It seems only fitting that the advocacy that has adopted the cultural trappings of Dia De Los Muertos, would also find it appropriate to squat with their pit bulls and their political message on what was a tribute to victims of canine attacks. And of course, they picked an appropriate time and day of the week to meet, just in time for CHURCH!
For a few years now, the pit bull advocacy has declared the Month of October to be "Pit Bull Awareness Month". They have also adopted Dia De Los Muertos, celebrated on October 31, extending to November 1 and November 2, in connection with the triduum of All Hallowtide: All Hallows' Eve, Hallowmas, and All Souls' Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. There seems to be a certain appeal I have noticed, a trinity of death (bones), tattoos, and pit bulls. As proof, there seems to be a large market for these combined images, in jewelry, tote bags, and t-shirts, some offered as a token given with donation. Caching! It's very fitting, very type of dog most likely of sending humans and animals to the condition that would merit an alter. If only all the death and blood lettings could also end on Dia De Los Muertos, the last official day of the official month of Pit bull awareness.
Instead, pit bull awareness is each and every day. Each and every day, someone becomes very, very aware of pit bulls. For some, it's their last day on earth. For some, it's the day they will say farewell to a beloved child, family member, pet, or a limb. They may need to build an alter for a former self...deal with PTSD, healing painful wounds, or a disfigurement. For others, it's the day to mourn a beloved pet, that up the last moment, never once shown its genetic proclivity. The day may come to mourn a long held belief in the mantra: it's all how you raise 'em. They will have to face the truth. They will become aware, and the process will be painful.
Until tide's turn, we will watch from the side lines, pit bull advocates use the trappings of this sacred day to remember the dead. We will watch their efforts to silence the efforts to honor victims and bring awareness to this issue. Consider it in the light of other political desecrations of memorials.
Art Prize stirs breed controversy.
Other Memorials to victims:
Desecration of the gravesite of John Harvard.
Klonda Richey
Victims of 2012
Victims of 2013
Bleu
