Can I be pendatic? I hate the description 'homophobic'....

[ILIKECANDLES]

I cant think of another one but for lots of people a phobia is a serious and debilitating conditioning, leading to mental breakdown etc where as people often described as 'homophobes' are just biggots, plain and simple. Can anyone think of a more accurate description, and one that is more media friendly.

Apologies for the type on 'pedantic'.

 

[shaolinpunk]

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something

The irrational part is key to something like homophobia.

 

[ILIKECANDLES]

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something

The irrational part is key to something like homophobia.

I have quite a bit of experience with phobias and am aware of the meaning. However, the chanting and taunting described as 'homophobic' isnt irrational at all. Nor does it create a 'fight or flight' reaction, no any sort of anxiety. Its just bigoted. You would call someone chanting 'you black b.........' a Negrophobe or something equally ill fitting. They would rightly be called a racist or would be accused of using racist language.

 

[soistes]

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something

The irrational part is key to something like homophobia.

True but the problem with the term is that, along with a lot of other "phobia" words, it seems to be being used (as the OP implies) to relate to hatred of something rather than strictly "fear" of it. So is Islamophobia really fear of Islam, or simply dislike/hatred of it or prejudice towards it? Arguably, I suppose, some people's hatred of homosexuals or muslims is partly related to (subconscious) fear, so there may be some truth in it, but I have some sympathy with the OP's argument that it might be better to have a term which focuses on the hatred/bigotry bit, rather than the irrational fear bit.

Also given that the thread is about pedantry, another problem with homophobia as a term is that "phobia" is Greek, and "homo" in Greek means "the same" (homosexual = attraction to people of the same sex), so homophobia strictly means fear of people the same as yourself (in the same way that Arachnophobia means fear of spiders etc), rather than fear of homosexuals.

 

[pork pie]

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something

The irrational part is key to something like homophobia.

Well, in the eyes of the likes of Tatchell and his militant gays who no doubt invented the word.

 

[jonny.rainbow]

Don't see the point of this thread/discussion.

We all know what homophobia means. Seems to me this is another attempt to deflect the issue and downgrade the severity.

 

[Herne Hill Seagull]

'phobia' is a fear of or aversion to something. The suffix '-phobia' as part of a word is the extreme or irrational fear or dislike of something. So the word fits perfectly.

(OED definitions).

 

[ILIKECANDLES]

Seems to me this is another attempt to deflect the issue and downgrade the severity.

err...no it isnt. Read the post again.

 

[Bakero]

Well, in the eyes of the likes of Tatchell and his militant gays who no doubt invented the word.

You're right. It's totally rational to fear, hate or shout abuse at homosexuals.

 

[SeagullSongs]

The Greek word for 'hate' is 'miso', so could we call it homomisic or something similar?

 

[pork pie]

You're right. It's totally rational to fear, hate or shout abuse at homosexuals.

All a bit extreme? What about those who do not do those things, but would rather not have homosexuality rammed down their throats on TV etc. as if it is quite normal?

 

[Bakero]

All a bit extreme? What about those who do not do those things, but would rather not have homosexuality rammed down their throats on TV etc. as if it is quite normal?

If homosexuals are ramming it down your throat you should report it to the police.

 

[ILIKECANDLES]

If homosexuals are ramming it down your throat you should report it to the police.

HA!

 

[pork pie]

If homosexuals are ramming it down your throat you should report it to the police.

lol, don't worry I would! They could take the bits of them away in body bags.

 

[LE19]

If homosexuals are ramming it down your throat you should report it to the police.

You'd have to text rather than phoning, though.

 

[LE19]

Apologies for the type on 'pedantic'.

I like the idea of spelling "typo" wrong!

Agree with the gist of the thread, though.

 

[The Large One]

Well, in the eyes of the likes of Tatchell and his militant gays who no doubt invented the word.

You have zero doubt - to the point of knowing - that the word 'homophobia' was invented by Peter Tatchell.

One day - ONE DAY - you will post something sane, rational and intelligent that doesn't pander to your bigotry, stupidity and ignorance.

 

[pork pie]

One day - ONE DAY - you will post something sane, rational and intelligent that doesn't pander to your bigotry, stupidity and ignorance.

Oh dear, you again? Are you stalking me you sad person?

 

[shaolinpunk]

All a bit extreme? What about those who do not do those things, but would rather not have homosexuality rammed down their throats on TV etc. as if it is quite normal?

Are you suggesting homosexuality is an abnormal part of society?

 

[Bakero]

Are you suggesting homosexuality is an abnormal part of society?

I'm sure he doesn't mind what they do in their own home. He just doesn't want them near his kids....or on TV.....or in the street.