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Yasmin Adi Mr. Hackney Rhetoric 101 2 October 2013 Pit Bulls: Undiscovered Since we live in a society with a wide variety of dogs, not every breed will get the same treatment as others. After reading the article about harsh actions taken out on pit bulls, people seem to judge mainly based on looks. As intimidating as they look, pit bulls are actually one of the most beneficial dogs to own. Although they lack in cute and innocent looks, they make up for in industriousness and ambition. In Paul Tulliss article The Softer Side of Pit Bulls. A Reviled Breed gets a Makeover, he strategically utilizes pathos and ethos to argue the innocence of a dog breed: the pit bull. Throughout Tulliss article, he uses pictures of pit bulls, but in a way to show the tender side of the breed. An example that clearly shows this is the yellow background on all the dog pictures. The reason for his color choice is because yellow is generally a color affiliated with happiness and brightness. In another clever use of his pathos, Tullis incorporates pictures of dogs that look happy. If he, for example, puts a picture of a menacing canine with a background of the color black, this will make the dog seem unapproachable and harmful which will contradict his point of the article. In another picture, Tullis uses a specific dog that is crouching down and his ears are down as well. This stance is the way a dog symbolizes he is afraid of someone or something. Tullis chooses this picture in order to make the dog seem despondent and allow the reader to feel empathy for the breed. This cunning use of pathos brings a feeling of guilt, therefore, brings success to his argument.

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One of Tulliss main points he elaborates on is the history of the pit bull. This section of his article brings a major selling point because it plays with the readers emotions. Pit bulls have been around for a long time dating back to the 18th century [where] they tended to be categorized by jobs they performed rather than how they look (56). In this quote, Tullis is explaining how people today stereotype the breed as original demon dogs when it solely depends on their nurture. He believes their ancient history defines them better than their insight today. As opinionated as it seems, Tullis has a point when he mentions their biased handling. Tullis also stresses the fact that the breed is intentionally virtuous because back then Pits accompanied the 11th Infantry of Pennsylvania at the Battle of Gettysburg, and the first U.S. army dog promoted to sergeant was a pit (56). This point really gives the reader a sense of pride which is yet another way Tullis makes a cunning use of pathos. Without this point mentioned, the article may have not been successful in its argument. A point that is very unique about Tulliss argument is the legal ownership of pit bulls. Even though it can be concluded that pit bulls do sometimes commit acts of ruthlessness, Tullis believes some states have crossed the line. A point Tullis stretches on is the stance on pit bulls being so unloved that they are routinely the most common dog in shelters nationwide (54). After reading this, Tullis aims to make the reader feel empathy for the dogs which helps the article get the argument to succeed. Tullis also mentions It isnt even legal to adopt or own a pit in Miami or Denver (54). Bases on these laws, the pit bulls seem harmful enough to be illegal, but Tullis mentions it to inform the reader on the cruel treatment they are receiving for no respectable reason. The dogs deserve better treatment than this and Tullis makes a strong argument on the belief.

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Considering all the opinions Tullis brings forth in his article, it can be clearly noted that pit bulls arent getting the fair treatment they deserve. If the breed is analyzed well enough, it can be seen they are innocent in their actions and their upbringing is the major role that contributes to their behavior. Tullis does a prosperous job in selling his point to the reader with active uses of ethos and pathos. He aims to change the worlds askew view on the breeds character for the better.

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Works Cited Tullis, Paul. "The Softer Side of Pit Bulls. A reviled breed gets a makeover." Time Magazine 22 July 2013: n. pag. Print.