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Homophobic! The shrieks fill the airwaves as gay rights advocates brand all who oppose their views. In most cases, those voicing the accusation are wrong, but it is possible that a small segment of our population is indeed afflicted by a true phobia against homosexuality. What is homophobia, and how can it be prevented and/or cured?

By definition, a phobia is an extreme and irrational fear. Arachnophobia is an extreme and irrational fear of arachnids (spiders), agoraphobia is an extreme and irrational fear of open spaces, and homophobia is considered an extreme and irrational fear of homosexuality.

As there have been no studies regarding this affliction, there are also no estimates of the number of people who may be afflicted by this condition. Thus, assuming that homophobia is a preventable and/or curable affliction, we must first examine the causes, the symptoms, and possible methods to alleviate the symptoms.

The causes of homophobia are unknown; however, it could be assumed that homophobia is caused by a highly traumatic homosexual event occurring during an impressionable stage in life. This could either be a physical event such as a fondling or a sexual assault or it could be a psychological event such as repeated indoctrination of a young child regarding the dangers of homosexuality.

No known method exists to reliably predict the onset of homophobia, making the possibility of an early intervention remote. Thus, an effective prevention program is not considered realistic. Therefore, it is considered more cost-effective to pursue a course of study regarding a cure.

Conventional treatment to combat a phobia requires a significant investment of time to create a gradual acclimatization of the subject to the source of their phobia. Treatment of arachnophobia, for example, involves many small steps to achieve a cure. The treatment starts with the subject being shown drawings of cute spiders, and proceeds to photos of spiders, movies, and then the display of live spiders as the subject acclimates to their presence. As the subject's subconscious begins to understand that the spider is not a threat, the phobia diminishes until a normal and rational level of fear exists.

For homophobia, the treatment may be approached in a similar manner.

For those who have not noticed, this article is satirical in nature and is intended to point out the idiocy of terminology utilized by those who wish to stereotype those who refuse to support gay rights as being afraid'.

Though I fully support the equal rights of gays in their ability to choose their partner and to live their own private lives, I do not support any modifications to current laws/traditions to facilitate the acceptance of their practices into society.

It is not our position to judge others on their choice, nor to condemn them for that choice. It is our responsibility to live with and accept others for who they are, and how they behave towards others.

As far as homophobia? I do not believe that it actually exists. Those who fling this name at those opposed to gay rights simply prove that they themselves are immature and unable to justify their position based upon anything other than intimidation and emotional outburst.

Learn more about this author, Alan Fernald.
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