I'm a fan of Hasan, but this... Yikes.
He really needs to own up to the situation and visibly change his relationship with Kaya, beyond just controlling the narrative around that clip.
I get that he may come from a different cultural background (my own family sees dogs mainly as “animals that owe obedience”). It can be hard to unlearn that mindset.
But our pets aren’t here to obey us; they need to trust us. We design their environment for their wellbeing, not just our convenience.
There may be many (excuses ) reasons behind his choice to allegedly use a shock collar, which is in most contexts, unjustifiable. But beyond that, the use of her as a prop needs to stop... If there isn’t a real acknowledgment and a visible change in their dynamic (like Kaya being allowed to leave the frame if she wants, or just being active while he streams - because she’s an animal, not a prop), then it’s bye-bye Hasan for me.
I know how incredibly annoying our pets can be, especially when we’re working from home and trying to focus. But even then, taking five minutes to play outside with my pup makes both of us happier. I owe her that respect: I was the one who chose to bring her into my life. I’m her whole world, she makes me happy, and I’m responsible for giving her care and attention in return.
I understand that structural critical Marxism highlights many more “urgent” priorities, but treating a pet with patience and kindness is one of the most coherent ways to actually practice the better world we talk about.
Like… don’t be so swallowed up by the dystopic narratives of the world: look at that fluffy ball you have in front of you and tell me you can’t give her a better now.
I get that when we're used to approaching the world through a logical or structural lens, things like this can seem “minor” or not worth the same level of attention. But that’s exactly where the gap shows, it’s in these everyday, seemingly small interactions where the bigger structures either get repeated or transformed. And recognizing that isn’t about moralizing; it’s about actually taking responsibility for the weight of the position you hold in that imbalance.
My relationship with my pup has made that clear. Her joie de vivre lets me share moments with nature that simply wouldn’t exist without her, and that’s exactly what reminds me why I care so much about trying to build a better present alongside nature, freely and joyfully.
There’s nothing less antifascist than allegedly shocking your dog. What we need are real bonds: relationships built on trust, not just comrades. Not cold, strategic alliances based on utility or affinity before recognizing how fucking amazing it is that we’re alive and get to share our collective existence from a place of care rather than convenience.
I should probably go read some philosophy now.
Bye.
