Maybe you have heard of Daft Bodies. This is the first video I saw of it:

Daft Bodies - Harder Better Faster Stronger

I have since looked up some of the female versions, but I think these guys nail it. For those that don't want to load the clip, a quick description. It is two guys who get down to their jocks and dance along to the song Harder Bester Faster Stronger by Daft Punk, with all the words used in the song written on their bodies, such that the words are presented to the camera when they are used in the song.

I recently went to a friends house, and loaded the clip to show him, and the following conversation took place.

Him : Why are we watching two guys?
Me : Cos it's awesome
Him : Why are we watching two guys strip?
Me : Cos the dance moves are awesome. There are chick versions, but these guys just nail it, it's the best version I've seen.
Him : If they take off any more clothes, I am out of here.

So what is homophobia? I don't quite get it, but it is built right into the definition of the word ; an irrational fear or loathing of homosexuals or homosexuality. But instances like these seem relatively common, where it seems that nothing is being expected of them in any homosexual manner, but is still somehow challenging to them.

There is a movie called Shortbus. I'm not quite sure how it didn't get banned here in South Australia given it's content. It contains actual sex, both heterosexual and homosexual, with details you would expect to find only in actual adult film (a quick explanation; in Australia, the highest general rating is R, hardcore adult films are rated X, and only sold out of two states). It has been a while since I have seen it, but I thought it was an interesting and honest look into sexuality. Nevertheless, I can bet the majority would be scrambling for the remote the moment two naked gentlemen get close to each other (or just get naked, for that matter). I didn't see a need to do so. The way they act in these scenes is incremental to learning about them.

There are other things that simply seem taboo for a heterosexual male. I doubt very much I could ask any of my male friends for a massage, and would probably think I had some ulterior sexual motive. I've had a massage from a qualified male masseur, and I didn't leave thinking about how I would like to bend over the next guy I saw. He touches guys all day, and he had a 'traditional' family. I reckon a couple of my friends might even be challenged if I asked them to cut my hair (I'm lazy and use clippers, but need someone else to do the last bit of tidying). Try giving most guys a hug and they will fall over backwards trying to get away from your embrace.

Most heterosexual men probably fail to recognise whether another man is hot or sexy. I'd say I have trouble in that department, but that is simply because I don't find men attractive. But I would acknowledge that Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughy (too lazy to look up spelling) are good looking guys. A person I used to work with did some dancing (as work) on the side at night clubs. Boy, did he have some moves. You know what, I'll come right and say it; his moves were damn sexy. Not in the sexual arouse sense, but in that sleek, fast, complete control of his body sense. But I have no doubt if I had turned to a guy beside me and said that, they would instantly label me as gay.

What I am trying to get at here is that there seems to be some cultural confusion (for want of a better term) between what actually makes you homosexual (sexually attracted to other men) and things that have no bearing on it. I'm aware that I have only covered one angle here, because it is all I can relate to. Are there any such taboos between heterosexual women? Would any of the above challenge your heterosexuality (if you are heterosexual)? Why do you think some of these arbitrary barriers are in place?