Bizarro is brought to you today by the Chihuahuaitis Awareness Foundation. Far too few Americans know anything about the heartbreaking syndrome called "Chihuahuaitis." Perhaps it is because Elephantitis grabs the lion's share of the headlines when it comes to deformities named for animals.
Some common misconceptions about those suffering from Chihuahuaitis:
1. Because their head is so small, many people assume they have a diminished intellect. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, because their brains are concentrated in a smaller area they work faster and more efficiently, like with concentrated cleaners and juices, and most score higher on standardized I.Q. tests than their "normal-headed" counterparts.
2. Because some or all of their "parts" are smaller than average, people often assume they have physical limitations. While this is occassionally true (a tiny Chihuahua-sized body with normal-sized feet can limit one's mobility, for instance), for the most part they are able to participate normally in all of the activities that anyone else can. Sometimes their small size can even be a benefit. Spelunking is one example – a person with Chihuahuaitis can explore parts of a cave that average-sized people can not fit into.
The squeaky quality of their voices can also be a problem for them. Many people report being annoyed by their so-called "barking" and have difficulty understanding what the person is saying. With a little patience you can discern their words, however, and if all else fails, just give them a treat. That's more than likely what they were yapping about anyway.
I hope that cartoons like this will urge readers to consider the feelings and needs of those with Chihuahuaitis more carefully and help to make strides toward integrating them more fully into society.
