Perseverance: Reflections from a Conversation with Duane “Dog” Chapman

Perseverance: Reflections from a Conversation with Duane “Dog” Chapman

by Paul A. Ibbetson

On June 24, 2008, I had a lengthy interview with Duane “Dog” Chapman. Chapman is the star of A&E’s returning hit show Bounty Hunter, where he will once again track felons on the run before a nation of thrilled television viewers. Chapman was gracious enough to take a break from what will be season number five of the Bounty Hunter program to talk with me on my radio show the “Conscience of Kansas.” I think the interview had many exciting facets, and I invite readers to watch both part one and part two of the YouTube version of our conversation. What I would like to focus my discussion on today is my own reflections on the controversy surrounding the man known as “Dog” Chapman. Currently, Chapman is attempting a comeback of not only his television program but also a resurrection of his name in the public eye following the racist comments that came to national attention back in November 2007. It is here that those who wish to look beyond the flamboyant tough guy presentation that Chapman exudes can see, if they wish, a bit of character which is often lacking in many individuals whose reputations have not suffered the verbal bashing that Chapman has endured over the past several months. There are no apologies here for Chapman; his words in a private conservation with a family member that were made public were hurtful to many and rightly so. However, while we should not minimize the damaging impact of Chapman’s words, I believe it would also be folly to forget how he handled a situation that threatened both his career and personal name. In an environment today that promotes victimization and the avoidance of accountability, Chapman placed the fault of his statements where many politicians will not; that is, he took the blame head on.

Having apologized in almost every venue possible, Chapman steps back into the public eye in hopes of renewing his former stardom. The question is, will the nation embrace him as before? Some people may refuse to forgive the audio clips of Chapman’s derogatory private statements from 2007; others may remember the man that courageously nabbed the serial rapist Andrew Luster in Mexico, which most certainly saved other women from the most egregious of personal violations. What I observed from my conversation with the man called “Dog” was a unique mixture of the goodness and imperfection that is in all of us. Specifically, Duane Chapman is gregarious but gracious, gruff but extremely kind; he is blunt while also being very articulate.

In short, there are many facets to this individual that the camera may not readily capture. The most notable of these characteristics that caught my eye is that Chapman has a genuineness about him that becomes apparent when discussing his life passion in bounty hunting. Chapman appears to not only understand the dangers involved in dealing with the individuals he tracks, but he also appears to empathize with those same individuals, who due to their life choices, have found themselves with the “Dog” on their heels.

Will Duane “Dog” Chapman reclaim his former popularity? Only the future will tell. However, if I were a betting man, I would say that the odds are in Chapman’s favor as folks tend to gravitate towards people they see as authentic, despite their imperfections. Americans, by their nature, also have an undeniable attraction to those who embody the American Spirit to pick themselves up out of the dirt without complaints or excuses, dust themselves off, and keep on going doing their best. I call this tenacity to overcome life’s hurdles perseverance; Duane Chapman terms it simply as “hanging in there.” Either way, it’s one of the components of success, and you can bet that the man named “Dog” is tracking a full comeback with the same effort he puts into every man hunt. As for me, I hope he finds it.

Paul A. Ibbetson is a published author and lecturer on the Patriot Act. He is a former Chief of Police of Cherryvale, Kansas, and member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. Paul is the author of the book “Living Under The Patriot Act: Educating A Society” and is the host of the award winning radio show the “Conscience of Kansas” on the wildcat 91.9 f.m www.wildcat919.com www.ibbetsonusa.com .

This article is posted at Real Clear Politics.

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Comments

[Debbie]

I never watched his show either, and never cared for him or his wife. Freak show is what comes to mind.

Rosemary: This is not my article or my radio show. This is an Exclusive Right Truth article written by Mr. Paul A. Ibbetson.

I think his writing makes a nice change of pace for readers, don't you?

[Aurora]

I haven't had the opportunity to see his show but he sounds like a great American. I love this quote:

Americans, by their nature, also have an undeniable attraction to those who embody the American Spirit to pick themselves up out of the dirt without complaints or excuses, dust themselves off, and keep on going doing their best.

So true.

[Skunkfeathers]

I never watched Chapman's show in the first place; the comments that made him a firestorm of attention were stupid; but all Chapman needs to do to get forgiveness in the media is become a progressive Democrat. Progressive Democrats can say the stupidest of things, and be excused and protected in the media (for example, Obama's "guns and Bibles" slap at small town America).

Chapman does that, he'll be a folk hero among the freak element.

[Rosemary]

Paladin, is it really all that polite to go around calling people names, especially when you're not doing it to their face? And why must you use all caps? What did Debbie do to you? Please try to calm yourself before you comment. If you cannot, may I recommend that you just don't comment? I know you wouldn't want to be rude, because you want only that which is good for America, right? Have a nice day.

[Rosemary]

I'm looking forward to the interviews on YouTube. I wasn't aware you had a radio program. When is it? Where is it? You can't keep keeping these secrets from us! It just isn't right! ;)

[PALADIN]

I PERSONALLY CAN,T STAND THE GUY. HE IS THE EPITOME OF "WHITE TRASH" AND A BIRTH CONTROL EXPERIMENT GONE BAD!!! AND HIS FAT DISGUSTING WIFE MAKES ME WANNA PUKE!!!! NOT TO MENTION THAT PUNK KID OF HIS. IT"S MY OPINION THAT HE REPRESENTS EVERYTHING THATS WRONG WITH AMERICA. HIM AND HIS FAMILY PUT THE "L" IN LOSER IF YA ASK ME.