Disclaimer: I am neither a homosexual nor a homophobic
If homosexuality is not by choice but due to genetic reasons, can homophobia be also due to genetic reasons? There are many phobias that are believed to be due to genetic reasons. If homophobia is also in the genes, shouldn’t it they get the same tolerance as the homosexuals? Then punishing the homophobics who express their uncomfortableness to homosexuality is similar to punishing the homosexuals few decades back.
What do you think?
genetic reasons for phobias, MINOR causes, mostly lifestyle though. every single thing we do has a genetic origin or link. how much it effects who we are is a different story.
genetic reasons for homophobia, no way. homophobia isn’t the same kind of phobia that has been being linked to have genetic ties. i don’t see people having anxiety attacks (the common symptom of phobia sufferers) because they are in the same room as a homosexual. the term homophobia is not exactly accurate. it should be homo-prejudice. homophob’s aren’t as ‘scared’ of gays as much as they just hate them.
I entirely agree with Bishop - but I think there’s another factor, too.
We don’t tolerate something because it’s genetic and can’t be changed. There is very strong evidence that there is a genetic component for violent criminal behavior. Who cares? We’re not going to say, “oh, poor rapist, he can’t help himself - we can’t lock him up!” Bullshit - we lock him up, and consider ourselves lucky that we got him sooner rather than later.
I think homophobes are similar. It’s interesting to ask whether or not there could be a genetic component - actually, I think there really could be - but regardless, when it comes to how we treat homophobes, I don’t give a damn if it’s genetic or not. I tolerate differences that are innocuous, like homosexuality or being buddhist or liking onions. I don’t tolerate differences that strongly affect others, like being a violent homophobe, or the leader of a suicide cult, etc. When it comes to what we should and should not tolerate, I don’t think genetics should make a bit of difference.
Bishop and Twiffy,
I can’t agree more. Even though there might be questions about the genetic reason behind homophobia, there is no question about the legal intolerance for those who act out on their fears.