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I have always disliked the term "homophobic". "Phobic" means that someone has a fear of something. Given that the people using these words in tweets are doing
by downandout 14y ago
I have always disliked the term "homophobic". "Phobic" means that someone has a fear of something. Given that the people using these words in tweets are doing so in a very public fashion, they are not very likely to be afraid of gay people. They are perhaps hateful and/or prejudiced, but phobic is just an entirely inaccurate term in this and most other instances where that term is used.
- lotsofcows 14y agoBullies are only brave when targeting a minority. They're scared of things they don't understand but will only make a noise about it if they feel in a strong position. A better complaint about the word homophobic is that its meaning is dependant on one understanding "homo" to mean homosexual. Otherwise it means one who fears same-ness. Most homophobes actually, obviously, fear difference.
- downandout 14y agoBut again, that makes a tremendous number of assumptions as to why the person is saying those words. I get that it is a term meant to degrade and shame those who use these terms, but I just don't think it's an accurate description in the majority of cases.
- glomph 14y agoWords don't have to mean the same as their etymology though. This one has clearly moved away from that.
- neilk 14y agoPhobia in the original greek covers "fear", "hatred", and "aversion". For instance, hydrophobic molecules do not fear water. That said, homophobia, in cultures like North America, is very much based on fear. It's not a simple sort of fear, but it is wrapped up in how gay people challenge gender roles, and the fear that men have of being less than dominant. People who aspire to socially dominant roles, who secretly have same-sex feelings, are often the worst oppressors. Before you condemn the term, I suggest you read up on it.