Troublemakers Gladwell Summary

Pit Bulls are known worldwide for being inherently dangerous and extremely vicious, but according to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers have passed their temperament tests better than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles. Many people don’t know that the term “bully breed” refers to more than forty breeds that hail from the same root breed. The history of the Pit Bull goes back to about the nineteenth century, during that time they were used to protect livestock, families, and even children as nannies (the Canine Journal). Today Pit Bulls are used as therapy dogs, police dogs, and of course a simple companion. Many myths about pit bulls circulate, which scares society into believing that they are dangerous to us and our families the question of banning Pit Bulls has been hotly discussed around the world, but banning Pit Bulls will not stop illegal breeding, fighting and distribution of Pit Bulls, other dogs from biting, and the problem will grow. The question of whether or not Pit Bulls should be banned is a hot topic in recent society, but the real question is should Pit Bulls be punished for the actions of their owners, or should laws be enforced at a higher degree.

In over 700 cities across the U.S. the pit bull has been outlawed, such as the city of Denver, where the Pit Bull has been vilified since 1989. Many other major cities across the United States have also fallen into the banning of breed specific dogs such as Miami, Fl, New York City, and Seattle. Every military installation across the country also prohibits Pit Bulls and strictly enforces these laws. In cities where the Pit Bull isn’t outlawed there are usually still strict regulations to owning a pit bull such as liability insurance, sterilizations, and extreme measures of containment to keep these dogs from escaping their homes. Per the American Temperance Testing Society (ATTS) “Among all of the breeds ATTS tested – over 30,000 dogs through May 2011, 83 percent passed the test. How did Pit Bulls do? They showed an above average temperament, with 86 percent making the grade.” In conjunction with the ATTS, the American Veterinary Medicine Association also states that “controlled studies have not identified this breed group as disproportionately dangerous.” Much like many other natural laws such as Darwin’s Law of Evolution and Murphy’s Law ,the debate of Nature vs. Nurture should also be brought into account when talking about dog breeds and their “innate ability of aggression” because while it is true that every dog have certain characteristics and personality traits, it’s a strong accusation to say that Rex the Pit Bull is more prone to biting or injuring someone more so than Trixie the Toy Poodle. Either one of those dogs can be raised by their respective owners to have very different personalities and Trixie is just as capable of biting someone as Rex. A common place for misconception is that breeds like the Pit Bull are a popular choice for criminals and criminal activity such as

206). Further research shows that Pit Bulls aren’t the most dangerous breed of dog. They are ranked higher for their tolerance than they are for their aggression (Baldwin, S. 2016). No matter what real facts and statistics say, Pit Bulls are still being discriminated against and banned all around the world. As the years, have gone on, it has been harder and harder to own a Pit Bull. Many neighborhood or apartment complexes won’t allow you to live in their facilities if you own a Pit Bull or anything that remotely looks like a Pit Bull. If that isn’t enough, most insurance agencies won’t cover you, your family or your home if you own a Pit Bull (ReidHead, J, L 2017). Because of all these regulations and limitation when owning a Pt Bull, owners and Pit Bull advocates are working harder to push their point that it’s the owner that makes the dog. With proper training and responsible owners Pit Bulls are not a threat or a danger to society. Pit Bulls are no more dangerous than any dog breed with they are trained and raised responsibly. In this paper, I be explaining how irresponsible Pit Bull owners are the cause of Pit Bulls aggression towards people and other animals by explaining the history of the breed, Pit Bulls involvement in dog fighting, gang violence and true statistics surrounding the breed. To solve this problem, I recommend that all future and

Pit bulls are the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world. When people hear the word pit bull they automatically think of dogs fighting and attacking. When people say "pit bull" they're usually referring to a range of breeds and, often, a mixed-breed dog. (Lawrence, C Louisville Magazine Feb 2007) People think they are a very dangerous breed of dog. Because of this, some areas do not allow pit bulls and breeds like them. Pit bulls are the leading culprit of dog bites in America, but on the other hand, they are the gentlest dogs people will ever meet. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association

The term profiling is defined as “the use of personal characteristics or behavior patterns to make a generalization about a person”; therefore, this refers to gender profiling. The second part of the definition also states the “use of these characteristics to determine whether a person may be engaged in illegal activity” refers to what is called racial profiling (Dictionary.com, n.d.). Profiling has been used within in law enforcement for a number of years, as it provides informational analysis for solving crimes, but unfortunately over time, profiling has become the focus of race and ethnicity. The intent of profiling was designed as a legitimate tool for law enforcement to utilize for positive reasons, but to understand why profiling has been given such a negative outlook; it must be understood that profiling can either be proactive or reactive in its use.

The pits that are raised in a fighting environment usually are the more aggressive dogs and the more likely to be euthanized because of their aggressive behavior. These fighting dogs are the reasons for most of the stereotypes directed towards the dog breeds. For example: “Pit bulls are the most aggressive dog breed” (17 Things...) Pit Bulls scored an 86.8% on the American Temperament Test or the ATT, which is a test that all dog breeds take in order to figure out the dog’s temper and aggression. The higher the score the better the dog, and the Pits just so happen to score second best, putting them above other common “nicer” household dogs like the Golden Retriever, the Beagle and the German Shepherd (Pisani). There are also many Pit Bulls being blamed for the actions of their owners, because of many of these actions it has caused many states to ban Pits. There are 17 states in the U.S. that have some type of pan against the breed (Pit Bull Bans (USA)...). Although these bans are places many criminals still continue to breed the dogs under ground and receive no

In Tom Junod’s “The State of The American Dog,” Junod argues that pitbull’s are not beasts, but a loving dog breed that is just misunderstood. Junod supports his claim by giving to opposing sides of pitbulls with beliefs and facts throughout the article. Junod opens his article by telling the readers that he owns pit bulls and how trust the dogs with his daughter. Junod brings up his dog Dexter is attacked, Junod expresses “He was breathing through his nose, but there was an untroubled serenity in his eyes, almost an innocence”. I believe that Tom Junod was trying to express how Dexter was provoked, by the cocker spaniel and when Dexter was biting the other dog on his neck, he did not want any harm done to the other dog, but Dexter was simply trying to protect himself and his owner. After the unfriendly encounter with the cocker spaniel. The owner told junod that Dexter handled that very well and he seems like a peaceful dog. Junod expresses his feelings with how pit bulls are viewed in modern America and how they have changed over time due to how the media and society portrays them. Junod then brings up how pit bulls are treated and if their so called aggressiveness is genetic or is it their environment that they are placed in. That animals need love and care if you show them love then they will show the the affection they receive. Junod then introduces how pit bulls are given away without remorse. They end up in kill shelters

An intense debate follows when the word Pitbull is mentioned. Pit Bulls do not have naturally, dangerous characteristics, yet they are still negatively perceived by people believing they are all aggressive dogs and dangerous to the public. The banning of Pit Bulls has caused the establishments of anti-Pit Bull banning organizations. Moreover, laws that ban this precious breed of dog creates illusions, but not the reality of public safety, which is why Pit Bulls should not be banned anywhere and must be allowed to live in any residential area with their owners.

This book is about the trials and tribulations of the pit bull dogs that were owned by Michael Vick. Michael Vick was a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons football team but was later found guilty of dog fighting, animal cruelty, and several counts of animal abuse. The book focuses on the pit bulls that were found on his property and their story of rescue and rehabilitation. This book is relevant because it highlights on the reasons why many pit bulls are considered dangerous and aggressive, and why this is not true. It shows how underestimated dogs who were considered dangerous and destructive could be rehabilitated and did not have to be euthanized. It also shows how as humans, we are the reason for the discrimination of the breed, and how we have made pit bulls become outcast which is one of my main arguments. The currency is 2011, which is up-to-date. This book is credible, because it has its own work cited page and the information comes from many non-bias, veterinary professionals. The quality of the book is very up to date and has pictures of Michael Vicks rehabilitated dogs. It also has

Criminal profiling has been around since the 1880’s, and up to this day, that method still has not had a great success rate. Also, racial profiling has not had a great success rate either through the years. At times, innocent people get detained and charged with crimes that they never committed due to matching the characteristics of other suspects. In other words, creating assumptions that will narrow down a suspect is just not the best method to utilize, especially when an innocent individual might be at risk of being incarcerated.

Today, the United States of America is hardly “United”. Divisions between race, religion and breed has left the country scrambling for answers. The answers themselves, are not always the right ones. Breed Specific Legislation are laws enacted in states and countries across the world that place bans and restrictions on certain breeds including Rottweilers, Boxers, and Pit Bulls. Several of these dogs are euthanized and ripped out of their homes if their owners do not fill out the right paperwork, with no reason other than their the dog's’ bloodline.These laws, are not only discriminatory against the breed, but built in fear of the unknown mind of the dogs themselves. Breed Specific Legislation should not be enacted because

In some cities, pit bulls are illegal to own, and this isn’t fair because Pit Bulls are a good breed of dog, as long as they are treated okay. For example, lets say you own a Husky; you won’t be told by the city that you can’t own that dog, but lets say you own a pit bull. It becomes the other way around. Depending on the city, you won’t be allowed to have your dog. Lets say someone raises a Dalmatian. If they abuse it, or make it fight, that dog will be vicious to anyone just like any other breed of dog would. If you raise the Dalmatian right, and don’t abuse it or make it fight, you will end up with a very loving and very friendly dog. It’s the same way for Pit bulls. Some people have made mistakes and in turn ruined it for pit

In the ever changing world of dog fighting, pit bulls and their bloodlines is often times over looked. In “Bringing Rico to the Ring,” Matthew Heger describes how dog fighting first began and which dogs and bloodlines were used. Heger demonstrates that Dog fighting is a terrible thing and that is why he introduces RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations). Matthew Heger employs the rhetorical appeals of pathos and ethos effectively. He demonstrates through his tone of voice that he is aggressive towards this topic and decides to elaborate more on it.

The controversy over the American Pit Bull Terrier is an ongoing battle that a lot of people continue to fight today. The most common thing associated with Pit Bulls is dog fighting. Probably one of the most common myth about Pit Bulls would be that they originally bred for dog fighting. There’s an odd fact most people tend to not realize about Pit Bulls that were nannies and and helped Americans in the great wars, but people still look at this animals like they are the spawn of the devil. The reputation that society gives these heroic dogs is sad because who knows if the Allies would have won if they didn’t have Pit Bulls helping the fight both the great

This paper contains evidence and arguments regarding why pit bulls should not be portrayed negatively in society. It does so with a literature review on the topic containing three major topics, stereotypes of pit bulls, laws and bans on pit bulls, and the abuse of/on the Pit Bull breed. All of those topics have evidence, such as statistics, real life stories, and genetics/biological findings. This paper also contains three person arguments on why pitbBulls should not be portrayed negatively in society, they are argued by the same three major topics in the literature review: stereotypes, laws and bans, and abuse. The sole purpose of this paper is to inform society and to persuade society of the three things we do to the pit bull