The Phobia Card
While searching and browsing political issues and topics this morning the journey took an unexpected turn. It started with a search result that featured the word ‘islamophobia’. This was a reminder of other popular phobia references that appear to be chosen as a defensive tactic. For instance, if an individual or group expresses opposition to same sex marriage it is not uncommon for the proponents of same sex marriage to refer to their opponents as homophobic.
Islamophobia is typically used to describe those who express any criticism toward members of the Muslim faith or Islam. However xenophobia may be the most useful term for reacting to criticism as it covers more ground by simply defining critics as harboring an irrational fear of foreigners or extended to apply to the unknown.
A quick search of phobias in general produced a massive list and plenty of references. But what may suggest the folly of using phobias in public debate is phobophobia. You can probably guess that this is an irrational fear of developing an irrational fear. Can it get any more ridiculous than that? Sure it can.
If any opposition to any issue created by the self-named gay community renders one homophobic, then all opposing arguments are invalid even before they are raised. Likewise for the use of the words islamophobic and xenophobic and any other phobia generalized as the argument for all opposing viewpoints. Simply using phobias to dismiss criticism and concerns expressed by others to one’s own viewpoint is flawed reasoning.
This post addresses three issues largely related to three groups. Same sex marriage and those who are homosexual. Terrorism and those who are Muslim. Illegal immigration and those who are illegal aliens. Those who are opposed to the positions, viewpoints, or opinions of the three groups mentioned are frequently labeled as homophobic, islamophobic and/or xenophobic. The indiscriminate or careless use of these terms as the primary argument to support the claims of three groups mentioned only serves to strengthen their opponent’s position. If your central point is merely name calling then it is reasonable to assert your position is entirely self-serving and without merit
Each time those who support homosexual marriage present an argument and it is defeated, they abandon that argument and look for another. Those who claim criticism of Muslims as terrorists is unfair prefer to ignore the threats of terrorism expressed by those claiming to be Muslims. And those claiming opposition to illegal immigration as racist or xenophobic prefer to ignore the rule of law.
As a middle-aged white American male I offer the following statements. Because I believe in the sanctity of marriage and it being an arrangement between a man and a woman reflecting the importance of tradition, history, values and the natural process for sustaining the human species it forms my central opposition to same sex marriage.
Due to the widespread, documented, recorded and often repeated threats by many Muslim related individuals and groups to eliminate infidels meaning anyone who is not Muslim or accepting their views, I reject the notion by any and all Muslims defining my concern over this risk as islamophobic or otherwise unfair.
For those who favor amnesty for illegal aliens and other risk filled notions posed by the open borders crowd I respectfully submit that any actions or proposed actions that pose unnecessary risk to national defense, security or well being of the United States and its future are totally unacceptable and must be defeated. And any rebuttal merely attaching xenophobia, the race card or other baseless accusations is simply evidence of no available defense for your open borders mentality.
Call me whatever you want. Waste more of your time defending defenseless positions. Same sex couples do not need marriage or special recognition to acquire the rights they claim are denied. They just want it that way. Muslims who claim they are unfairly labeled as terrorists prefer to ignore the terrorists among them. Is is easier for them than fixing the problem. Illegals just want what they want and are looking for another freebie with amnesty. Not to mention all the others who profit from these violations of law. You know what you can do with your phobias.
Stanford Matthews
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