Great question. I also agree that it is a learned behavior not like other mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia although it is labeled as such. There are too many people that use the term "homophobic" extremely loosely and label themselves as "homophobes" simply based on their dislike for homosexuals--much as racism. I would not label this under the same category as with a person who has arachnophobia, which more than likely has had a traumatizing childhood or other experience that directly relates to their phobia.
One thing I have always believed is that people fear that which they do not understand and that is likely the case with homophobes.
Comment Reply
Great question. I also agree that it is a learned behavior not like other mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia although it is labeled as such. There are too many people that use the term "homophobic" extremely loosely and label themselves as "homophobes" simply based on their dislike for homosexuals--much as racism. I would not label this under the same category as with a person who has arachnophobia, which more than likely has had a traumatizing childhood or other experience that directly relates to their phobia.
One thing I have always believed is that people fear that which they do not understand and that is likely the case with homophobes.
January 4, 2010 - 6:29amThis Comment
Reply