A Lesson on Racism From Dogs

Watching dogs play reminds me there is hope for mankind - well, dogkind - if that is a word. When I watch the acceptance, understanding, and love shared by woman's best friend, my heart swells with the knowledge that we will overcome the divisiveness in our world.

When I sit quietly and observe the dog culture, it is obvious they get it! Sure, they bark to signal discontent; they pee to mark their territory; they even growl to establishing expectations, but then they walk away. If no humans were present, they would simply go about their lives. They don't separate themselves by color, sex, size or any other contrived system of labels.

Have you ever thought about how a dog would view the protests and political conflicts? I believe after sniffing a few butts and licking a face or two, they would decide it was too much ado about nothing and lay down in the streets for a nap.

Humans spend a lot of time (and words) trying to understand and explain situations that do little more than divide. When in fact, if we observed current events using a dog's perspective, acceptance of others might become a worldwide movement.

Diversity 

Diversity to a dog simply means variety, and they welcome the opportunity to make a new friend. Dog parks don't impose artificial separations that make the long hairs walk on the grass, relegate the barkers to the outside corners, or demand the short legged pets walk two paces behind.

The numerous species of dogs offer friendship to extremely eclectic individuals and personalities. Dogs not only do not notice differences; they do not care. They do not discriminate who they love on superficial standards. 

However, if the hairs on a dog's back do raise when a person comes near, I would question that person's character.

Equality

Equality is measured by food distribution and hugs. Dog will notice if they are hungry or unloved. They don't care about the color, money or status. 

However, did you know October first is National Black Dog Day? Because black dogs are less pleasing to the eyes they are less likely to be adopted - simply because of their color! So one day a year, humane societies campaign to find homes for dark dogs. 

In our state of Idaho, these dogs are adopted at a discount so they can find forever homes. Statistics show that this phenomenon persists across the U.S regardless of behavior, size, breeding, personality, or age. Though dogs may not understand the word equality, they feel the effects of inequality. 

Prejudice

Prejudice is to prejudge or make assumptions based on preconceived notions. Many humans hear a story about doberman pincher and an image like the one above flashes in their mind. They have been conditioned to respond emotionally without facts to govern their beliefs. 

When in fact, the behavior of a dog is not determined by its breed. Dogs don't label other dogs based upon their looks. They compile evidence using all their senses to decide on the integrity of a person. If humans applied the same degree of patience and observation to understanding one another, respect and peace would reign. We should spend a day following a dog's lead and learning instead of tugging them along behind us on a leash.

Racist or in dog vocabulary breedist

A dog never existed that lived by the belief that all members of his breed possess the same characteristics or abilities. No dog has been known to say Nazi when they glance at a German shepherd or Mexican in association with a chihuahua. Furthermore, it is unimaginable that animals distinguish themselves as inferior or superior to each other based on breed.

Discrimination

When a behavior is sparked by prejudice it is called discrimination allowing a person to appoint themselves as judge and jury. Following one bad experience, ideas become established expectations leaving no room for compromise or individualism. 

White Privilege 

Humans will look at this little lady and be receptive to having her around because she looks pure, clean, and well disciplined. In our world this thought process is also applied to people. Decisions are made based on outward appearance when facts prove a person's integrity can not be determined by their external looks. 

A dog is a dog is a dog to a dog. Canines do not create distinctions based on appearance.

If this fellow needed a home, he would be second choice for many families if compared to the white princess. (Personally, he makes me smile prompting the instinct to run around and play.)

Until humans begin to think with the open mindedness of a dog, willingly accept the differences of others, and stop applying insensitive labels that divide and separate, I will continue to question, "Who is the animal?" 

Stories about Dagney and her friends are available *FREE* at I AM My Best!

Stories reminding us that we are our best when with our dogs.