Monday, April 26, 2010

Homophobia? Now that IS a CHOICE!

In response to Lisa and Allison’s posts regarding homosexuality, it is clear sexual orientation is a trait people are born with. We’ve decided homosexuality is not a choice, now homophobia? That IS a choice. Homophobia is the fear of being gay and homosexuality in general. Phobias are individual opinions and feelings of fear that people choose. Those who choose to be homophobes are against homosexuals and what they represent, they go out of their way to push gay people away. It is a personal choice people make everyday to abuse and discriminate against homosexuals. It is a choice that people make to fear homosexuals for being different, segregating them from living a normal lifestyle in our “equal” society. Homophobia is a huge on-going problem in schools, work, and communities.


I found the above documentary on homophobia extremely relevant and interesting because it incorporates how homosexuals are affected by homophobia, along with the different interpretations and misconceptions of homophobia. As the narrator states in the documentary, “discrimination of sexuality is no different than any other acts of hatred” Homosexuals suffer from bullying, rape, harassment, gestures, violence, and name-calling. “That’s gay” or “you’re gay” are derogatory phrases that sadly have become so over-used they are a part of everyday language. People may not even realize the negative connotation in what they are saying or how hurtful it is to people who are gay because of how homosexuality is negatively portrayed in our society.


It is funny how those who say that homosexuality is “morally” wrong are the same hypocrites who harass, humiliate, and stereotype innocent homosexuals. Isn’t that just as “morally” wrong? Homophobia is a sad excuse for those who are so prejudice and unwilling to open their minds and hearts to accept homosexuals. I think those who claim they are homophobic show a sign of weakness. If they are afraid of people being different then they are too scared and insecure about their own orientation to have the capability to face homosexuals and reach out to them as equal individuals. In today’s world, people should realize that we are all different, but created equal. Homophobia is strongly offensive to homosexuals and is not going to help homosexuals feel any more equal or welcomed in our society when people are categorizing them as “freaks” or people to be scared of.


3 comments:

  1. I think you really hit the nail on the head with this post. Especially when you bring up the matter of morality. How can we call someone who identifies as gay immoral but not someone who is so wrongly prejudice against them? I'm glad you covered this topic, it is so commonly passed by in this debate.
    -Katie L.

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  2. Devon-

    First off, great job with this blog post! I agree with Katie that you really hit the nail on the head! I believe that this topic is one of much controversy and unfairness. I mean, how others around us lead their lives really don't make that much of a difference to us. When you think about it, if you love someone you just love them. If someone finds the love of their life, either the same sex or not it really should not matter.

    The clip from YouTube was a very nice addition to your post. I like how it went into the origins of homosexuality and such, but also talked to relevant people in the field. For example, the man who is on the board for gay pride functions. Racism and discrimination is such an embarrassment to the United States. Our country prides itself on its equality, but that really is just a cover.

    I believe that our society is so focused on the social construct of what we say is "normal"that when people challenge the way we live our lives, others are close minded and judgmental. Americans, not all obviously, but a good number of people not necessary NEED to be alright with homosexual decisions, but they should at least be respectful of their choice. Brutal murders or assaults,offensive language and gestures, and such are completely unacceptable when it comes down to it. Its such a shame that citizens are capable of such harm to someone who just chooses to live their lives differently than the "norm."

    I completely agree with your point of view and thank you so much for putting your strong opinion and video in there because people need to be aware of the harm they are doing. Great job!

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  3. Thank you and I am glad you both appreciate my post! It is sad how homophobia is such a problem in our country and around the world, when homosexuals aren't doing any harm to anyone, they are just trying to live their lives like everyone else!

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