Reply #70: you could try a wee smidgen of research

[iverglas]

The word "homophobe" has never been used or understood to mean "irrational fear" of homosexuality or homosexuals. It was coined on the -phobia model, but it has always been used and understood to mean hatred of / prejudice against homosexuals, the notion being that such hatred/prejudice is based on fear.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia

The moronoic term "hoplophobia" is actually more in line with classic phobias: it refers to AN IRRATIONAL FEAR of AN OBJECT. It is therefore similar to arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and the like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia (from Greek arachne (αράχνη ), "spider" and phobia (φοβία ), "fear" ) is a specific phobia, an abnormal fear of spiders and other arachnids. It is among the most common of all phobias. The reactions of arachnophobics often seem irrational to others (and sometimes to the sufferers themselves). People with arachnophobia tend to feel uneasy in any area they believe could harbor spiders or that has visible signs of their presence, such as webs. If arachnophobics see a spider they may not enter the general vicinity until they have overcome the panic attack that is often associated with their phobia. In some cases, even a picture or a realistic drawing of a spider can also evoke fear.

... Though many arachnids are harmless, a person with arachnophobia may still panic or feel uneasy around one. Sometimes, even an object resembling a spider can trigger a panic attack in an arachnophobic individual.

To suggest that an individual who advocates restrictive regulation of firearms acquisition and possession is suffering from an irrational fear that prompts panic attacks at the sight of a firearm or an image of a firearm is pig ignorant.


edited to remove incidental idiotfaces