It was great to see old friends and meet new ones at the BNM Summit in Nashville last week. Those who were there had a great learning opportunity. Those who weren’t there should make it a point to attend next year. One topic that several presenters and panelists spoke about is an ongoing topic on Talk Radio.
We heard about “woke” topics, more specifically gender. When talk radio hosts opine about it, they usually deal with the absurdity of boys deciding they are girls, girls becoming boys, and “pronouns.”
While I agree with the premise that gender confusion is largely made up and absurd, talk radio hosts are preaching to the choir. They aren’t convincing those who believe in “gender-affirming care” and changing pronouns to modify their views. Pointing out the insanity of changing a person’s pronouns does little good without a solution to solve the problem.
We can’t even pin this one on “liberals,” as many left-leaning parents dislike when their children “identify” as something they are not.
There is a way to make sense of this issue. Since many liberals think conservatives don’t believe in science, talk radio hosts should use science to determine how to identify a person. Instead of identifying people based on their choice of pronouns or what they feel like, we should classify people based on their chromosomes.
People who believe anybody can be what they feel like think I don’t know the difference between gender and sex. I understand what they believe, but if gender is fluid and, on a whim, can be changed, then it’s no longer an accurate way to categorize people. We need a way to identify people based on science, not feelings.
Science provides a simple solution to this dilemma.
Chromosomes determine a person’s identity. With rare exceptions, people have either two X chromosomes (and are female) or an X and Y chromosome (in which case they are male). It is, in fact, a binary choice.
Documents such as driver’s licenses, job applications, and school registrations should show XX or XY.
Ask a medical doctor what they need to know to treat somebody who shows up at their office or a hospital. Proper treatment often depends on whether the patient is an XX or XY. While doctors may demonstrate respect for a patient by asking their pronouns, they rarely impact treatment unless the patient seeks psychiatric care.
A patient who changed their pronouns since their previous treatment could cause confusion. Their chromosomes don’t change – even after hormone therapy or sex reassignment surgery.
It’s a better way to identify people. We can avoid confusion and controversy by using science and classifying a person based on the chromosomes with which they are born.
Instead of asking a person what their pronouns are, we should ask them what their chromosomes are. Schools should begin teaching children about chromosomes at an early age to avoid future confusion.
But hey, I’m not a total neanderthal. If an adult has undergone sex reassignment surgery, I’ll respect their commitment and identify them as they choose.
It’s a choice that adults can make, but minors shouldn’t have the option.
Minors aren’t allowed to buy tobacco, alcohol, guns, vote, or even use a tanning bed without parental permission. It’s insane to think they should be allowed to make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives before they are old enough to appreciate the consequences.
Many schools will go along with calling students whatever name they wish to be called. It’s common for these students to hide their fantasy names from their parents. Whatever name parents call their kids is what schools should use.
If kids don’t have the conviction to tell their parents that they are changing their name, then it’s a game and not real. When their parents accept their child’s new name, the school system can too.
Many schools err under the impression that parents don’t have rights over their minor children. It’s valid to question whether these teachers and administrators should be in their positions. Schools that believe parents don’t have decision-making rights for their minor children might feel differently if those parents didn’t have to pay the taxes that fund the schools and teachers propagating these views.
It’s ridiculous to pretend people can be whatever they want, and where does it end? I want to be a world-class athlete, but all my pretending hasn’t helped me become six feet tall or particularly muscular. The world is a tough place, but I’ve learned to accept being short.
Frequently, I also feel like a billionaire. Unfortunately, my bank statement keeps telling me I am not – no matter how I feel.
Debating pronouns with those who believe people can be whatever they feel like is useless. It’s a subject talk radio hosts can’t win by pointing out its absurdity. Hosts need a solution. Science is the solution, and it tells us there is a binary choice of XX or XY.
Andy Bloom is president of Andy Bloom Communications. He specializes in media training and political communications. He has programmed legendary stations including WIP, WPHT and WYSP/Philadelphia, KLSX, Los Angeles and WCCO Minneapolis. He was Vice President Programming for Emmis International, Greater Media Inc. and Coleman Research. Andy also served as communications director for Rep. Michael R. Turner, R-Ohio. He can be reached by email at andy@andybloom.com or you can follow him on Twitter @AndyBloomCom.
