The problem with phobias

The charge of xenophobia is comical. It suggests that if we are uncertain, or fearful, of things that different or unknown, we are irrational. In point of fact, fear of the unknown is almost universal, and seems to me both biologically useful for survival and a sign of good common sense. We must evaluate the unknown and assess how it will affect us, before we simply embrace it. Xenophobia is the operating principle of the FDA, the EPA and numerous other agencies. The unknown may prove wonderful or deadly. It pays to look first, then embrace.

As far as homophobia, I know and respect gay and lesbian individuals. I also treat them in my practice of emergency medicine. Many that I have met are delightful people who contribute greatly to the community. Still, I fear the implications of the homosexual agenda as it concerns the freedom of religious expression. But I do not have irrational fear (or animosity) toward gays or lesbians.

However, this very column will likely result in the charge of homophobia. How tragic, because the accusation will be reflexive, and probably will suggest that disagreement equals phobia equals hatred.

Likewise, I am not afraid of Muslims. I was greatly influenced by a Muslim surgeon when I was considering medicine as a young man. His professionalism and compassion, his encouragement and gentle demeanor affected me deeply. As a physician I have worked with many Muslims. And when I have treated them, have found them well educated, kind and concerned for their families (a thing we could use more of in Western culture).

I am still concerned about the implications of aggressive Islamist rhetoric and activities. I am indeed afraid of the application of Shariah law in the West, and the way it could usurp our exceptional legal traditions and our cherished freedoms. I am certainly afraid of the violent acts of Islamic extremists.

I will most likely be accused of Islamophobia. Nevertheless, I do not think my fears are phobic, but are in fact “evidence-based.” A brief study of ancient and modern history will quickly illustrate the dangers of more aggressive, doctrinaire Islamic political movements. I do not consider myself an Islamophobe, but an American with his eyes open to the past and the future.

When we accuse our political or philosophical opponents of phobia, we are simply (and with passive-aggression) shutting down dialogue. The same accusation of phobia might well be leveled in many directions. Are progressives Christophobic? Are gays heterophobes? Is the president rural-o-phobic? Are environmentalists pediophobes, in calling for fewer children, or industriophobic, in their concern about pollution?

Fear is an old weapon. But the accusation of irrational fear seems relatively new; a post-modern, backhanded way to call people stupid and unreasonable. Worse, a way to imply that anything other than total acceptance of divergent views is (ironically) intolerant and that any fear or suspicion is antiquated.

I don’t believe I am alone in my assessment. Many persons, accused of ignorance and phobia, are not at all either. They simply have concerns based on personal values or careful observation. And few of them desire to harm those with whom they are at odds. Rational concern need not equal violent hatred.

What a pity the accusation of phobia is itself so very irrational and intolerant. And so strangely grounded in fear.

Dr. Edwin Leap, an emergency room physician, lives in Tamassee, S.C.