40% Of Americans Would Rather Save A Dog’s Life Over A Foreign Tourist’s

Dillon Cheverere13 years ago

One way I typically gather pertinent information in judging someone is to ask them this question: “Would you throw a six-week-old golden retriever puppy into traffic for $100,000. And you have to pet it for three minutes and name it before you do.” If they say they would do it, even after a long and heartfelt deliberation, I automatically assume that person is a scumbag, and our relationship is immediately stifled. If they couldn’t violently murder the puppy for 100 grand, they’re good in my book.

How could anyone not love dogs? Most Americans sure as hell do.

From Elite Daily:

Researchers gave over 500 participants the hypothetical scenario in which a bus is rushing towards a dog and a human. When asked who they would save, most participants first wanted to know exactly what kind of human was about to die if they withheld assistance.

While everyone would save a sibling, grandparent or friend over a seemingly stray dog, 40% of those surveyed, including 46% female participants, would save the animal over a foreign tourist.

It’s easy to glance at these numbers and come to the simple to conclusion that many Americans are racist, nationalist, self-indulging assholes. While there are certainly many Americans that fall in these categories (as there are in every other country in the world), I know the reason for these gaudy numbers is that Americans just really, really, REALLY love their dogs.

Using a dog as a subject in an either-or scenario is a data skewer, an unfair matchup. Frankly, I’m surprised that 40% wasn’t higher. Dogs are too awesome to pit up against a foreigner. They’re friendly, loyal, unconditionally-loving animals. It’s not to say a foreign tourist can’t possess any of these redeeming qualities, but the dog’s got the whole package. And they don’t talk funny.

Dogs, we love them.

[via Elite Daily]