[Opinion] Politicians and Dogs

Dogs are men`s best friends but they are mean animals at the same time. People believe that dogs are loyal and devoted, citing they are obedient and well-trained to catch thieves. But they also use such expressions as `dog-eat-dog competition` or `serving dogs,` comparing their best friends to lowly existence. In Christianity, dogs are a guardian protecting herds of sheep and a symbol of loyalty. With Muslims, however, they are seen as a symbol of corruption and greed. Greek poet and philosopher Apolaus once noted, ˝Dogs, with their black and golden faces appearing in turn, are messengers traveling between the heaven and the hell.˝ As such, dogs live in the two different worlds of brightness and darkness.

Scholars studying symbolism point to that dogs can see things humans cannot see and the world of human subconsciousness and unconsciousness. This is why they are men`s friends during daytime and messenger of death at night in many myths. This two-side nature of dogs reminds people of power. Dogs, in fact, are often used to describe men enclosing power. Shakespeare wroth in King Lear, ˝Men with white beard are clinging to me like dogs so I have this white hairs before having black ones.˝ The king also lamented, ˝Men will become willingly obedient if a dog is in a higher position.˝ Shakespeare was alluring the men`s serving to power in acrid tones.

A newly-published book titled `Dogs That Rule the World` is stealing spotlight for its unique way of comparing the world`s political leaders to dogs. The French author of the book initially wanted to set two categories of `People like Dogs` and `Pretty Puppies,` but he had to categorize big-name politicians into three – hunting/fighting, guarding dogs and pets. The author said humorously that he had to do that since `there are some, who were elected as president through a quite fair process of democratic institutions.` At the dog championships in the U.S., a country full of people like dogs according to the rest of the world, George W. Bush was elected as the best pet for Americans. And he is a fighting dog like his archrival Saddam Hussein, who carries the sign `Watch out the dog, Off limits.`

President Roh, a Korean Jindo, is also in the same category as the two high-profile politicians. He has obstinacy and barks often times regardless of time and places when he gets upset. Yet, he seems vulnerable, too, shedding tears some times. Chong Wae Dae might see the interpretation as unfair and malicious, but the publishing company is worrying about the dogs` rights – what if some animal rights associations get enraged by the book comparing dogs to detestable politicians and take an action to stop circulation of books. Prof. Martin Goman at British Edinburgh University, in fact, says that African hunting dogs consume twice as much energy as people a day. The hard-working dogs might feel insulted and grow aggressive by the comparison to politicians, who are always busy playing games.

Kim Sun-deok, Editorial Writer, yuri@donga.com