2006-12-10 14:07:25 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Some of you have your own creative definitions of "heterosexist". Try this:
het·er·o·sex·ism /ˌhɛtərəˈsɛksɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[het-er-uh-sek-siz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
a prejudiced attitude or discriminatory practices against homosexuals by heterosexuals.
[Origin: hetero(sexual) + sexism]
—Related forms
het·er·o·sex·ist, noun, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source
het·er·o·sex·ism (hět'ə-rō-sěk'sĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n. Discrimination or prejudice against lesbians or gay men by heterosexual people.
het'er·o·sex'ist adj. & n.
2006-12-10 14:50:14 · update #1
I think that most people have a good idea what homophobic means but then tend to give it a broader meaning -- to cover just about anything that pertains to straight/non-straight relations -- the negative aspects, that is.
I agree with you though, heterosexist should often be the term used. And yes, I here example of both hetersexism and homophobia nearly everyday.
2006-12-10 14:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Heterosexist"? Would that not, by definition mean someone who was opposed to people of the other gender? perhaps the word "Misandrist" could become interchangeable with something like "Misanthropism". Just look at what happened when people started using the term "Metrosexual", let alone that other great corruption of the English Language, "Ubersexual"? Enough of the politically correct compartmentalizing. If people have a problem with Their lifestyle, then surely that is exactly what it is: their problem, and nobody else's.
2006-12-10 22:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by Ashleigh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heterosexist wouldnt be the right definition either. Hetero derives from the greek word "etero" which means opposite. Sexist would be someone who has a problem with the opposite sex or thinks its inferior. Heterosexist doesnt make any sense as a word, it actually means that you are a sexist against heteros which is not a sex but an orientation.
2006-12-10 22:11:45 · answer #3 · answered by Nostromo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because maybe you don't know the difference. Here is how I see it:
heterosexist: "So, what does your husband/wife do?" (assumption of husband/boyfriend-girlfriend/wife)
and when heterosexist comment is corrected, if the person making the comment reacts by saying, "you disgusting _______, you pervert, you're going to burn in hell for your sinful lifestyle" that would be homophobia.
my mother's comment that bisexual/lesbian women are all sex-crazed would also be an example of homophobia. hypersexualization of gay people-also homophobia.
heterosexism is more the assumption of heterosexuality, homophobia is the condemnation of homosexuality.
2006-12-10 22:15:23 · answer #4 · answered by jelliclecatharsis 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who are heterosexist talk positively about heterosexuals, people who are homophobic talk negatively about homosexuals. Gay people are usually not confronted by heterosexists but are confronted by homophobes, therefore gay people use the term that most accurately describes those that they are confronted with (which are those who hate them).
2006-12-10 22:23:43 · answer #5 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They can be interchangable?
Looking at the definitions I do agree. They mean different things, but they can be roughly used in place of each other. I had no clue "heterosexist" was even a word until today. Thanks!
2006-12-10 22:11:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Homophobia is a fear - not an arrogance. Straight guys who are homophobic are scared that if one of us successfully seduces them that they will actually enjoy themselves. That is not 'hetero-sexist' that is definitely homophobic.
Heterosexism is an egotistical self-worship. Homophobia is a neurotic fear. People don't hate because they are proud, but because they are ignorant and afraid.
I disagree with you.
2006-12-10 22:17:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, I think the worst homophobes out there are, in fact, pathologically and irrationally afraid. Mind you, they are not afraid of gays so much as their own latent homosexual tendencies.
2006-12-10 22:20:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
homophobe sounds like a harsher word to my ears.
2006-12-10 22:13:47 · answer #9 · answered by Das Schnabeltier 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most americans are linguistically lazy and have no love for the dictionary.
2006-12-10 22:10:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋