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This morning, I woke up to a flood of posts claiming that Trump plans to enforce a two-gender policy on Day 1 of his presidency, paired with assertions that the United States is a “Christian Nation.” These claims seem to stem from a deep fear — a fear so intense that it drives people to force their views onto others, even at the expense of personal freedoms and constitutional values.
It’s a troubling trend, but not a new one.
The Fear of Recognition
What is it about LGBTQ+ recognition that sparks such strong reactions? From my perspective, it seems rooted in fear — a fear of change, a fear of difference, a fear that acknowledging someone else’s identity somehow diminishes one’s own. But what’s particularly baffling is the urgency with which some feel they must legislate their worldview into law, leaving no room for others to exist outside of their narrow definition of “normal.”
This fear isn’t just about gender or sexuality. It’s reflective of a deeper cultural divide in the United States — one that values conformity over individuality and control over coexistence.
Sports, Science, and the Push for Uniformity
I can’t help but wonder if part of this cultural push stems from America’s obsession with sports. Our society tends to elevate athletes above academics, evident in the massive salaries of sports coaches compared to scientists or educators.
- Schools are often more focused on sports scholarships than academic ones.
- Phrases like “Math is tough” reinforce a cultural disdain for intellectual rigor while glorifying physical prowess.
This same dynamic plays out in debates about gender and identity. Sports, for instance, are often cited as a battleground for the “two genders” argument, with people fiercely clinging to rigid binaries to preserve the sanctity of their games. It’s a microcosm of a larger issue: the fear of challenging deeply ingrained norms.
The Myth of a “Christian Nation”
Let’s address the “Christian Nation” claim head-on. Have these proponents ever read the Constitution? The United States was founded on the principle of separation of Church and State. That phrase isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a cornerstone of American democracy.