Racism and homophobia are basically a fear of the unknown.
Most people are afraid, to some extent, of the unknown, which is why so many people are uncomfortable in a darkened room. That, and forrins/gays make convenient scapegoats.
Sexism is probably connected with the increasing blurring of defined gender roles, and the resultant frustrations and scapegoating (change can be particularly hard to accept if it doesn't feel like a change for the better).
At the end of the day, if we weren't living in an ordered society, we'd all be caving eachother's heads in, so what should surprise you is that so many people act in non-evil ways.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Sun 16 Oct 2011, 21:33, 2 replies)

Also racism and homophobia are OK if you're an Oxford graduate, and you're mates with a Guardian writer.
Then you're regarded as highly intelligent and outspoken, rather than just a bigot.
( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 17 Oct 2011, 0:23, closed)

Hmm, Agree with you I do...
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
( DukeEuphoria Comes highly reccomended, Mon 17 Oct 2011, 14:49, closed)