Reasons for Homophobia

As I researched homophobia I came across this experimental video that was quite interesting.

"Homophobia is widespread in America, far more widespread than most heterosexuals realize, and it is far more subtle, too. The discrimination it inspires touches the lives of many Americans, not just gay Americans, but all Americans", as stated by Scott Bidstrup. But what exactly is the cause of homophobia?

The first reason to believe that Americans are homophobic is because of their simple fear.Not necessarily the fear of homosexuals but the fear of homosexuality and what it brings along with it. As I asked around my dorm some people fear that if America was to accept this then what will happen next. This fear of "loss of control", as researched by Scott Bidstrup in

Homophobia:The fear behind the hatred

, is normal in most homophobic individuals. He states that" Someone who lives life in a manner quite different that oneself represents a threat to that individual. The threat is a threat to the ego in the sense that one's own choices may prove not to be optimal; it is also a subconscious threat to one's security in the sense that the other may prove to be more successful". Although most people would hate to admit it, they are mostly afraid of what will happen to what they thought was right when another option is exposed. People are afraid to wake up one day and realize that they,they being the "heterosexuals", are the weird ones.

The second reason I encountered why people are homophobic is because of their religious background. Most religions do not promote the homosexual lifestyle. In fact there is no one religion that strictly enforces or believes in this. Its simple looked over in some. For example in some religions they believe that it is against the will of God to do such acts. The rejection of homosexual behavior that is found in the Old Testament is well known, as presented by the Catholic Answers, a religious website. The website explains that "throughout history, Jewish and Christian scholars have recognized that one of the chief sins involved in God’s destruction of Sodom was its people’s homosexual behavior." Although this is a wide know example the Holy Bible gives another in Leviticus: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; . . . If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death, their blood is upon them" (Lev. 18:22, 20:13). Of all the religions mostly associated with the US, Muslims and Jews show more controversy over this subject. As we know in America we are a religion based society and what we are taught is what we adhere to. However they exclaim that it is not the homosexual that they condemn it is homosexuality!

The final reason that I believe is a cause of homophobia is jealousy. Think about it! In life when you are strongly against someone or truly hate something, you usually envy it. The most homophobic person just might be homosexual. Sulayman X agrees by saying that one cause is ,"Jealousy, perhaps. Or self-hatred. I get the feeling that the vicious messages from these people are actually desperate pleas for help. I have to wonder, after all, why the issue of homosexuality stirs up such anger and emotion within them -- indeed, why else, if not because they are passionately involved in the issue in their own lives?" Many Americans might have the very feelings that they are afraid of ,but yet try to hide them buy being controversial to others that share that feeling.

Although homophobia is rising and very crucial. Homosexuality is rising as well. It is estimated by gayadoptionfaqs.com that approximately ten percent of the U.S. population or 25 million people are homosexual. This is a huge number and it is growing daily! So my turn on this is...if you can't beat them, join them....No, just kidding. But as you have realized homosexuals are a large part of Americans society and we are the "land of the free" and that includes in sexuality.