I just saw a news clip about a zebra in Kenya.  This zebra is different from the rest because it has dots in addition to stripes.  Well, this zebra is being shunned by the herd.

Have you got a link to that?
Alison

If you scroll to the bottom of this link, there are a couple of good photos of zebras with spots:

http://www.environment.ucla.edu/ctr/news...ntid=10947

Alison

Except the Polka Dot Zerbas aren't acting socially disadvantaged, are they? They're ostracised in the same way ugly people are.

If an individual herd animal is shunned by the others that animal is at increased risk of predation and therefore will not live to pass on its differing genes.  As somebody once said, if you're in a herd you don't have to be the fastest runner when being hunted.  You just have to not be the slowest, as that's the one which will be taken.  Also, in a herd there are in effect many eyes and ears on the lookout for danger at any one time.  But without the herd, you're on your own.  Solitary animals have to either be invulnerable to predation or really REALLY good at camouflage.  
Alison

I really beleive; metaphorically speaking; Aspie humans survive through camouflage.  We're socially at a disadvantage; often less equipped to fight both verbally and physically; while at the same time regarded as a scapegoat and target for shunning and bullying.  The kid who ducks off into the school library at recess is but one example of this.

I totally agree there.  I've found that adult Aspies I know tend to get very good at mimicry.  We can copy NT behaviour but the behaviour itself isn't innate, we have to study and copy. I "pass" in this way (less now that I'm older, I find that I just really don't give a stuff if other people think I'm odd, and it seems you're more allowed to go your own way and be eccentric once you're middle-aged).  But I used to be that nerdy kid who ducked off into the school library at recess!
Alison (who has found that age does have rewards after all )