[Abernathy]

A new thread for people seeking simple, layman's terms guidance on various difficult subjects.

First :

Can anybody point to (or indeed provide) an idiot's guide to the ongoing controversy/argument around gender identity rights?

It mustn't be complex - it needs to be clear enough for Abernathy the Thicko to comprehend. Because frankly, I'm deeply confused.

Anybody ?

[karlt]

Yes. I can.

You could do a lot worse than the Wiki summary here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_ ... der_topics

[Abernathy]

Thanks, I did find that helpful.

[Boiler]

In my limited world I find that giving a very wide berth to the subjects of gender and Israel are best for one's sanity.

[Abernathy]

In my limited world I find that giving a very wide berth to the subjects of gender and Israel are best for one's sanity.

Moi aussi. But I'd like to understand them better.

[Timbo]

I like this idea for a thread, sterling job @Abernathy . Diverging slightly I'd be happy to do an idiot's guide to climate change (my professional area of expertise) if anybody would like one.

[Boiler]

I would.

[Boiler]

In my limited world I find that giving a very wide berth to the subjects of gender and Israel are best for one's sanity.

Moi aussi. But I'd like to understand them better.

I would normally agree with you Abers, learning and understanding is important. But I also prefer to not walk through minefields so I have no opinion on the matter and keep my trap shut. Life's easier that way - for me, anyway. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.

[Abernathy]

I like this idea for a thread, sterling job @Abernathy . Diverging slightly I'd be happy to do an idiot's guide to climate change (my professional area of expertise) if anybody would like one.

Yes, please.

[Abernathy]

I would normally agree with you Abers, learning and understanding is important. But I also prefer to not walk through minefields so I have no opinion on the matter and keep my trap shut. Life's easier that way - for me, anyway. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.

Well, yes. I share your view of the gender identity debate as something that is too tough for me to form an opinion on - because my understanding of the issue is inadequate. And, like you, I'm all too aware of the vicissitudes of the environment in which to express any view is to risk extraordinarily virulent excoriation (see JK Rowling, passim). I still want to understand the issues though - which is not to say that I wish to express a view. I don't agree with you that ignorance is bliss.

[Watchman]

Blimey Mr Abernathy, can you read my mind!

[Oblomov]

I like this idea for a thread, sterling job @Abernathy . Diverging slightly I'd be happy to do an idiot's guide to climate change (my professional area of expertise) if anybody would like one.

Also yes please

[Cyclist]

And it's a Yes from Bedfordshire.

A treatise titled "Climate Change: a simple guide in simple terms for the education of Piers Corbyn" would be Very Useful Indeed.

[Andy McDandy]

I can do one on conspiracy theories if people like. Although repeated uses of "No it bloody isn't" and "No they bloody didn't" might get a bit boring.

[Abernathy]

Go for it .....