and often humorous photographs and videos appeal to the audience’s
sense of ethos as well as pathos for the audience knows that these images and videos are not just
made by the site to sell their message, but come from real people who seem to truly love their pets.
In this way, the audience is able to have an easier time taking in the message when hearing it from
people who have had experience with the matter.
audience's sense ethos is in the posts from many different people on the page. A large portion of the
people who add onto the page are pitbull owners themselves, adding photos and videos of their own
dogs. Many of these posts with captions describing how loving their dogs are with their own family.
With a personal family photo or home video style of capturing the moment, these images are sure to
turn heads. These touching and often humorous photographs and videos appeal to the audience’s
sense of ethos as well as pathos for the audience knows that these images and videos are not just
made by the site to sell their message, but come from real people who seem to truly love their pets.
In this way, the audience is able to have an easier time taking in the message when hearing it from
people who have had experience with the matter.
Each of these images depicts a dog in a different mood, setting, and perspective. However, all of
them share the fact that the canine is the center of the visual argument, and draw their power of
persuasion from the bonds the audience makes with each dog in the images. They push the audience
to connect with the dogs, and to see them in a less threatening frame. These image allow the viewers
to witness the many different sides of a pitbull, from their loyalty, their kindness, their friendliness,
curiosity, playfulness, as well as their mortality.
them share the fact that the canine is the center of the visual argument, and draw their power of
persuasion from the bonds the audience makes with each dog in the images. They push the audience
to connect with the dogs, and to see them in a less threatening frame. These image allow the viewers
to witness the many different sides of a pitbull, from their loyalty, their kindness, their friendliness,
curiosity, playfulness, as well as their mortality.
Through these images, Save_Pitbulls inspires and persuades its’ audience to see the many good
qualities of the breed, rather than the many labels it has been given.They force the audience to see
the dogs as something other than just another weapon to be banned, but other beings with their own
personalities who are being put down as a result of the BSL laws and regulations. The Save_Pitbulls
Twitter page is a valiant effort to shift the public’s view of pitbulls in order to save them from the
oppression of BSL laws and regulation. Each of the images they upload onto this page presents a
sympathetic view of the dogs, showing them in different moods, viewpoints, and perspectives.
qualities of the breed, rather than the many labels it has been given.They force the audience to see
the dogs as something other than just another weapon to be banned, but other beings with their own
personalities who are being put down as a result of the BSL laws and regulations. The Save_Pitbulls
Twitter page is a valiant effort to shift the public’s view of pitbulls in order to save them from the
oppression of BSL laws and regulation. Each of the images they upload onto this page presents a
sympathetic view of the dogs, showing them in different moods, viewpoints, and perspectives.
Images A.-E.
Image A.
Image B.
Image C.
Image D.
Image E.
Work Cited Page
Bastian, Jon. “How did pit bulls get such a bad rap?” Cesar's Way, June 15, 2017
“Breed-Specific Laws State-by-State.” DogsBite.org - Some dogs don't let go. Lynn Media
Group, https://www.dogsbite.org/legislating-dangerous-dogs-state-by-state.php. February 11,
2018
“Save PitBulls (@PitbullsSaving).” Twitter. December 10, 2015.
https://twitter.com/PitbullsSaving. February 11, 2018
