The Fear of Being Called Phobic
2nd November 2015
Jim Goad sounds the alarm.
A friend of mine recently told me of his pal’s ethical struggles during a visit to the formerly English nation of England.
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It’s clear what’s going on here: Kevin is afraid of being called xenophobic and Islamophobic. By his own admission he doesn’t fear Muslims; he fears being accused of fearing them. And this is perhaps the most pervasive and justified fear these days—the fear of being called bad names that can destroy your social and professional life. We occupy a world where sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will get you fired. It’s a fear so thick, you even hesitate to whisper in closed quarters that you’re afraid.