Hermaphrodite pony finds friendship?

[apple]

This article shows very clearly, how stupid people project their own ridiculous notions upon and consequently misperceive, everything and anything to do with "sex and gender".

Quotes from the article:

"And to add to his confusion he has been taken into care, undergone a sex change operation and been re-homed - only to be shunned by his peers."

"Before they even touched him, we noticed they flapped their ears back, which is a sign they don't like someone, as if to say "you're not normal".

Hermaphrodite pony finds friendship?

[JLF87]

I highly doubt that the other ponies were shunning that pony for its gender identity as perceived by humans. Most social animals don't seem to care whether they're associating with a male or female of the same species unless it's mating time--otherwise, wouldn't these horses also be socially rejecting geldings and spayed mares?

Similar note: I had a book written in the early 1990s about goat-raising that discussed the prevalence of hermaphroditism in some breeds of dairy goats. I'll never forget this quotation: "I advise all readers to immediately euthanize any hermaphroditic goats that they may encounter. This is to spare yourself, the goat itself, and the rest of your herd the tragedy of living with one of these creatures." I never could figure out what that was all about... I think it was just indicative of the writer's deep-rooted gender issues.

[apple]

Originally Posted by JLF87

I highly doubt that the other ponies were shunning that pony for its gender identity as perceived by humans. Most social animals don't seem to care whether they're associating with a male or female of the same species unless it's mating time--otherwise, wouldn't these horses also be socially rejecting geldings and spayed mares?

Very good critique JLF87.

One look at the weird hairstyle, they gave the pony for the photo op, also makes it clear that the "article" is propaganda and not news.



I swear to you that the media is public enemy number one. The media determines who gets into power, who stays in power, and the media, to a great extent, even determines what the power structure can and cannot do. The media creates and sustains public misconceptions and prejudices, even perpetuating the same of all kinds, and by it's power the media shapes the perception and desires of people the world over. All of this, despite the good intentions of the many dedicated and intelligent journalists, and others involved, leads to one inescapable conclusion. Whoever controls media broadcast and publication content, in the last, are the very same who make this world what it is today.

[JOS]

I don't understand why vets would feel they HAD to give this pony a sex "change" operation since it has survived quite happily for the first half of it's life that way..... it's also really bizarre that people who work with horses would not realize that ANY new animal introduced into a herd, would be subject to fights etc until a natural pecking order was established.... Like Apple said, it's just the media adding their own twist.
I do wonder why the had been "taken into care" though.... if the animal had been kept in isolation then it would have problems socialising?.... I guess I'm just speculating though.

[apple]

Originally Posted by JOS

I don't understand why vets would feel they HAD to give this pony a sex "change" operation since it has survived quite happily for the first half of it's life that way..... it's also really bizarre that people who work with horses would not realize that ANY new animal introduced into a herd, would be subject to fights etc until a natural pecking order was established.... Like Apple said, it's just the media adding their own twist.

I do wonder why the had been "taken into care" though.... if the animal had been kept in isolation then it would have problems socialising?.... I guess I'm just speculating though.

Begs the question doesn't it? Is this story 100% phony? Is the pony even intersexed at all, and if so did they perform a sex change on it? Does the media just make stuff up? You bet it does.

[mohnblume]

Originally Posted by apple

I swear to you that the media is public enemy number one. The media determines who gets into power, who stays in power, and the media, to a great extent, even determines what the power structure can and cannot do.

So ... make the media to your best friend!

[apple]

Those with more money and power have already done that unfortunately.

[Dianne]

Most social animals don't seem to care whether they're associating with a male or female of the same species unless it's mating time--otherwise, wouldn't these horses also be socially rejecting geldings and spayed mares?

Having raised and trained both horses and dogs I can, with certainty, state that both respond to gender, not to "apparent physical sex". I don't know if they get their cues from body language or scent but the difference in behavior can be very obvious particularly in a mixed-gender heard or pack where there is an established social structure.