This piece was first published almost 40 years ago, but the sentiment still rings true. - Ed.
“What does your husband think of all this?” I was at first puzzled by the question, then realized that rabbit fostering is assumed to be my affair, only tolerated by my husband. “Poor Bob,” I’ve heard whispered.
This assumption is outright sexism. Bunnies are viewed as sweet, soft, cuddly, passive, helpless creatures that appeal to women. Yet many rabbits are courageous, loyal, self-respecting, and bold—traits supposedly admired by men.
Our stereotypes of “rabbit lovers” (women and children) can even work against rabbit welfare. Last week Bob rescued some rabbits from an animal shelter. The attendant (a woman) was expecting a woman rescuer (I had been called earlier), and even though my husband identified himself, the attendant was reluctant to let him have the rabbits–in spite of the fact that they were to be euthanized the next morning.
There’s nothing gender-specific in appreciating rabbits, and we’re doing them a disservice to assume that there is. Individually, some rabbits are better suited for little girls, but also individually, some are excellent pals for men. Mechanics, construction workers, taxi drivers, and military men have adopted rabbits from us. We are happy to report that the typical “rabbit lover” is as fictitious as the Easter Bunny.
Sexism and Bunny Lovers was originally published in House Rabbit Journal v1n4.
©Copyright Marinell Harriman. All Rights Reserved. Republished with the permission of the author.
