Homophobic? Does it make sense?Incorrectly used word?
By Cafountain
@Cafountain (120)
United States
January 5, 2008 1:48am CST
I can not stand people that use the word homophobic to describe somebody that doesn't like homosexuals. I mean, the work does come from phobia? Right? So homophobic would mean that someone has a fear of homosexuals. I could be technically wrong. Either way it bothers me because my little above theory makes sense to me. Agree or disagree?
1 person likes this
1 response
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
5 Jan 08
I really think the term homophobic comes from the gay person's point of view. For instance, generally a fear of something will make you dislike it, disagree with it, or deny it. Gay men will use the term homophobic referring to someone that they feel dislikes gay people. I mean I have never heard anyone refer to themselves as homophobic. lol It's usually the gay person using it toward someone else in a very sarcastic manner. That's just my experience and view of the term.
Bay Lay Gray xx
@Cafountain (120)
• United States
5 Jan 08
Would you then agree that this word has been "reclassified" as a derogatory word? I find that this word is used as an insult mostly, or even as an accusation of hatred. Anyone can see that every so often the English language shifts and certain words have meanings that have evolved into something new. I almost feel as if the word "homophobic" is as offensive as "fagot" might be to a homosexual. Note also that I have never been called homophobic and that I have no problems with homosexuals.
1 person likes this
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
6 Jan 08
Yes in a sense I would say that it's derogatory. It's used more as an assumption than a fact of actually knowing for sure. I guess people will say and do what makes them feel better about themselves, SOME gay people might find comfort in it. Who know's....I don't use the term and I've never been called that, that I know of. :)
Bay xx
