Homophobia
When people hear the word homophobia, most of us associate it with the meaning that is most commonly applied to it today: a feeling of repulsion by heterosexual people toward homosexual people. This is the ugliest definition which includes hate crimes and violence toward gay people. In actuality, there are several different definitions with meanings that are just as accurate which can be applied to the word.
Homophobia can also be a fear or discomfort of non-sexual affection between people of the same sex, be it verbal, physical or emotional. This meaning applies mostly to men. Women are much more comfortable showing affection towards each other in this way and this form is also socially acceptable. For example, two women dancing at a wedding reception together wouldn’t catalyze a second glance from the other guests whereas two men doing the same thing could cause a scandal. Men will be extra careful not to display any type of affection toward each other either in public or in private much farther beyond a familiar hug or a businesslike handshake. They are inclined to steer clear of any conversational affection that might be construed as intimate.
There is another form of homophobia that deals with gay people feeling a sense of guilt and self loathing stemming from their own self-unaccepted homosexuality. This is the cause of what is known as the closet case; inwardly gay people who conduct their lives as straight. This is a reason why there is a high percentage of alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide within the gay community, especially amongst its young. Many marriages born in this manner are based on a foundation of deception and usually end with negative consequences for both adults and the children they produce.
There are other much more subtle forms of homophobia that exist which most of us don’t even realize. In this category would be the general assumption that most parents make that they somehow have control of their children’s sexual orientation. For example, the misconception that football or military training will make a boy straight or that dresses and dolls will do the same for girls.
Teenagers are institutionally welcomed and encouraged into the heterosexual world with a formal dance. New relationships and marital engagements are applauded as well as the news of a baby on the way. These examples would not even be mentioned in a topic of homophobia if it were not for the fact that homosexuals are vastly excluded.
I always try to search for reasons for why things are the way they are. And in examining this topic repeatedly, the first reason I can see for this set of circumstances is the theory of evolution. All life forms are designed to procreate and to survive. This is what species do. Any deviation from this norm is considered a mutation. There are far reaching negative attitudes that can come from this argument alone.
Next and most powerfully would be religion. Most negative statements or opinions regarding homosexuality stem from all of the major religious institutions throughout our history. The Torah, the Koran and the Bible all include specific negations with regards to homosexuality that are widely believed and preached literally to this day.
The world’s system of politics is a root cause of much of today’s homophobia. Certain religious moralities are prevalent in almost all of contemporary legislation.
The art of parenting has everything to do with how our children are shaped. Any bias, prejudice or bigotry that displays itself in adults usually comes from the atmosphere of the household.
I feel very privileged to be alive in a time where all of these homophobic causes are being challenged. Man would not have become man without genetic mutations. Religions also preach kindness and goodwill toward mankind. The political world is making positive strides toward equality every day. And parents are raising their children to be more respectful of others’ differences more and more each day. We have bromances.
It would be a great accomplishment to me for everyone to understand and accept without shame the full spectrum of human sexuality. Maybe, once and for all, we can put this issue to bed where it belongs.
When people hear the word homophobia, most of us associate it with the meaning that is most commonly applied to it today: a feeling of repulsion by heterosexual people toward homosexual people. This is the ugliest definition which includes hate crimes and violence toward gay people. In actuality, there are several different definitions with meanings that are just as accurate which can be applied to the word.
Homophobia can also be a fear or discomfort of non-sexual affection between people of the same sex, be it verbal, physical or emotional. This meaning applies mostly to men. Women are much more comfortable showing affection towards each other in this way and this form is also socially acceptable. For example, two women dancing at a wedding reception together wouldn’t catalyze a second glance from the other guests whereas two men doing the same thing could cause a scandal. Men will be extra careful not to display any type of affection toward each other either in public or in private much farther beyond a familiar hug or a businesslike handshake. They are inclined to steer clear of any conversational affection that might be construed as intimate.
There is another form of homophobia that deals with gay people feeling a sense of guilt and self loathing stemming from their own self-unaccepted homosexuality. This is the cause of what is known as the closet case; inwardly gay people who conduct their lives as straight. This is a reason why there is a high percentage of alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide within the gay community, especially amongst its young. Many marriages born in this manner are based on a foundation of deception and usually end with negative consequences for both adults and the children they produce.
There are other much more subtle forms of homophobia that exist which most of us don’t even realize. In this category would be the general assumption that most parents make that they somehow have control of their children’s sexual orientation. For example, the misconception that football or military training will make a boy straight or that dresses and dolls will do the same for girls.
Teenagers are institutionally welcomed and encouraged into the heterosexual world with a formal dance. New relationships and marital engagements are applauded as well as the news of a baby on the way. These examples would not even be mentioned in a topic of homophobia if it were not for the fact that homosexuals are vastly excluded.
I always try to search for reasons for why things are the way they are. And in examining this topic repeatedly, the first reason I can see for this set of circumstances is the theory of evolution. All life forms are designed to procreate and to survive. This is what species do. Any deviation from this norm is considered a mutation. There are far reaching negative attitudes that can come from this argument alone.
Next and most powerfully would be religion. Most negative statements or opinions regarding homosexuality stem from all of the major religious institutions throughout our history. The Torah, the Koran and the Bible all include specific negations with regards to homosexuality that are widely believed and preached literally to this day.
The world’s system of politics is a root cause of much of today’s homophobia. Certain religious moralities are prevalent in almost all of contemporary legislation.
The art of parenting has everything to do with how our children are shaped. Any bias, prejudice or bigotry that displays itself in adults usually comes from the atmosphere of the household.
I feel very privileged to be alive in a time where all of these homophobic causes are being challenged. Man would not have become man without genetic mutations. Religions also preach kindness and goodwill toward mankind. The political world is making positive strides toward equality every day. And parents are raising their children to be more respectful of others’ differences more and more each day. We have bromances.
It would be a great accomplishment to me for everyone to understand and accept without shame the full spectrum of human sexuality. Maybe, once and for all, we can put this issue to bed where it belongs.
