On Reclaiming The Word “Askal”
In scientific literatures, a street dog is called a free-ranging urban dog. Translate “street dog” to Tagalog, it’s simply “asong kalye”. So when I use the word Askal, I mean “asong kalye”, street dogs IN GENERAL. It doesn’t have anything to do with breed, or what type of dog it is. And more importantly, it should not be used interchangeably with “Aspin” because they don’t mean the same thing. I do support the campaign to call pet native dogs as Aspins. But when referring to street dogs, I prefer the term Asong Kalye or Askal for short.
This is a sensitive subject and the amount of negative reaction proves that people reject the derogatory connotation the term has earned, and by extension, the term itself. Why “askal” became such a loaded term is due to the fact that we have deliberately abused the word’s integrity. We have used it to insult our fellowmen. We have used it to insult the beauty and intelligence of native dogs. We have used it to insult anything that is perceived to be vulgar or ill-bred. This is exactly the kind of misconception that I am trying to change.
We all agree about the unfortunate state of the Askal. Most of them were abused, abandoned or neglected by their irresponsible owners. But I also see the unfortunate state of most house dogs that are perceived and treated as “special”, but are always confined. The irony is, people pity the Askal, but when we compare their pets’ behaviors to that of an Askal, the contrast is so evident. This is where my concept of “Ugaling Askal” comes in. I have observed street dogs since I was a kid. When they walk, their proud and graceful gait rivals that of show dogs. When they see people and other animals, they remain relaxed and don’t attack unless you provoke them. When they want to cross the street, their timing is impeccable so as not to get hit by the vehicles. In other words, they are street smart. So by ugaling askal, I meant the well-behaved and well-adjusted behavior exhibited by street dogs.
I am AGAINST “letting your dogs roam the streets alone”. I am well aware that that is both illegal and irresponsible as stated in the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. So how can we relate and develop the concept of “ugaling askal” in our pet dogs without violating the law and one’s common sense? Simple. Walk your dogs regularly, expose them to different environments, teach them not to attack strangers and other dogs. Because essentially, that’s what an Askal is, well-behaved and well-adjusted, because they have learned to adapt to the pressures in the environment; whereas, the same pressures would cause stress to dogs who have been kept inside the house most of their lives.
So when you hear me use the term ASKAL, know that I am reclaiming the word and renouncing the slur. I hope the message is clear. – LZ
ABOUT LESTRE ZAPANTA (LZ)
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LESTRE ZAPANTA 