“Washing” is a term that can signify something nefarious. It has been used to note that there is an intention to distort reality; too clean up matters that are untidy. Recent events have led me to ponder whether we are now witnessing “dogwashing”.
While female athletics has been captivated recently by stand out basketball player Caitlan Clark, she is nothing compared to “Nimble”. “Nimble”, is not only an “All American” story, she is actually an “All American” dog breed. Yes, there is a mixed breed called “All American”. Nimble’s accomplishment may be the greatest performance of a female athlete in 2024.
While Caitlan Clark shoots like all-time great Steph Curry, and play makes like all-time great Steve Nash, her on the field accomplishments arguable fall short of what Nimble achieved. Nimble, a twelve- inch class agility competitor, defeated all of the big dogs, male and female, and won the top prize at the Masters Agility Contest for 2024. She scored the overall best time on the course. She was the best of the best. She, regardless of sex, beat every single competitor, every breed, and every size class.
Nimble, being in one of the smallest classes, pulled off what could truly be considered a David vs. Goliath win. She, however, slayed many Goliaths.
Beyond, Nimble, there is her great trainer, Ms. Cynthia Hornor. Ms. Hornor, prior to this big win, had already been a champion. Thus, Nimble’s win, for the gender conscious, certainly would view this dominating performance as a win for femininity. This was truly a feel-good sport’s story in 2024.
Sports purity, in 2024, is treading dangerous waters. It took a big hit due to a competitive eating champion’s betrayal. Joey Chestnut, the Ruthian figure surrounding Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog eating contest, betraying the sport. Reportedly, his affiliation with “vegan” hot dogs was the cause of him not competing and defending his title.
Thus, for sports purists, dog agility competitions may be all what was and will be kosher for 2024. Unlike some plant-based substitutes, these dogs both real and are all out competitors. They, when not distracted, are undistracted from human foibles such as fame and money. Their desire to win is insatiable. Their reward for their victories often is a chew toy. The competitions are fun in the sense that “sex” doesn’t matter.
After watching the 2024 Masters’ competition highlights, however, I noticed something different. The Fox Broadcasters did not mention the competitor’s sex and neither did the AKC website in the results. I had to go to other sources to discover that Nimble was a female dog. What a bitch!
Thus, I pondered as to “why a dog’s “sex” would be a taboo subject for both the press and organizers?” Why would “sex” be something to be removed? Is this “dogwashing”?
With my censorship “light bulb” switched on, I turned to the excellent book by author Diane Ravitch. Her book, The Language Police, came to mind. In it, she describes the censorship that is occurring in academics and that it is driven by guidelines concerning sensitivity, bias and multiculturalism. One aspect of this censorship is that the portrayal stereotypes is not permitted. For instance, in a textbook or a standardized test, it would not be acceptable to have an Asian scientist.
With this in mind, and the notable absence of the dog’s sex from various media, I wondered whether this censorship is now going in another direction. The Dog Agility contests are full of “female” champions. Further, there are many outstanding “female” trainers such as Jennifer Crank and Ms. Hornor. All of this great success has been achieved without manipulation. It appears to be natural to the sport. With these thoughts in mind, I figured out the problem. These results do not fit the “human” narrative.
Thus, I posit that the removal of the dogs’ sexes is done for the purpose of sensitivity. Telling the truth about these animals may hurt humans’ feelings!
How could another species in the world exist in which there are opposite sexes which possess comparable athletic skills? Certainly, humans are at risk of being put into an emotional tizzy over this revelation. The human fantasy of equality appears to be an actual canine reality.
In sum, was this a “dogwashing”? Have the values of sensitivity, bias and multiculturalism now expanded to include humanity? Are we now in fear that our beloved pets may offend us by their athletic abilities? I believe the answer is yes!
Be well!!
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