The notion of ‘multispecies ethnography’ as explored by Eduardo Kohn in How Forests Think offers a fresh perspective towards the topic of animal abuse and systematic justice, especially in the context of Qatar. Kohn’s article not only distinguishes the connection between human and non-human entities but moreover highlights the importance of recognizing the non-human as a counterpart to our species, rather than an inferior creature. Kohn’s assertions embrace the non-human and the human as a singular identity in an attempt to free the human mind of its own ‘mental enclosures’ fostered by the idea of human exclusivity (Kohn, 22). It is an interesting negation from posthumanist ideals that decree the human as a creature above all other forms of intelligences and life forms, and alternatively paints the human as one with animals and and every other non-human being. As of modern times, especially with capitalism at its peak, the reinforcement and intensification of human exclusivity and superiority has become a regular standard in a capitalist setting. The idea of reaching self-actualization has infiltrated our minds so much that we have become desensitized to other life forms that do not directly benefit us. Perhaps this is what Kohn is alluding to when referring to our ‘mental enclosures’ and the toxicity derived from the human ego. To think of the animal as an equal is liberating in the eyes of Kohn, however, how does this idea fit in the modern narrative?
On the 10th of July 2022, 29 dogs situated in an industrial compound were killed by 4 Qatari men who opened fire and killed dogs at random (The Guardian, 2022). The suspected perpetrators remain unidentified till this day, and their assumed motives are not fully understood. As echoed in the article, some activists reported that the prime motive of these shooters, as articulated by one of the men to the security in the factory, was due to a dog biting the son of one of the angry men. Some activists even believe that their motives were baseless, and that their actions were due to the fact that Islam identifies dogs as ‘unclean’ and this provoked the inclination to harm them. Despite the outrage this scene causes, Qatari authorities failed to update the raging public on this case, and did not announce or confirm any legal proceedings taken against the four men. This brings us to our question of how would multispecies ethnography solve or approach this issue? Is it an effective appeal in a contemporary society? These questions highlight the evident hierarchy established between man and the animal in which man possesses epistemological, systematic, societal and general advantage. An animal can not revolt, nor can they speak, nor stage an uproar, nor take legal action, nor can they showcase calculated defiance. It is not enough to merely approach humankind with the appeal to look at animals as their equals, simply due to their lack of resources and advantages. This proves to be the prime cause of the dichotomy between animals and man, as witnessed in the case study presented, and why humans will never affirm their respect or complete solidarity with animals. If there were such a thing, the 29 dogs would’ve received some form of justice, equity or even an honoring. However, none were shown.
Sources used:
Guardian News and Media. (2022, July 21). Outrage in Qatar over shooting of 29 dogs as it prepares for World Cup. The Guardian. Retrieved October 9, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/21/gunmen-kill-29-dogs-and-puppies-in-qatar
