Pet Peeves
The MAN|November 01, 2021
What’s a dog or cat got to do with your masculinity?
Bijoy Venugopal
Pet Peeves

WHEN Angela Merkel called on Vladimir Putin in 2007, she found that the Russian president had invited an unexpected guest to their meeting — Koni, his big black Labrador. It seemed like a casual ice-breaker to have a cuddlesome pooch sniffing around two world leaders. But the Russian president, not known for his subtlety, was aware that the then German Chancellor, who had once been attacked by a dog, would be uncomfortable in Koni’s presence. Putin employed the dog as a power lever to subdue a woman widely acknowledged as a charismatic and influential global leader. Press pictures show the Russian premier looking smug and visibly enjoying Merkel’s discomfort. She later said, “I understand why he has to do this — to prove he’s a man. He’s afraid of his own weakness.”

It wasn’t the first time that the Russian strongman, famed for photo-ops that showed him swimming shirtless in an icy lake and riding an enormous brown bear, had used a dog to make a statement. Former US President George W Bush recalled how Putin had scoffed at Bernie, his little Scottish terrier.

Putin chose a dog, and not a cat, for good reason. Ever since they evolved from wild wolves, dogs have been bred to suit every human need, and match every human personality. Big, fierce dogs have long been the macho man’s ally. The image of a strong dog straining at a leash, fangs bared and muzzle furrowed in a menacing snarl, has been associated with power, aggression and manliness.

Denne historien er fra November 01, 2021-utgaven av The MAN.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 01, 2021-utgaven av The MAN.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE MANSe alt
The 2023 Bucket List
The MAN

The 2023 Bucket List

Before the world as we know it changes forever, here's a partial list of experiences to try in the year ahead

time-read
3 mins  |
January 01,2023
Do You Have The Time To Read Your Watch?
The MAN

Do You Have The Time To Read Your Watch?

Audemars Piguet Starwheel Code 11.59 is the latest among watches with unusual layouts

time-read
3 mins  |
January 01,2023
THEY CAME THEY RODE, THEY CONQUERED
The MAN

THEY CAME THEY RODE, THEY CONQUERED

FOUR WOMEN BIKERS TRAVERSING THE UNTOUCHED TERRAIN OF EASTERN ARUNACHAL ON THEIR DUCATI MULTISTRADA BIKES. THE 'EXPLORE BEYOND' BIKING EXPEDITION WAS AN INITIATIVE OF ARUNACHAL TOURISM TO SHOWCASE THE STATE AS A SAFE DESTINATION FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS. THE RIDE WAS FLAGGED OFF BY CM PEMA KHANDU FROM THE BANKS OF THE SIANG AT PASIGHAT AND WOUND UP AT THE ORANGE FESTIVAL OF ADVENTURE & MUSIC, DAMBUK, WHERE THE BIKERS LET THEIR HAIR DOWN AND PARTIED LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW. YUP, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN, AND IN ARUNACHAL THEY CAN - SAFELY

time-read
4 mins  |
January 01,2023
ΤΗΕ RIGHT ΤΙΜΕ
The MAN

ΤΗΕ RIGHT ΤΙΜΕ

AS CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY BECOME BURNING ISSUES, WATCH BRANDS TOO ARE DOING THEIR BIT TO SUPPORT CAUSES, BOTH THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL THE TIMEPIECES THEY ARE CREATING AND THE INITIATIVES THEY ARE UNDERTAKING

time-read
4 mins  |
January 01,2023
THE GOLDENPASS EXPRESS
The MAN

THE GOLDENPASS EXPRESS

A LUXURY SWISS WINTER ESCAPE ROUTE

time-read
5 mins  |
January 01,2023
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
The MAN

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

WITH BOUTIQUE LODGES AND ΝΟ CROWDS, THE MORE EXCLUSIVE TEHLA ZONE OF SARISKA NATIONAL PARK IS EMERGING AS THE DESTINATION OF CHOICE FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS

time-read
6 mins  |
January 01,2023
LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO SPYDER TOP-DOWN ADRENALINE MACHINE
The MAN

LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO SPYDER TOP-DOWN ADRENALINE MACHINE

A machine sculpted to perfection, the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder is a sensational car in every sense. It is fast, it's beautiful, and it is just special

time-read
4 mins  |
January 01,2023
CARS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2023
The MAN

CARS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2023

WITH THE devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the acute supply chain disruptions caused by it beginning to ease, the automotive industry is rapidly accelerating out of the deep crisis it found itself two years ago.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 01,2023
DATING A SINGLE MOM
The MAN

DATING A SINGLE MOM

IT’S A COOL Friday evening. She is sitting with a cup of hot chocolate and unwinding with her phone. Her dating app has 10 unread messages. She hopes that at least one match will lead to a conversation and a date that weekend.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 01,2023
YOUR SHIP HAS COME IN
The MAN

YOUR SHIP HAS COME IN

Go-karting, the world’s first freefall dry slide on sea, musical shows, spa, artwork... this new ship has raised the bar on many levels!

time-read
2 mins  |
January 01,2023