Gender Testing

Until just now, I had no idea that there was even such a thing as gender testing. Even more amazing, though, I had no idea that one could fail a gender test. It's not that unthinkable that someone would fail a math test, spelling test, or even a driving test (I did that once upon a time myself), but a gender test? How exactly do you fail a gender test?

According to a recent article from BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6188775.stm) an Indian woman (?) athlete managed to do just that. The article says that she has been stripped of her silver medal (among other things in the name of this test) from the Asian Games. Amazingly, this is not the first gender test that she has been through. She passed one at the Asian track and field championship in South Korea last year where she also won silver.

So what's different this time? Did she forget to study? Was this an essay test instead of the multiple choice exam they gave in South Korea? Did she just not get a good breakfast? They always say to eat a good breakfast before you take a major exam.

Details on the test itself are rather sketchy in the article, but they did point out that it involved a gynecologist, an endocrinologist, and a psychologist. Now, I can see where the first two of those are pretty objective about the parts and pieces and how they work, but I wonder how the psychologist plays into the mix. I imagine that they ask deeply probing questions like:

1. Shopping is…
   
   1. A fascinating experience that is even better when shared.
      
   2. A method used to extract secrets from terrorists.
      
2. What does "nothing is wrong" mean?
   
   1. Start guessing and apologizing or I'll kill you in your sleep.
      
   2. Oh crap.
      
3. The best time for sex is…
   
   1. When your mood and your schedule are right.
      
   2. Do you wanna? I've got a few minutes.
      
4. When you observe a man doing a simple task, you think…
   
   1. That frickin' baboon is doing it wrong and ruining everything.
      
   2. Why would I watch a man do a simple task?
      
5. When a man doesn't notice your new hair color it means…
   
   1. He no longer loves you.
      
   2. Hair has different colors?
      
6. After a man explains the undeniable logic of his point of view…
   
   1. It proves that he just doesn't get it.
      
   2. Case closed!
      
7. Your reaction to this test is…
   
   1. Bastard!
      
   2. Ha ha! You're dead, dude.
      

Sample test slightly modified from Scott Adams blog on this same topic.