DR. FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI
The phrase “Your dog is Tommy, and my dog is just a dog” symbolizes inequality, bias, and the superficial value society often assigns based on appearances or affiliations. The Kashmiri saying “Aek sund dazaan aab ti, bey sund na dazaan naar” translates to: “One’s burn is from water, but the other’s isn’t even from fire.” This proverb highlights hypocrisy and double standards, where one person exaggerates their own minor troubles while dismissing the severe struggles of others, the metaphor highlights social disparity, favouritism, and human biases, encapsulating the universal yearning for fairness. A variation, “Aek sund dazaan aab ti, bey sund na dazaan petrol ,” underscores the pervasive inequities rooted in societal structures. For those with influence, power, or status, opportunities and privileges abounded, offering access to superior education, healthcare, advertisements and economic benefits. Meanwhile, the less privileged faced systemic neglect, struggling to secure even basic rights. It deeply hurts to be a victim of preferential favouritism, is a deeply painful journey, a pain that lingers from childhood to adulthood. From being overlooked the stories range form for the all-round best award in school be it a trivial nomination of a class monitor position and extends into adulthood, manifesting in missed opportunities for recognition in academics, sports, promotions, State awards, scholarships, acceptance of research papers or articles by certain newspapers ,disparity in allotting advertisement for empanelment of creative endeavours for many media houses. This persistent bias fosters resentment and amplifies existing inequalities, creating a fragile social fabric. In Kashmir, these disparities are starkly evident, where power and privilege provide access to superior opportunities, while the less fortunate struggle for basic rights. The article delves into the impact of favouritism and bias on societal cohesion, emphasizing the profound need for equity and justice to address these systemic issues and fulfill the universal aspiration for fairness.
On a literal level, the statement reflects the common tendency to attribute higher worth to things that are personally valued or esteemed. For instance, in the case of pets, people often show more affection or concern for their own animals than for others. Your dog, “Tommy,” might be treated as part of the family, with a name, grooming, and care, while someone else’s dog is dismissed as “just a dog,” highlighting a disparity in how individuals project value. This behaviour is natural to an extent but problematic when extrapolated to human relationships or societal structures. The implicit message is one of partiality: what is “mine” deserves more consideration than what is “yours,” leading to larger systemic issues when scaled up.
The Symbolism of Preferential Favouritism: The metaphorical weight of “Your dog is Tommy, and my dog is just a dog” speaks to the biases ingrained in human nature. In every sphere of life—be it family, work, or community—favouritism often emerges. The child of a rich, influential parent may receive opportunities unavailable to a less privileged child. Similarly, employees in workplaces might observe that certain individuals receive promotions, recognition, or perks while others, equally capable, are overlooked. This favouritism can have far-reaching consequences:1. Erosion of Meritocracy: When biases take precedence over merit, the system loses its fairness. Talented individuals may be marginalized, creating resentment and reducing overall productivity or growth.2.Social Division: Favouritism fosters inequality, leading to social stratification where certain groups feel neglected or discriminated against.3.Psychological Impact: People who are treated as “lesser” suffer from low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and, in extreme cases, depression.
Social Inequality in the Real World; The metaphor extends to reflect societal inequalities, where some are privileged, and others are not. A stark example is the socioeconomic divide. The wealthy often have access to the best education, healthcare, and opportunities, while the poor struggle to meet basic needs. This disparity echoes the metaphor: “Your dog is Tommy,” representing the affluent who are cherished and nurtured, while “my dog is just a dog” represents the underprivileged who are often ignored. Examples of Inequality; Education: A student in a private international school may receive the best resources, individual attention, and a global perspective. Meanwhile, a student in a poorly funded public school may lack even basic facilities, illustrating the unfair allocation of resources. Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare often depends on socioeconomic status. A wealthy individual can afford premium care, while the poor may be left untreated or dependent on overstretched public health systems. Justice System: The same crime can lead to vastly different outcomes based on the perpetrator’s social standing, connections, or financial resources.
The Role of Perception and Empathy; At the heart of this issue is perception: how people view others and what drives their biases. Human beings naturally prioritize their own needs, interests, and attachments. However, this instinctive partiality can lead to blind spots regarding fairness.
Empathy as a Solution; Empathy is the antidote to such biases. By putting oneself in another’s shoes, it becomes easier to recognize and address inequality. For example, if pet owners could imagine the feelings of another dog owner whose “just a dog” is equally loved, they might approach the situation with greater fairness and respect.
Institutional Favouritism: Institutions, like individuals, are often guilty of assigning value unequally. In educational institutions, workplaces, or governments, favouritism and systemic bias can manifest in various ways:1.Educational Bias: Teachers may unintentionally favour students who are more articulate, well-dressed, or academically inclined, sidelining those with different strengths.2.Workplace Favouritism: Managers may favour employees who share similar interests, backgrounds, or personalities, regardless of their performance or contributions.3.Political Bias: Governments often cater to the interests of influential groups, neglecting marginalized communities. Such biases, when unchecked, reinforce the metaphor of unequal value: one’s own “dog” is a priority, while others are dismissed.
Call for Ending Human Biases and Unfairness, Bridging the gap: toward equity; to counteract this bias, the concept of equity—providing individuals with what they need to succeed—must replace blind equality. Equity recognizes that everyone starts from a different place and requires tailored support to reach the same level of opportunity. Practical Steps should be towards awareness and education. Teaching people about unconscious biases can help them make more objective decisions. Governments and organizations must adopt policies that prioritize equity and inclusivity, ensuring that resources are distributed based on need rather than favouritism. Empowering marginalized groups through education, skills training, and representation can help level the playing field.
Your Dog and My Dog: A Call for Compassion; Beyond societal structures, the metaphor also speaks to the individual’s responsibility to treat others with compassion and fairness. Just as people cherish their own “dogs,” they should extend kindness to others’ “dogs,” understanding that value is universal and not limited to personal attachments. Examples of Compassion in Action; Pet Owners: Animal shelters and stray dog care initiatives demonstrate how society can extend care to “just a dog” rather than focusing solely on beloved pets. Human Relationships: Offering support to acquaintances or strangers in need, rather than reserving help exclusively for friends and family, fosters a culture of inclusivity.
Who will take this call.?Humanity thrives on the principle of the Universal need for fairness. A world where everyone’s is valued empathetically on merit equally fosters trust, collaboration, and harmony. By breaking free from biases, people can create a society where all individuals, regardless of their background or affiliations, are treated with equal dignity and respect.
The phrase “Your dog is Tommy, and my dog is just a dog” encapsulates a profound truth about human nature and societal structures. It highlights the biases that pervade personal relationships, institutions, and social systems. However, it also provides a framework for reflection and change. By cultivating empathy, promoting equity, and fostering fairness, we can transcend the metaphor and create a world where every “dog,” regardless of its name or owner, is cherished and respected equally. This transformation begins with recognizing the inherent value in all individuals and extending the same care and consideration to others as we do to ourselves.
The author is a clinical auditor and healthcare policy analyst specializing in healthcare quality standards and patient safety. An expert in healthcare reform and quality improvement, Accreditation can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com.
