Hoplophobia, n. Irrational, morbid fear of guns (c. 1966, coined by Col. Jeff Cooper, from the Greek hoplites, weapon; see his book Principles of Personal Defense). May cause sweating, faintness, discomfort, rapid pulse, nausea, sleeplessness, nondescript fears, more, at mere thought of guns. Presence of working firearms may cause panic attack. Hoplophobe, hoplophobic. Sometimes helped by training, or by coaching at a range, a process known to psychiatry as "desensitization," a useful methodology in treating many phobias.

 

Hoplophobes are common and should never be involved in setting gun policies. Hoplophobic behavior is often obvious from self-evident irrational responses to real-life situations, and is frequently seen in the news media and public debate. When a criminal commits a crime using a gun, hoplophobes often seek to disarm, or make lists of, innocent people who didn't do anything, a common, classic and irrational response.

 

LIST OF RETAIL STORES THAT HAVE SUBMITTED TO THE IRRATIONAL DEMANDS OF HOPLOPHOBES

 

Fresh Market

Whole Foods

Trader Joe’s

Starbucks

Target

Chipotle

Sonic

Chili’s

Jack in the Box