Why political name-calling makes little sense in the animal world

While it is true that the last domicile of the Indian wild ass is the Rann of Kutch, chief ministers trading barbs should spare the poor donkey. It is too much to suppose that mulish politicians will deviate from their set theories on the strength of evidence that the donkey is not as asinine as is made out to be. But it must be pointed out that the equine's supposedly major attribute is, in fact, a misrepresentation.

It is rather smart, actually. Not only does it have a prodigious memory, it is known to be less biddable than its handsomer horsey cousin. No doubt that is why annoyed human beings decided that it was downright stubborn rather than merely "independent-minded".

From there, it was but a short step to deeming the Equus asinus to be stupid as well, a misinterpretation perpetuated and played up by poets and playwrights down the ages.

Those prone to using similes from the animal kingdom may need to be reminded that not only do donkeys have long memories, they cannot be spooked into doing anything harmful to their best interests.

And despite the sustained denigration of practically every aspect of their persona, it cannot be denied that empires have been built literally on the backs of donkeys. Therefore, underestimating their worth or capability can prove to be quite foolhardy.