“I am a woman, just like anybody else on the team,” Lia Thomas, the transgender collegiate swimmer, said in an interview with  Sports Illustrated. Except, no, Lia is not a woman, and Lia is surely not like anybody else on the women’s  swimming team. It is absurd to think otherwise, and such talk must stop. It has gone on long enough.

Lia’s declaration of being a woman, and subsequently having an article published in  Sports Illustrated celebrating it, should raise flags. One cannot authentically change from male to female just by saying so. Embracing such a fantasy will cause irreparable harm to women in the future. It will ultimately result in the loss of opportunities for women in every aspect of society. If a male wishes to self-identify as female, that’s a personal choice. However, his right to embrace a female identity must not infringe on the rights and opportunities of actual females. Real women should not have to suffer so Lia Thomas can identify as one.

“I’m a woman, so I belong on the women’s team,” the swimmer said in the interview. “Trans people deserve that same respect every other athlete gets.” But Lia is not a woman, and Lia’s anatomy and physiology show that. As far as respect is concerned, other athletes do not traditionally compete against opponents who are biologically different. And, as the saying goes, “respect is earned, not given.”

For Lia to describe Lia as “just like anybody else on the team” is delusional. Nobody else on the female  swimming team at the University of Pennsylvania swam on the men’s team for three years. No other female had the bone structure of a male. No other females benefited from a larger percentage of skeletal muscle that post-pubescent male bodies have. None of the other females have the larger hearts that men do (proportionate to body size). And last but certainly not least, none of the other females enjoyed the height advantage Lia Thomas did.

Lia Thomas is a microcosm of the larger problem regarding transgender people in society — a sense of entitlement. Initially, the transgender rights movement sought to achieve equality and acceptance. People fought to not be discriminated against or have their civil rights violated. Yet, those days are gone. It has morphed into a toxic crusade advocating priority and privilege. It encourages acts such as Lia Thomas announcing (and believing) that Lia is a woman — when it is categorically not true.

Furthermore, while Lia seeks respect, Lia has directly benefited from disrespecting Lia’s teammates. They lost the right to fair athletic competition because of Lia. They lost the right to not be exposed to male nudity in their locker room. They lost the right to be crowned champions of certain events because Lia had faster times. It is true that Lia should not be disrespected. However, Lia Thomas must also respect others — especially the women who lost their rights so Lia could shine.

The case of Lia Thomas represents an important cultural issue. Transgender people should not be victims of any form of discrimination, harassment, or violation of their civil rights. At the same time, transgender propaganda must not be allowed to recreate  science or tear down societal norms, but this is exactly what is occurring. Declaring pronouns, creating numerous genders, making up words in the English language, and vilifying anyone who disagrees with such things is not equality or respect. It is societal repression.

In a surprising turn of events, the usually jovial and easy-going  celebrity chef Guy Fieri reportedly kicked Hollywood legend Robert De Niro out of his popular restaurant, citing the actor’s political views as the reason for the abrupt eviction. The incident, which took place at Fieri’s renowned restaurant in Las Vegas, has since sparked a heated debate on social media and various news platforms, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation about “woke” culture and free speech.

According to eyewitnesses, Robert De Niro arrived at Guy Fieri’s restaurant with a small group of friends, expecting to enjoy a quiet evening. Known for his vibrant personality and culinary prowess, Fieri’s restaurants are a hit among food lovers and  celebrities alike. However, this particular evening took an unexpected turn when Fieri himself confronted De Niro shortly after he was seated.

Witnesses report that Fieri approached De Niro’s table with a stern expression, something quite uncharacteristic of the usually cheerful chef. What followed was an uncomfortable exchange that left the entire restaurant in shock. Fieri, in no uncertain terms, asked De Niro to leave, reportedly saying, “Find some woke place to go. We don’t need your kind here.”

The news of the incident spread like wildfire, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms and news outlets. Supporters of Guy Fieri praised him for taking a stand against what they see as the over-politicization of Hollywood figures. On the other hand, fans of Robert De Niro criticized Fieri for what they perceived as an unnecessary and disrespectful action.

The incident drew reactions from other  celebrities as well. Actor and comedian Tim Allen tweeted, “Good on Guy Fieri for standing up to Hollywood’s hypocrisy. Not every place needs to cater to these ‘woke’ ideologies.” Meanwhile, actress and activist Susan Sarandon took to Twitter to defend De Niro, writing, “Disappointed to see Guy Fieri behaving like this. Robert De Niro is a national treasure and deserves respect, regardless of his political views.”

Central to this incident is the contentious issue of “wokeness.” The term has become a cultural flashpoint, often used to describe progressive social and political views. Critics of “wokeness” argue that it leads to excessive political correctness and stifles free speech, while supporters contend that it represents necessary social progress and awareness.

Guy Fieri’s alleged comment about De Niro being too “woke” taps into this broader cultural debate. It raises questions about whether  celebrities should use their platforms to advocate for social and political causes and whether their personal beliefs should influence their professional interactions.

Guy Fieri, the spiky-haired, sunglasses-wearing chef, has built a culinary empire with his energetic personality and a series of successful television shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” He is known for his laid-back, approachable demeanor and has generally stayed out of political frays. This incident, however, marks a significant departure from his usual public persona.

Robert De Niro, on the other hand, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has used his platform to speak out on numerous political issues. His passionate speeches and public comments have earned him both admiration and criticism. De Niro’s activism, particularly his outspoken stance against Trump, has made him a polarizing figure in some circles.

The confrontation between Guy Fieri and Robert De Niro is more than just a  celebrity spat; it reflects the broader tensions in society about free speech, respect, and the role of public figures in political discourse. For Fieri, the decision to turn away a high-profile guest like De Niro could be seen as a stand for his own beliefs and the kind of environment he wants in his establishments. For De Niro, the incident is a reminder of the backlash that can come with being an outspoken advocate for social and political issues.

As the dust settles from this high-profile clash, both Fieri and De Niro will likely continue their respective careers with little impact from this incident. However, the broader cultural conversation about “wokeness” and the role of  celebrities in political discourse will undoubtedly persist.

For Fieri, this incident may reinforce his image as a no-nonsense figure unafraid to speak his mind. For De Niro, it serves as another example of the divisive reactions his political views can elicit. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, the incident underscores the increasingly intertwined nature of  celebrity, politics, and social issues in today’s culture.

The reported incident between Guy Fieri and Robert De Niro is a microcosm of the larger cultural battles being waged over free speech, political correctness, and the role of public figures in social advocacy. It highlights the challenges and consequences of taking a stand on contentious issues, whether in the kitchen, on the screen, or in the public square. As society continues to grapple with these questions, the actions and statements of influential figures like Fieri and De Niro will remain under close scrutiny, reflecting the deep divisions and passionate beliefs that characterize our times.

The altercation between Fieri and De Niro serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when public figures cross paths in environments outside their usual domains. It also underscores the heightened sensitivity to social and political issues that permeates all aspects of public life today. As the story continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how both men navigate the fallout from this high-profile confrontation and whether it will influence their public personas and professional endeavors.