Clive Bibby: Who are the deniers?

I have been wanting to have my say on this particular issue for some time.

Contrary to what my critics will say in response, l have chosen to do so now mainly because the evidence in favour of the “conservative” view on these matters is becoming too obvious to ignore.

While my comments apply equally to a number of critical conversations that have been dominated by “woke” philosophy for too long, l will restrict my observations to one issue that is both timely and of interest to a nation of peoples who value “fairness based on truth” even when the popular theory may be the one promoted by the “so called” experts.

I could list a number of these “ill conceived” dogmas that have occupied the headlines in recent times, including the fallacy that mankind is responsible for all but a fraction of climate change. But that would only stir up the hornets’ nest and the accompanying accusations of “denier” that many in this community would love to tattoo on my forehead.

I choose instead to discuss the furore that surrounds the qualification of transgender athletes to represent (at the expense of biological female competitors) New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Laurel Hubbard’s elevation to the top of our national ratings in the field of weightlifting is a mistake of unbelievable proportions that has the capacity to damage the concept of “a level playing field” - the cornerstone rule of all sports participatory code - beyond repair.

It must not be allowed to proceed!

The reasons why are obvious but, for those who see this ridiculous step as just another “redressing” of the social order, here’s a few to consider after you’ve cooled down.

This misstep is based on a denial of the science of nature itself. Most people with the ability to reason when faced with the facts, including the reality that none of our seemingly perfect, biological structures are without variations, are able to differentiate between naturally occurring events and those that are the result of man made interference. The more we find out about them, the more we realise that irregularities occur in what we consider to be normal procedures even without human input.

You can’t make this up. Yet some who should know better are having a good go at doing just that. They are the deluded ones.

The planet’s oscillation from one climate extreme to another is a classic example of the cyclical variation that has been a feature of the world’s ageing process since life on earth began so long ago. Why should we be surprised to discover that the evolution of the human species includes similar variations or oddities that weren’t part of the original plans?

That doesn’t mean that we should ignore or not support those who are living in bodies not of their choice. They are entitled to a life on equal terms to those born with less complicated personalities. In fact, it is our responsibility to create an environment where that can happen in spite of their personal difficulties.

However, as with the climate change debate, we help no one, least of all those minority groups who suffer as a result of these sometimes cruel genetic miscalculations, by creating an equally problematic distortion as a result of our response.

We cannot accept a society where the majority are denied opportunities to reach their potential, simply by introducing unfair advantages to those whose cause we care to champion.

History provides multiple examples of individuals achieving in spite of their natural born impediments. As far as the transgender community is concerned, which is a relatively recent arrival as a unique societal group entitled to share the lifestyles available to us all, their numbers already include members who are making a name for themselves on the world stage eg. Catherine McGregor, former SAS Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Defence Force who is currently a respected current affairs commentator on a number of that country’s most prestigious TV channels’ talk shows. Also, Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympic gold medal wining athlete who, as a conservative candidate, is having a go at unseating the Californian Governor in that hugely “democratic” voting state with the eighth largest economy in the world.

 So you see, the opportunities are there for every one to achieve irrespective of backgrounds that otherwise might be considered limiting.

That is the reality. Those who deny reality are those who deny the truth.

And ironically, we don’t need to go far to find it. It’s just common sense really and we just need to acknowledge it - no need to make it up. How hard is that.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.