The term "phobia" originates from the Greek, phobos and means an irrational and intense fear of something, or a persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things or people.
Phobias are mental disorders or even mental illnesses, whose definitions embrace at least 105 different kinds of anxiety (according to the Penguin Dictionary of Psychology).
These range from those categorized as mild to those considered "acute," depending on the nature of the disorder.
The further it is from a sense of what is real and the more intense the anxiety disorder experienced, the more the likely the disorder would is considered "acute," or categorized as mental illness.
Your comments:
Your article seems to imply that anyone who does not condone a particular activity is therefore "phobic" of those who do.
Not many people will argue that pedophilia is right (even though, from the comments already posted, you could reasonably argue that it is quite natural, and most pedophiles are not pedophiles by choice).
More importantly, if you believe (as most do) that pedophilia is not a valid/desirable sexual orientation, does that then make you a "pedophilophobic"?
Geoff
Human beings were created as man and woman. Both are supposed to attract each other sexually. Attraction to the same sex is unaccepted in most places in Indonesia. As a dominantly heterosexual community, the presence of homosexuality has not been socially accepted in Indonesia. Hence the culprit of such practice deserves expulsion from Indonesian society. Homophobia is something that has been culturally and dominantly developed.
Sonny Patnubayan
Homosexuality occurs throughout the animal kingdom and one could argue that, although not common, it is natural. If one adheres to the theory of evolution, one is hard-pressed to explain the purpose of homosexuality, but it is likely that in the fullness of time, the answer will be found.
Now, on the other hand, if one adheres to the "intelligent design" belief that a Creator was responsible for all the animal species, etc., then one is even more perplexed to explain why He enabled homosexuality. Perhaps when these questions are satisfactorily answered, there will be greater understanding and tolerance. In the meantime, conformity and bigotry are the safe harbors.
T. Cotton
Pattaya, Thailand
I agree with T. Cotton that homosexuality, although uncommon, is a natural occurrence. You can argue all you like about whether it is "normal" or not, that's entirely up to the individual to decide, but it is very hard to argue it is not natural.
However, I would go one step further and say that the theory of evolution does explain it quite neatly. Its very foundation is the evolution of species by small genetic changes passed down through generations.
The small percentage of the population who are homosexual suggests that heterosexuality is "normal." This is in fact essential for the survival of the human race.
It is very likely there is a gene, or sequence of them, that affects human behavior regarding sexuality. Most homosexual people I have met I would not describe as homosexual by choice.
While there is nothing preventing homosexuals from producing children, if they only followed their "normal" instincts this would not happen.
It would certainly not be the first instance of a genetic difference that led to a situation where a certain population of a species died out because of a genetic condition.
I have no problem with homosexuals and I believe that what happens behind closed doors between consenting adults is nobody's business but their own. Sexuality is totally irrelevant.
Simon
