Homophobic Bigotry (Homophobia - Part Two)
Desert Observer's pageHomophobia exists - everywhere - and yet I see well-meaning folks who appear unaware of its seriousness as a threat to the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens. Any form of bigotry is unacceptable, but that which seeks to banish, imprison or eliminate human beings is certainly the most objectionable.
In my lifetime we've seen the effects of the holocaust, Jim Crow lynchings and the beating and killing of homosexuals. I'm not about to equate the deaths of more than six million Jews during the holocaust - the attempted genocide of an entire race of people - with modern beatings and killings of gays. And I can't really compare Jim Crow lynchings and the accompanying fears of those with different skin colors - to what society has done to homosexuals. Instead I'd like to make but one comparison. Deliberate bigotry and discrimination led to the suffering of all three groups - all from the evil acts of very bad people.
I've previously stated my belief that homophobics, anti-Semitics, racists, neo-nazi's, the KKK, and similarly inclined bigots occupy rankings on the same list. They all share an evil goal in their pursuit against members of a targeted group. Denial of equality, beatings, and killings are but some of the different levels of oppressive actions employed by those who engage in prejudicial actions against others. The real issue here is that of evil and its practice by the intolerant who exist among us. Bigots whose activities result in harm to others are dangerous people. They must be stopped and others must be made aware when their presence is known. We need to overcome our fears when it comes to speaking out against discrimination and to make certain the similar voices of others are not quelled.
These are serious issues for threats, physical harm and killings continue to occur against homosexuals simply because of who they are. In some parts of the world they're automatically executed. Bigotry and discrimination in all its forms - including, of course, homophobia - must be fought and eliminated. Don't allow others to hide behind religious views, legal technicalities, or so-called traditional concepts as their justification for bigotry. All need to take responsibility for their actions and if the result of what is done is iniquity, then the practice of evil is clearly one of choice and that fact needs to be recorded.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
April 6, 2008
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