Homophobia (from Greek: ὁμο homo[sexual], "same, equal" + φοβία [phobia], "fear") is a non-clinical term[3] used to describe the fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals[4] and several dictionaries characterize this type of fear as irrational.[5][6][7] It can also mean hatred, hostility, disapproval of, or prejudice towards homosexuals, or homosexual behavior or cultures.[8] Homophobic is the adjective form of this term used to describe the qualities of these characteristics while homophobe is the noun form given as a title to individuals with "homophobic" characteristics.
The usage of the word homophobia in it's modern form is controversial as it may be used pejoratively against those with differing debatable value positions.[9]
Quite literally it means anyone that would feel overwelming uncomfortability even being around a homosexual. But as the previous post suggests, anyone that might consider homosexual marriage as somehow distructive to the sanctity of the institution of marriage, or anyone that might think there is a "gay agenda" conspiring to "recruite" their children into the lifestyle might be concidered afraid of homosexuality. Fear and hatred usually linked.
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A daughter of hope and fear, religion explains to Ignorance the nature of the unknowable. -Ambrose Bierce
Fear and dislike are often linked but why is someone who dislikes homosexuality in general automatically labeled a "homophobe" as if he's scared of "catching" it? How do you even catch it? It doesn't make sense.
There is a difference between someone that dislikes homosexuality for themselves and someone that thinks it will be the downfall of our culture. If anyone calls a straight person a homophobe because they don't like homosexuality, they are over using the word. But if the person is literally made uncomfortable in the presence of a homosexual, then it could be a literal case on homophobia. Gays can be a bit in your face about their sexuality, so it is a situational thing.
Homophobia is (wrongly) used for anyone who dares oppose homosexuality. It can mean that he or she simply disapproves of a form of homosexuality even if he or she is still approving of it in other forms.
Technically speaking, it is not even the correct word. It would be like calling racism negrophobia. Opposition to something does not equate fear to something. Hatred to something does not equal fear to something. (For example, those who hate their wives after 20 years of marriage because she had an affair...does that mean they FEAR her also? Are they now wifophobic?)
Taking it a step farther....those that oppose Christianity can be called Christophobic. Those that believe that there is no God can be called Godophobic, those that are chauvinistic can be called feminiophobic, those that do not want children and dislike children in their homes are called childophobic, those who hate cops are called policophobic, those that oppose alcohol are alcoholophobic, those that are Republicans are Democratophobic, and the list goes on and on. It is not only an incorrect use of the word, it is not even a good description.
While I certainly do not approve of any bigotry or racism, this does not mean that someone who opposes something can be considered either fearful of that position or full of hatred towards that position.
I do not necessarily approve of homosexuality nor do I approve of gay marriage per se. Civil union is not marriage. I have had many friends who are gay. One of my favorite cousins is a lesbian. I have hired individuals knowing they are gay. I have shared a hotel room with a fellow employee who was/is gay. I had breakfast once a week for a while with a friend who was gay. He now struggles with AIDs....sadly. Does my disapproval of homosexuality translate into fear or hatred? No. Am I afraid of gays or lesbians? No.
So, this is why I feel very strongly that this word is a misnomer. And besides that...with my need for correct English wording and grammar, it does irritate me that someone could not have been more intelligent in their forming a word labeling the opposition.
(And then we get into...why do we find it necessary to label the opposition. Labels divide. For a group who hates stereotypes, this word does just that...stereotype.)
So, you have the definition of a word that was not intelligently formed.
__________________ “Fame and riches are fleeting. Stupidity is eternal." --Don Williams, Jr
Last edited by JamesM; 6th February 2008 at 9:02 AM.
There is a difference between someone that dislikes homosexuality for themselves and someone that thinks it will be the downfall of our culture. If anyone calls a straight person a homophobe because they don't like homosexuality, they are over using the word. But if the person is literally made uncomfortable in the presence of a homosexual, then it could be a literal case on homophobia. Gays can be a bit in your face about their sexuality, so it is a situational thing.
Gays huh?...... try a straight dude at a bar - those are the guys that are in your face about "their" sexuality!
I am hornystraightmanphobic.........
__________________ MAY THE FORK BE WITH YOU -Damn Panda spilled my beer again!
I agree James that fear and hatred are not always linked, but in this case I think they are. The people that disapprove of homosexuality are afraid of a world full of homosexuals. They believe that if they don't oppose it, then the lifestyle will be acceptable, and then their children might growup to be gay.
You have to admit that some people hate gays. Why in the world would someone hate someone for getting aroused by members of the same sex. And possibly a relative at that. It is because they are afraid to accept this lifestyle as normal.
Homophobesd are just jealous because gay men don't have to deal with women in relationships. That alone would be worth all the hate and discrimination. You might be hated by a large part of society but you have peace and quiet at home. Straight guys wish they had it so good.
Homophobesd are just jealous because gay men don't have to deal with women in relationships. That alone would be worth all the hate and discrimination. You might be hated by a large part of society but you have peace and quiet at home. Straight guys wish they had it so good.
Where do you get this from? Another aspect of the "truth"?
Homophobesd are just jealous because gay men don't have to deal with women in relationships. That alone would be worth all the hate and discrimination. You might be hated by a large part of society but you have peace and quiet at home. Straight guys wish they had it so good.
I don't think so bud.. as much heartache and headaches women cause.. there's nothing more beautiful than long hair..curvy child bearing hips, smooth legs, soft touches.. nothing is stronger than the love of a woman. I could go on..
I 'd rather have all that.. as opposed to.. hairy chests, abs, pecks, adam's apples.. etc..
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