The word homophobe is derived from the greek words homo and phobos.
It actualy means affraid of gays(phobos = fear). It is just wrong and I wonder who started this .
The people who hate women are misogynists (miso = hate) and is an acurate term.
They should be calling them misohomos instead of homophobes.
2006-12-06 19:34:35 · 13 answers · asked by Mike S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Most of the people that I talked to say that fear has nothing to do with it. They just find it discusting. So the argument that we hate what we fear does not stand
2006-12-06 20:37:32 · update #1
'misohomos' however inaccurate as a word in greek context, would mean that they hate their keen (the root homo does not mean 'man' but 'keen'/''of the same kind'). 'Homosexuals' are those that associate sexually with members of their keen thus other men. Pls bare in mind that contrary to current popular belief, homosexuality generaly speaking was not encouraged in ancient greece, rather it was tolerated or allowed to be if you wish and suffice it to say that at that time there has been some very derogatory terms to describe this sexual practice. The use of the word homophobia is rather modern, and it is psychologists and therapists that are responsible for making the concept popular that men fear what they recognise in themselves yet are unable to accept. Thus the use of the term homophobic contains a certain bias , in that it implies that men are denying what they should accept, argument which conveniently caters to the needs of the other side.
2006-12-06 20:58:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
With all due respect to the questioner and a quite a few of those who answered you have gotten off track a bit.
Most people who dislike homosexuality either because of personal distate or religous beliefs don't hate or fear. They simply do not like or they object. This is about their preferences and beliefs, not a fear. Most of these people, through their prefences don't like homosexuality aren't driven to anger or hate, they just don't like it. It might turn to prejudices or bigotry, but homophobia is more extreme.
Homophobia is more rabid, someone who actually goes out of their way to object, to express anger and dislike for gay people. Most straight people move past this dislike and get on with their lives. A homophobe would be more virulent in his objection to gays. Often times they act violent, or will do other irrational acts (we see it in here a lot of folks who curse and condemn like fools) against gay people, normal people don't. This is a fear that they fight through anger, or derogatory outburst. Fear of the unknown and fear of what they might be (that is not to say most homophobes are really gay, but some are). Some fear their own lives, and lash out at somewhat else. Homophobes resort to name calling, or spreading of lies to back up their fears/beliefs. They may turn to violence as a over reaction to this fear.
Phobia prevents you from dealing with the object of the fear. A homophobe can not stand gay people, can not tolerate them or accept their place in the community. Most people who don't like homosexuality are able to get along with gay people, don't have problem distinguishing between personal taste and loathing.
The term is overused in the gay community too often, and too many in straight world deny that such a thing even exists. The truth is in the middle.
It was an honest question, if I disagree with the premise. Thanks.
2006-12-07 01:01:41 · answer #2 · answered by imaginary friend 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because most hatred and anger are nothing more than fear manifesting in a different way. People tend to dislike the things they are afraid of, hence, the fear of homosexuals = homophobia.
2006-12-06 23:09:54 · answer #3 · answered by AB 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Homo is a derivitive meaning One or in the case of gay male or female it would mean Same for the Same sex relationship...phobe would be the one meaning fear so people usually refer to them as homophobes because of their one/same sex fear. Hope that helps, seems like you have the answer already!
Mia
2006-12-06 19:41:18 · answer #4 · answered by masquerade805 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably NOT what you want to hear BUT, I think most of the time hatred for homosexuals stems from one's own fear of homosexuality (both of other people and possibly within one's self).
2006-12-06 19:48:42 · answer #5 · answered by d.anconia 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i wager because the stereotypical "flamer" isn't an excellent situation to be? it truly is a stereotype that, no matter the way you spin it, is volatile to the gay commmunitee. I supose that, for this reason, perchance butch gay adult males blame the topic matters they face with homophobia on queens. BTW, the position is the purple stripe on your flag? O_o
2016-11-24 20:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People can *say* "I don't fear homosexuals", but what they fear is their own secret fascination and yearning to try it on for size!
2006-12-07 00:46:38 · answer #7 · answered by FL LMT 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hmomphobes ARE scared of gays, people hate the things they fear. so it is correct
2006-12-06 19:52:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you don't agree with their lifestyle I guess that's ok but why tell them? Wouldn't it be like telling you well I don't like this & that about you when you really don't & shouldn't care what I think or say?
2006-12-06 19:37:29 · answer #9 · answered by gitsliveon24 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interesting thought. You're probably right, or maybe mishomonists; although personally I just call them *******.
2006-12-06 19:38:24 · answer #10 · answered by ZenPenguin 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋