ooooh, boy!
This is REALLY a heated topic. In my opinion...if you are afraid of a particular type of dog, you probably SHOULD avoid it. YOu are going to put of "I'm scared of you!" vibes, and the dog is going to pick up on that. I think that being afraid of a dog is the best way to get bitten by one. (Wait, did someone already say that?)
Anyway, as far as Pitties. They are pretty much one of my favorite dogs. They're the sweetest, most loving, loyal, athletic, entertaining, clowinish, dork-head dogs I've ever met. Don't get me wrong. I love the big drooly Newfs and stuff. But, when I want to go running or swimming or hiking, you cannot beat the stamina of a pitty! They're GREAT! My pitty X Bo was the best babysitter to my young nephew. He protected my daughter on walks. He ruled. He was euthanized because someone claimed that he bit her (he jumped up on her...long story) and I'm sure that they wouldn't have euthanized him if he'd been another breed.
There's definitely prejudice out there. We HAVE to acknowledge it or we won't get very far. Those of us that love these dogs ARE sensitive, and we jump at the chance to dispel myths. Kristina, one of your first comments was that you would run the other way if you saw a pitty and another one was that they are "all jaws". These are the comments that get us pitty lovers' panties in a bundle, and I'm sure that you are feeling people's responses to those comments.
I don't have to tell you that all dogs bite. You know that. You know, it is funny that the Pyr comparison was made. I've ALWAYS thought of Pyrs as aggressive dogs. My whole life. Well, not aggressive, but just not to be trusted because of their jobs. They are really bred to be more of a guard dog than a pitty. Pitties were companions and hunting dogs. Not guard dogs. (in the beginning) More like...a beagle or a bloodhound. I guess. Anyway...just goes to show you that perception is truly everything.