Dog Pedigrees: Most Overlooked Form Of Institutional Racism
Jan. 16, 2016
Year after year purebred dogs compete for best in show and year after year these competitions further the need for discussion of the most pressing social issue of our time: purebred privilege. It’s 2016 and it is as prevalent now as ever, and it’s not about heritage and genealogy; it’s the most blatant form of institutional racism.
It’s not just about acknowledging the privileges that purebred dogs have, but the struggle that mixed-breed dogs face. They don’t understand what it’s like to be out on a walk and hear someone call them the M word (mutt or mongrel). Purebred dogs don’t realize these privileges most times. For instance, only purebred dogs have their own calendars, bumper stickers, etc.
Popular culture is almost exclusively saturated with purebred dogs, unless of course the dog is being looked down upon or portrayed as mangy or violent. Lassie, Air Bud, and Beethoven are all prime examples of the star power purebred dogs wield.
We want to know how you feel about purebred privilege in America and the disproportionate number of mixed-breed dogs that get euthanized each year. Sound off in the comments and use #mixeddogsmatter to get the world talking about this important issue.
