In a recent 2024 presidential debate, former President Donald Trump made a controversial claim, accusing immigrants in Ohio of eating pets. “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said. His opponent, Harris, called this “extreme,” while debate moderators refuted it as untrue, and the internet responded with laughter. While such accusations are not only misleading but also encourage harmful stereotypes, they have historical roots. Though Trump’s accusation may be unfounded, it raises some questions: Where did such stereotypes originate?
The history of dog consumption is complex, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when the tradition began. However, it is presumed to have originated in East and Southeast Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam. The consumption of dog meat has been viewed differently depending on the region and time period—some considered it a last resort during food shortages, while others regarded it as a delicacy.
During the era of Western colonization, this tradition shocked the West. The consumption of dog meat was seen as barbaric or uncivilized. Knowledge of this practice quickly spread through various cultural exchanges, such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where the media publicly criticized it. As a result, the dog-eating stereotype became deeply ingrained in Western consciousness.
Now you know where the dog jokes came from! By exploring the roots of these stereotypical statements, we can better understand the historical facts and the dangers of perpetuating misconceptions.
Work Cited
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g4531/cutest-dog-breeds/
By. Donghun Song