Twitter recently saw heated exchanges over popular Indian YouTuber “Dhruv Rathee” being Called as a “German Shepherd” Dog by some accounts on the platform. This odd nickname has a complex background related to nationalism and ideological positions in Indian politics. The person who stays in Germany, left India to make money and fulfill his Goals, explaining to the people of India about Hypocrisy and Dictatorship.
If we search for a German Shepherd Dog, we found Dhruv Rathee images with it. It is the same like Rahul Gandhi being referred to as “Pappu” on social media and Imran Khan of Pakistan referred to as Bikari.
Who is Dhruv Rathee( Nicknamed as German Shepherd by Twitter)?
Dhruv Rathee is an Indian YouTuber and social media influencer with over 5 million subscribers on YouTube. He is known for his vocal commentary on Indian politics, government policies, economy, and society from a largely left-liberal perspective.
Through well-researched videos, he analyzes statements made by politicians and frequently fact-checks claims across party lines. Supporters see him as an independent voice holding the powerful accountable. However, critics allege that his analysis is biased and he selectively criticizes right-wing policies while ignoring issues with leftist ideas.
Dhruv Rathee is called German shepherd for a reason. He barks when his masters ask him to bark. https://t.co/zJva7QQ5Y9
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) February 28, 2024
The Context Behind the “German Shepherd” Jibe
The “German Shepherd” jibe used by some Indian social media users refers to Dhruv Rathee’s ideological stance. The term draws an analogy between his liberal-socialist opinions and the common perception of German policies as left-leaning.
Dhruv Rathee political views are considered “foreign,” implying that his loyalties lie beyond India, similar to a German Shepherd dog’s devotion to its Western owner. This idea connects to a wider claim by certain Indian groups that global left liberal values conflict with traditional Indian principles.
By labeling Rathee as a German Shepherd, the criticism tries to paint his arguments against certain government actions as part of an alleged “anti-India” agenda dictated by foreign influencers. The term questions his national loyalty in spite of being an Indian citizen.
Twitter Debate Over the Label Highlights Polarization
Dhruv Rathee sharply criticized being called a “German Shepherd,” calling it a sign of biased attitudes. Many people supported him, saying that criticizing government policies is a key part of democracy and has nothing to do with one’s nationality
Despite this, some users persisted with the “German Shepherd” comments, insisting that leftists can’t be true Indian patriots. This led to a heated debate between supporters and right-leaning users about dissent, free speech, nationalism, and accusations of sedition.
Many highlighted the contradiction of Indian “nationalists” who praise Western lifestyles under liberalism while criticizing Indian commentators with similar views. These harsh exchanges underscored the deep divisions in public discussions.
Understanding the Impact of Controversy on Democratic Debate in India
This controversy shows how difficult it is to openly discuss and criticize government actions in India. When people who criticize the government are called “anti-national,” it stops meaningful conversations from happening.
Instead of really listening to and considering what critics say, some people just question their intentions. This can scare and silence them, limiting healthy debates that are important for democracy. Also, calling certain ideas “foreign” shows fear and narrow-mindedness among some groups in India.
The debate on Twitter also shows how social media can make political divisions worse. These platforms often create spaces where only similar opinions are heard, and anyone who thinks differently faces anger and attacks. This kind of harsh treatment can discourage people from sharing their own views, pushing them to just go along with the majority.
This situation highlights why we need more polite and thoughtful debates. When someone disagrees, we should respond with clear, reasonable arguments, not just accuse them of wrong intentions. If we don’t improve the way we discuss and handle different opinions, India’s democracy could suffer. Discussions might just turn into bitter fights that don’t solve anything and shut down free speech.
The choice is clear: we should either support a wide range of ideas and ways of expressing them, or we might end up in a situation where everyone has to think the same way, which can lead to a more controlled and less free society.
Disclaimer: It is Twitter hashtag which is saying Dhruv Rathi as German Shepherd, we donot believe Dhruv Rathi belongs to German Shepherd breed, it is people trends which calls him German shepherd on Twitter
