Is Mutt a 'Four-Letter' Word?

| Print | By | November 13, 2008 12:08 PM

President-Elect Barack Obama held his first press conference, this past Friday, November 7. With the present grim financial situation we face today, and the world in turmoil, we are living through some very difficult times.

While he was "all business" and his tone quite sober, focusing mainly upon the economic crisis, I was happy to hear that President-Elect Obama is also taking seriously what some folks may consider to be a minor one; his promise to his daughters. As far as I am concerned, it shows me that he is definitely is a man of his word.

During the portion of his address about plans for a puppy in the White House, I thought that President-Elect Obama's metaphor, 'Our preference is to get a shelter dog, but most shelter dogs are mutts like me’, comparing his own mixed roots to the new "first dog” was quite revealing and demonstrated the pride he feels about his Kenyan and Kansasian lineage.

He certainly is no canine elitist by any means, and in fact, his family's preferred choice to adopt a "pound puppy or two" shows me that they are more concerned with the welfare of a needy dog needing a forever home, maybe even in preference to purchasing a fancy purebred dog. His only concern is to find just the right puppy for his ten year-old daughter, Malia, who is allergic to dogs.

At the same time however, When Mr. Obama referred to himself as a "mutt" during the conference, many folks had a strong negative reaction to the word, which gave me pause to reflect upon some serious questions. Doesn't America itself find its roots in our famous melting pot? Aren't we all "mutts" to some degree? It being a "mutt" a bad thing?

13-mutts.jpg
See a slideshow of adorable mutts here

Does the word "mutt' have negative implications, and if so, why? And while there is a wide variety of purebred dogs from which to choose, are we saying indirectly, that "mutts" are second class canine citizens? I would certainly hope not.

I was somewhat surprised and dismayed that almost immediately after the conference ended, several folks uploaded videos to YouTube of the portion of his first "official" interaction with our Nation, exemplifying a negative opinion toward "mutts." I just don't get it . . . after all aren't dogs supposed to be "man's best friend"? Is there an undercurrent of the "mixed breed" effect?

I don't know, it just gives me an unsettled feeling and as Rachel Maddow, the talk show host on MSNBC often requests, "I need to be talked down, here."

Watch the video uploaded to YouTube by SaveOurSovereignty2. Do you think that the word “mutt” holds negative connotations for dog lovers?

Share your opinions by leaving a comment.

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Comments (10)

Jo Deibel November 14, 2008 8:27 AM

What a great story! You Rock!!!

Hugs,
Jo

Vicki November 14, 2008 9:15 AM

I know that mutts can be just as adorable and loving as any pure bred dog. My son has two lovable pound dogs and they are just wonderful. They are both entertaining, and too funny at times. More people should adopt pound puppies.

Diana Bauer November 14, 2008 9:22 AM

The term "mutt" holds no negative implications to me, nor did President-elect Obama's comment. I do think the comment was deliberate, though, and aimed at trying to shed the elitist labe some people have tried pin on him.

Di

Rani November 14, 2008 11:43 AM

It doesn't bother me, it was said affectionately. One of my cats is a mutt, a handsome marmalade tabby DSH and the other is a beautiful purebred Ragamuffin. Love them both, for their different traits.

It has been my experience as a lifelong cat-owner that the mutts are almost invariably healthier. But mutt or purebred has nothing to do with how loveable and loving they are.

I hope the Obamas find a mutt with the physical traits they need for Malia.

Rani

Joanne November 14, 2008 1:55 PM

For what it's worth my mother aways referred to our family ancestry as mutts. Raised in an area where most families had a definite ethnicity our family which has been in America for a century or two was markedly boring to a child. We weren't FROM anywhere. Just all over Europe Germany, England, Scotland Switzerland - see what I mean?
Anyway - my mom used to say that when people ask where you are from just tell them you're a mutt! Nothing demeaning intended

lj November 15, 2008 12:58 AM

Never thought that mutt had any negative connotations to it. Most of my dogs have been mutts. They've all been good dogs, every single one of 'em. A dog is only as bad as the owner is. Good story. Hopefully President Elect Obama, will be a welcome change for this country!
Smile,...
lj

Donna November 15, 2008 10:30 AM

I think "Mutt" is just a general term for the old heinz 57 mixed breeds of dogs, no one is certain of their heritage...and more often than not, a MUTT will have a better disposition than some poorly bred purebred dogs (or cats.) All my cats are rescues (are cats mutts too if they're just 'cats'? LOL The mutts of the world are definitely my preference in critters!

donna November 15, 2008 10:32 AM

And that slideshow is definite proof of how BEAUTIFUL 'mutt's are!

annie November 16, 2008 6:22 PM

IF i was a dog person i would get a mutt. many, many, many years ago we had a purebred poodle and as much as we loved the little guy, all that inbreeding caused numerous problems, in the long run. mutts are much better dogs, in my opinion.

keep up the good work,jo!

Joe Manna November 17, 2008 10:18 AM

I didn't find Obama's reference to his heritage as a "mutt," I knew he was trying to communicate the fact that we are all mixes of different ethnicities and heritages.

I think what caused people to fall out of their chairs, was the fact that Obama has been very well-spoken and articulate and to use slang and metaphors earned his statement some shock value.

I think mutts are fine. We're all mutts. Good entry, I enjoyed it.

~Joe

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