Some controversy with the Algerian boxer. Hate that it?s already become politicized with right wingers purposely framing it as a transgender issue where it appears that it?s one of those things where the athlete is born with female body parts but also testes with high level of testosterone. I honestly not sure what the right approach is but it?s a lot more complex than the framing of a guy fighting girls.
Like mostly every issue, its more complicated than the talking heads want you to think it is. At least the same right wingers aren't targeting trans kids (hopefully). Imane Khelif is 25, so the criticisms are at least a little less vile.
Not to say that she shouldn?t be competing. I do think the high levels of testosterone does give her a competitive advantage but what is the solution? Maybe testosterone blockers? Estrogen? That may also mess up with her body. I really don?t know what the answer but and I completely understand the concern of her opponents.
However, it bothers me when people are either being knowingly stupid or ignorantly stupid when people try to explain the situation and they are being stubborn about it.
I guess my point is that its a complicated situation and people come up with simplified solutions. Maybe its human nature to make things easier to understand. Either way, its a wedge issue that does more to divide people than unite, which is the entire purpose of the Olympics.
I think there probably *is* a simplified answer, though: if somebody has XY chromosomes -- particularly in combination with heightened testosterone -- they shouldn't be allowed to compete as a woman.
Why is that not the proper answer? Politics shouldn't play a role, but fairness of the playing field should, I think.
