As residents of Oak Cliff, we understand media bias. Anything bad that happens anywhere in West or South Dallas is reported as having happened in Oak Cliff. The rep is so bad that many call this OOOhhh Cliff – because when you tell people where you live, they raise and eyebrow and let out a concerned “ohhh”.
That is not to say that our neighborhood does not have its challenges, but if the neighborhood was anything like what the media presents, we would be under martial law. The Media bias may not necessarily be intentional, but it forms an inaccurate impression on the public about our neighborhood and our city.
Pit bulls face some of the same media bias challenges; everything bad or dangerous is attributed to pit bulls. The ASCPA has reported the results of a new study that proves media bias against pit bulls: “Animal control officers across the country have told the ASPCA that when they alert the media to a dog attack, news outlets respond that they have no interest in reporting on the incident unless it involved a pit bull. A quantitative study by the National Canine Research Council of dog-bite reportage in a four-day period proves that anti-pit bull bias in the media is more than just a theory—it’s a fact.”
Pit bulls are a lot like our neighborhood – there is a lot to love. This neighborhood is a unique gem that has an over exaggerated and often unfounded dangerous reputation, yet when Dallas hosted the Super Bowl, the OC topped the New York Times’ list of neighborhoods to see. Pit bulls can be an unexpected surprise as well. Do your research, know what you’re getting into, be a proactive informed owner, and you will be rewarded with a loving, loyal friend.
If a pit bull or a pit bull mix speaks to your heart, don’t forget – Pit Bull and Claire (our lab/ pit mix) are both still looking forever homes.
Read the full ASPCA study here
Check out our pit bull / Chihuahua gallery – it breaks all the stereotypes
Oak Cliff Population and Area
- Oak Cliff: 290,365 (Area: 87.27 sq mi)
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- Southeast Oak Cliff: 27,517 (Area: 25.72 sq mi)
- North Oak Cliff: 107,824 (Area: 19.21 sq mi)
- South Central Oak Cliff: 61,952 (Area: 18.26 sq mi)
- Southwest Oak Cliff/Red Bird: 93,072 (Area: 24.08 sq mi)