Marc Joseph: American Pitbull

In this large, abundantly illustrated volume, Joseph attempts to document the American Pitbull Terrier as owned throughout the country. What emerges, however, is a single-sided, often stereotypical view of the pitbull owners themselves--a portrait that is nevertheless evocatively captured. The opening two-page spread shows a close up of a young man from Liberty, Tex., proudly baring his gold teeth and his pitbull ring; an American flag hangs above him. Subsequent photos show pitbulls tied up in back yards or being held by their tattooed owners (men and women; black, white and Latino). Joseph offers a glimpse into an East Village apartment in New York City, then turns his attention to a hangar where pitbull brick-pulling competitions are held. Only in Frey's essay, which narrates the author's search for a pitbull pup, does the stereotypical view of pitbulls as ferocious and strong begin to be challenged.