By Sania Iqbal Siddiqui
Long have I wrestled with the idea about the type of language used during arguments, disputes or in moments of extreme emotions (usually negative). The derogatory words we use have very the impact on other people, society, and our own personality.
Just take a moment to consider. Why do dogs have negative connotations attached to them in our society? Why do we consider this species inferior to others? We prefer using ‘sher ka bacha’ for those individuals we consider brave and daring but use ‘kuttay ka bacha’ when hurtling abuse towards others. I witness the display of this linguistic magnificence around me and on social media.
If we are truly an intelligent species, then we must act with intelligence too. I believe dogs are far graceful than us. A video of a dog being rounded up by hundreds of people and mercilessly being killed in Kharadar, Karachi has shook me to my core and I have trouble sleeping sometimes as a result of revisiting the horrific incident.
We have seen videos and pictures of mother dogs along with their pups poisoned. Why? Because they were barking. Barking to protect their pups. Wouldn’t human parents do the same if the life of their children is in danger?
Sania Iqbal Siddiqui
In retrospect, dogs are considered one of the loyal companions for man apart from horses. There have been documented cases throughout history where dogs have devoted themselves to man. This brings to mind the famous case of a shiba inu in Japan called Hachiko. Hachiko is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, for whom he continued to wait for over nine years following Ueno’s death.
A short video was shared by ACF Animal Rescue – Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation to shed light on the issue. ACF is an organisation that is dedicated to housing and rehabilitating stray animals. The video highlights the use of the word ‘kuttiya’ or ‘bitch’ and how rampant the misuse of the word is in our society. We have seen videos and pictures of mother dogs along with their pups poisoned. Why? Because they were barking. Barking to protect their pups. Wouldn’t human parents do the same if the life of their children is in danger?
We must ask ourselves; why use language that has normalised the abuse towards these creatures?
Sania Siddiqui
We refer to dumb people as ‘ghadday ka bacha’ or ‘ghadda’. Whereas we see donkeys are used to carrying heavy load on their backs and are beaten when they do not comply. Many families in Pakistan rely on donkeys as their primary source of income and means of transportation, but it does not give those rights to mettle out cruelty towards them and neglect their health. Often, we have seen graphic images of wounded donkeys. Donkeys internalise pain and they are emotionally traumatised after being abused and beaten up.
So, we must ask ourselves; why use language that has normalised the abuse towards these creatures? Every day, a story runs on social media about countless incidents regarding the harsh treatment meted out towards dogs, donkeys, and other animals. Children throwing stones at small puppies who are crying for their mothers and kittens being run over because the drivers of vehicles are brain dead.
As someone who herself is an animal rights activist and a menagerie of animals at home, I shudder to think what their lives would have been like if it weren’t for me and my family adopting them. I am also learning how to minimise the use of other terms which have negative connotations attached to them by being conscious of the language I use.
If we can educate ourselves and our children towards using language that does not demean the already neglected species of our habitat, perhaps the abuse will stop. Perhaps, teach them empathy and kindness towards Allah’s creatures. Perhaps, this will enable them to develop good communication skills.
The writer is a poet by passion and an academician by profession. She strives to create awareness on the importance of being able to create a pluralistic society. Sania is also a published poet.
