Western civilization is collapsing under the weight of know-nothing populism and tribal identities that matter more than humane values. Everywhere we look, far-right politicians are exploiting human simple-mindedness for short-term gain. Meanwhile we're denuding the oceans and cutting down what little remains of the rain forests, as well as acidifying the oceans by pumping ever-more CO2 into the atmosphere.

So naturally the most important thing many people find to focus their attention on is.... fanfare, drum roll..... gender pronouns.

Really, I despair of the human species. I really do.