Dr. Rochlin's "questionnaire" is of some value in exposing shallow
arguments against homosexuality, but speaking as a fellow satirist, I'd
have to say it's pretty shallow itself. Of the gays and lesbians I have
known, dysfunctional family upbringing, failed heterosexual
relationships, childhood molestation and poor self-image have sometimes
been factors, and sex roles have seemed to be rather stereotypical.
In response to your use of the term "homophobia," which I believe is
over-used (not by you), I submit the following essay. Why don't we agree
to address these societal problems and agree that heterosexuality is the
paradigm in the Bible and in Nature? I suggest that this would keep us
productively occupied.
Homodisagreebia
By Dan Eumurian
“Fear always springs from ignorance,” wrote the nineteenth century
poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. The Bible states in First John
4:18, “The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
If a person can be portrayed as unreasonably fearful, then, that
person would also seem to be both ignorant and unloving.
The term “homophobia” appears frequently in the mainstream press as
well as in pro–homosexual literature. The supposed fear of homosexuals
seems to be placed on the same level as fear of heights, fear of crowds
or fear of open places–things which exhibit psychological shortcomings,
genetic defects or unfortunate, atypical past experiences.
It used to be that homosexuality was seen as a psychological
abnormality, characteristic of children who grew up with a domineering
mother and a timid father. But now anyone who does not accept homosexual
behavior as normal is considered a narrow–minded bigot––by some
supposedly broad–minded moderates.
Let’s consider for a moment some of the causes of homosexuality. Along
with the dysfunctional family setting just mentioned, some people fall
into homosexual behavior because they were molested as a child by
someone of the same gender. Others are placed in situations where no
partner of the opposite sex is available due to incarceration or
military service. Perhaps some react against the exploitation of sex for
commercial purposes, macho stereotypes in modern culture, or an abusive
heterosexual relationship. Neuro–anatomist Simon La Vey of the Salk
Institute in San Francisco has reported that part of the hypothalamus
portion of the brain in homosexual men is half the size of that in other
men. Although such persons deserve love and empathy, I should not be
labeled as a homophobe if I refuse to endorse the lifestyle to which
these factors may lead.
Perhaps they could just say that I have homodisagreebia.
I do not agree that we need gay advocates telling our elementary
school children that homosexuality is just an alternative lifestyle,
equivalent to heterosexuality.
I do not agree that we need counselors encouraging our high school
students to adopt homosexuality, rather than helping them to face
without fear the rewarding challenges of heterosexual relationships or
singleness. We have no business promoting premarital sex, whether
heterosexual or homosexual.
I do not agree that promiscuity, whether homosexual or heterosexual,
should be seen strictly as a civil rights issue when it walks and talks
like a public health issue.
The standard in nature as well as in the Bible is heterosexuality, and
among humans it works best in a monogamous, committed relationship. Such
a relationship constitutes true diversity.
I must expose what the Bible calls sin wherever I see it, and must
show Christ’s mercy and love to all sinners, just as God has revealed my
sin and shown Christ’s mercy and love to me.
If some people don’t think I should be allowed to hold this position
in disagreement with popular culture, it may be that they’re afflicted
with a real social disease.
Disagreeophobia.
© 2000, Dan Eumurian
John W Burgeson wrote:
>
> Warning. This questionaire upsets some folks. It upset me when I first
> encountered it. If you go through it, you might benefit by appreciating
> your own feelings (and possible homophobia) better. I did.
> -----------------------------------
> Heterosexual Questionnaire - Martin Rochlin, PhD.
>
> 1· What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
>
> 2. When and how did you first decide you were a heterosexual?
>
> 3. Is it possible your heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?
>
> 4. Is it possible your heterosexuality stems from a neurotic fear of
> others of the same sex?
>
> 5. Isn't it possible that all you need is a good Gay lover?
>
> 6. Heterosexuals have histories of failures in Gay relationships. Do you
> think you may have turned to heterosexuality out of fear of rejection?
>
> 7. If you’ve never slept with a person of the same sex, how do you know
> you wouldn't prefer that?
>
> 8. If heterosexuality is normal, why are so many mental patients
> heterosexual?
>
> 9. To whom have you disclosed your heterosexual tendencies? How did they
> react?
>
> 10. Your heterosexuality doesn't offend me as long as you don't try to
> force it on me. Why do you people feel compelled to seduce others into
> your sexual orientation?
>
> 11. If you choose to nurture children, would you want them to be
> heterosexual, knowing the problems they would face?
>
> 12. The great majority of child molesters are heterosexuals. Do you
> really consider it safe to expose your children to heterosexual teachers?
>
> 13. Why do you insist on being so obvious, and making a public spectacle
> of your heterosexuality! Can't you just be what you are and keep it quiet?
>
> 14. How can you ever hope to become a whole person if you limit yourself
> to a compulsive, exclusive heterosexual object choice and remain unwilling > to explore and develop your normal, natural, healthy, God-given homosexual
> potential?
>
> 15. Heterosexuals are noted for assigning themselves and each other to
> narrowly restricted, stereotyped sex-roles. Why do you cling to such
> unhealthy role-playing!
>
> 16. Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?
>
> 17. With all the societal support marriage receives, the divorce rate is
> spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?
>
> 18. How could the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual,
> considering the menace of overpopulation?
>
> 19 There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been
> developed with which you might be able to change if you really want to.
> Have you considered aversion therapy?
>
> 20. Do heterosexuals hate and/or distrust others of their own sex? Is
> that what makes them heterosexual?
>
> Pretend for a moment that you live in a society where the majority of
> persons are homosexual and heterosexuality is something to be hidden.
> Then think of trying to answer the questions above.
>
> John Burgeson (Burgy)
>
> http://www.burgy.50megs.com
> (science/theology, quantum mechanics, baseball, ethics,
> humor, cars, God's intervention into natural causation, etc.)
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