Admit we are prejudiced.Dear editor, Today there is so much talk about sexuality, especially homosexuality. We Anglicans are so academic. We think out a course of action. If it seems right, we go ahead and implement it. We forget that sexuality is far more than thinking. It goes to the depths of who we are as humans. We talk about homophobia homophobia Psychology An irrationally negative attitude toward those with homosexual orientation, or toward becoming homosexual. See Closet, Gay-bashing, Heterosexism. Cf Gay, Homosexual, Phobia. , but what about gynophobia gy·no·pho·bi·a n. 1. Fear of or contempt for women. 2. Behavior based on such an attitude or feeling. gy and androphobia? We need to deal with all three. A phobia phobia: see neurosis. phobia Extreme and irrational fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. A phobia is classified as a type of anxiety disorder (a neurosis), since anxiety is its chief symptom. is an irrational fear buried in the unconscious. One cannot deal with a phobia just by telling oneself, or someone else, not to be that way. The first step in dealing with prejudices is to admit that we are prejudiced. Let us start by listening to one another across the divide between us. Let us hear the convictions, fears, and sense of identity issues of those with whom we disagree. Let us be aware of our own phobias Phobias Definition A phobia is an intense but unrealistic fear that can interfere with the ability to socialize, work, or go about everyday life, brought on by an object, event or situation. , and the extent to which we project them onto others. John Serjeantson South Bolton, Que. |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion