Why are Americans so homophobic?

Answer 1

So far, all I see is a lot of denial coming from the homophobes posting here, followed by them not even trying to answer your question.

So for their benefit first, let's review the definition of the word, shall we?

Main Entry: ho·mo·pho·bia
Function: noun
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

See that phrase "aversion to"? Those of you who claim not to be homophobic because you are "only" grossed out by gay people, not scared of them... guess what?

You are a homophobe.
Embrace it, or educate yourself and rise above it.
Up to you.

Now, to answer your question. There are a couple reasons why Americans are a homophobic people.

The first is the nature of the people who settled the country originally. The first colonies here were founded by extremely conservative and religious people. Their impact spread over generations, eventually coming to make up a significant chunk of what politicians today refer to as the religious right. The Evangelical Christian population of this country is estimated at 30%, with (again estimated) half of them actively working toward establishing the US as a Christian nation, a theocracy. These people are amazingly well organized and well funded, with strong voices at every level of government.

Another reason for homophobia in this country, particularly on the part of men, can be seen in the popular culture. Everywhere from television commercials to professional sports, men are bombarded with images of what it means to be a "real man" or a "red-blooded American male." These images, among other things, emphasize a relationship between how manly a man is, and his success in sleeping with women... the more, the more manly.

In speaking with my male friends, both straight and gay, I have heard over and over again the extreme pressure that men put on one another (and thereby, themselves) to be (or at least appear) as manly as possible, and how any perceived weakness in a man is immediately pounced on as a cause for ridicule, or even violence, even in a man's closeknit circle of friends. Chief among these perceived weaknesses is anything less than aggressive and demonstrative heterosexuality, which leads to a complete shunning of ANY sort of endorsement of gay people, even in the abstract sense, let alone actually mentioning any personal interest in other men sexually.

Another point: The AIDS crisis in America has been poorly handled. When Reagan had his Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, send a letter to every American in 1988, detailing the brand-new threat of AIDS in shocking terms, it was immediately branded a gay man's disease. Unfortunately, to this day, that is the image that most Americans have of AIDS: only gay men get it.

The fact is, these days, the fastest growing segment of the population contracting AIDS is the heterosexual community, and the slowest? Lesbians. But the publicity isn't there any more like it was at the outset. As a result, many Americans use their misinformation about AIDS as another justification for their homophobia, particularly toward gay men.

(There are other factors as well, but this is already longer than I was intending it to be.)

In terms of gay rights, we stand at a crossroads in our nation's history. A culture gap widened by the inflamatory rhetoric of a polarizing figure in the White House. Never before have gay people had so many rights in this country... and never before, at least in the 40 years since the gay rights movement officially began, has the debate been more public and more emotionally charged.

Both sides are working hard to move the country in their preferred direction. But which way will our country ultimately go? I think it depends heavily on the leadership we select in 2006, and more importantly in 2008. As I am fond of saying... Vote, or Shut Up.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Americans are homophobic because so many of them are brainwashed by the bible-thumping Christians into thinking that homosexuality is like the next deadly plague.

Sorry if I offended any of you, but I'm sick and tired of how homophobic most Americans are. Not a fan of homosexuality? That's fine and dandy, just don't go around dishing crap out because everyone isn't living the way you want them to live.

Answer 3

Not all Americans are homophobic but way too many are which is stupid because there isn't a person on this earth that's completely straight or gay.

Answer 4

Idk...i imagine that the final public aren't to any extent further homophobic yet rather do not thoroughly comprehend it...they're naiive. so that they don't hate homosexuals yet get uncomfortable round it. With extra understanding, they could study a thanks to utterly settle for it. the percentage that dislike it...i'd wager 40 8. yet i'm residing in California and am 19, so a tremendous kind of the individuals i'm round are extra accepting than some thing else of the country I parent.

Answer 5

I don't think Americans are homophobic. That is a dangerous generalization.

Answer 6

I am not homophobic!! Why don't you ask why some people are homophobic? You might be able to get an answer.

Answer 7

I'm not. I'm totally for homosexuality. I'm not one myself though. I don't even want to get into this. I don't understand why an individual can't be accepted for who they are. It's not a disease, it's not a mental problem. Homosexuals will not hurt society in anyway. If homosexuals aren't accepted because of "religious beliefs" then maybe couples who get divorced should be looked down on as well. Divorce is against religious beliefs as well, but I don't see politicians making a big deal about it. Most of them are divorced! As for AIDS, in my human sexualities class, the book we had said that more heterosexual people have AIDS than homosexual people. The discrimination just needs to stop.

Answer 8

I'm straight as an arrow, but I'm with you. I don't know why everyone has to bash the gay lifestyle. Perhaps they fear they may be somehow forced to watch or participate in gay sexual activity, or that somehow they may become gay from close contact, who knows? I've never had a problem, have had many male and female friends who were gay, no issues with any. Best bar I had fun at was a gay one. No one offended me, and I had a great time on each visit. Used to take my girlfriend with me sometimes. We had a ball. First time I'd ever seen a red pool table.

Answer 9

If you want to see the homophobic people, you'll see the homophobic people.

Answer 10

I think that most people find some of the homosexual actions to be gross more than they are homophobic. Has anything ever grossed you out? If homosexuals don't choose how they "feel" about members of the same sex, then how can other people be expected to be able to choose if they "feel" homosexual activities are gross?