Holy bonsai wolves: Chihuahuas and the Paris Hilton syndrome. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Redmalm, David
• Is Part Of: International journal of cultural studies. Volume 17:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: animal–human relations -- anomalies -- binary oppositions -- Chihuahuas -- dichotomies -- dogs -- Donna Haraway -- Paris Hilton -- hudographies -- humor -- popular culture; Culture -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; 306.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1367877912464539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-8779

Abstract

This article examines the reasons for the Chihuahua breed's popularity in contemporary western society by looking at two sets of data: Chihuahua handbooks and The Simple Life show, starring Paris Hilton and her Chihuahua Tinkerbell. The article argues that the Chihuahua is a holy anomaly : a creature which can be used in myths and rituals to temporarily alleviate the tension-filled binary oppositions and stereotypes inherent in a particular culture, in order to celebrate and reinforce that culture's categories and social order. The Chihuahua – or the bonsai wolf – transcends two binary oppositions fundamental to contemporary westerners: subject/object and nature/culture. Although the Chihuahua challenges a number of related binary oppositions, it is generally dismissed as a matter for humor, low-brow entertainment or expressions of sentimentality, rendering ritual encounters with Chihuahuas harmless. The article concludes by asking: what would happen if humans actually started listening to what the Chihuahua is telling them?