We would like to comment on our recently adopted use of the term "boy" to refer to our human. Rather than go into lengthy, culturally specific explorations of the word's usage, let us simply say we use it as a term of endearment. Since humans are so fond of infantilizing us canines, we thought we'd return the favor. (hee hee) We do understand, though, that this practice (in either direction) is not malicious. And we certainly do not intend to reference centuries of "benign" infantilization heaped upon certain humans by other humans... Let's just call it a joke between us and our boy. :)Besides, it is kinda funny, isn't it? One of our favorite (albeit slightly uncomfortable) uses of the term "boy" accompanies photographs of eccentric Henry Chapman Mercer with his "boys," his Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. (Mercer's castle Fonthill is a museum open to the public, along with the Mercer Museum and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.)
And, of course, you've gotta love the scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey where Golden Retriever Shadow is re-united with Peter, telling him, "You're my boy, Peter, and I love you..." Sniff.[photo credit above: Collection of the Spruance Library of the Bucks County Historical Society]
2 comments:
So you have a boy ape, eh? So long as it is preceded by "Where are our meaty bones, boy?"
It's good to remind the naked apes of their marginal importance. True, their opposable thumbs make them handy for opening the fridge and packages of food but that doesn't explain their overinflated sense of self-importance, eh?
wally
Ha! We think our boy would like a boy of his own, but that's not going to happen. He'll have to content himself with serving us. We're content. :)
BJN
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