[Freewriterr]

Well first off the word Hermaphrodite, is something most IS people do not like, for the record. I say most because there may be others that could careless. For me it just sounds so wierd! LOL

I personally believe the media has completely ignored this issue when it comes to the mass population. I do not think that if the TRUTH about the infant surgeries was put on 20/20 or Nightline etc. specials, the majority of people would ever not rise to protest and support organizations that are taking on the medical arena that has completely botched the whole thing with IS people.

Because Intersex evidence goes against the separation of sexes as being the only natural thing ( and power is derived from such assumptions kept in place) for a person to be born as, you know good ole male female only stuff, we are left out of the fold. So many people do not even know IS people exist. With some stats showing the numbers as 1:500 babies being born with atypical genitals, how is this not suggificant, and how is it not normal??My own opinion here,

People that support surgery on infants are not even thinking clearly, they only care about social norms being met, and to hell with the quality of life a child can have if they are allowed to be kept in tact, the way they are born! Having docs play god and decide what sex you are is wrong, down right cruel!

The laws are also all flawed in the US surrounding your rights to changing your labels on Birth Certificates etc. all depends on how screwed the state you were born in is! No consistency what so ever in the laws. And no human rights being addressed for babies that cannot speak for themselves, or for adults that can and go unheard, seen as freaks, instead of the normal people we are.

So what is my opinion of media coverage?? They do not report things that they do not see as being of public interest, they do not report things accurately without adding sensationalism to it, making it a freak show, but it is sad, because if you ask me, and when I do talk to people in the mass public, they are down right in shock that such things are happening in the US and the public is being left in the dark from it. So if you ask me, it is under reported and totally lop sided to the docs that are covering their asses being heard not the people who's lives have been effected.

I can handle the ignorance of people that actually support the docs and their freakish ideas, because I believe they are few and far between, what I can't handle is the fact that the truth about what is happening is not being heard for the Medical outrage it in fact is....there would be a public out cry if people really knew the truth! But what little I have seen, has been docs on the news and in articles excusing and lying about data they say supports what they have done. There is NO supportive data for the crap going on. But research can render you whatever results you would like them to if you work at it enough. Sometimes even with little effort of twisting things. It does indeed come down to the bottom line....money! A surgery for altering a babies genitals is expensive and is covered by Insurance, surgery to alter or correct if you will a adults genitals is considered elective and is not covered by insurance, now does that not lead to a lot of questions on it's own???

Side Note:

While you are in college there is the idea that we can go save the world, make changes, do things that others failed to achieve, and you know grab it by the tail. But in my opinion, as a Social researcher myself, the world does not allow those of us that want to really make a difference to budge, unless we do so in a very non traditional sense....the games run so deep my friend!

Yes you can make a difference! Just remember that it will require doing so in ways that will require you getting very creative! Because the field you are desiring to enter, is one that is largely oppressive and very busy kissing ass to money machines around them. it is truly all politics, so reach outside the traditional routes if you really want to make a difference...I sure have had to as a Sociologist, but the rewards are great...just remember you stay broke this way! LOL Ok, this too is my opinion, but I think you were asking for our opinions, so I was feeling free to write it ...hope this is the stuff that you were asking about.

If you read through out this site, you will also find a lot of good info for your project. Please write with any specific questions that you have, and while some may not feel at ease to answer, I will do my best to help you out. As a teacher and a not so long ago College student, I do understand the passion that goes with this type of project... it is hard for people to open up so please understand that ok? And also realize just because I tell you something does not mean that all people feel as I do. I am only speaking for myself! What you may be attempting to do is far more complex than I think you realize, and that is what Betsy is saying to you. But a good professor will realize it as well. You may want to narrow your focus to how IS people feel towards the media, or something like that, the rest seems to me to be too broad. Just a suggestion here.

Well take care and good luck!

Best Wishes,

Freewritter