Right, since we all know what it means, why does no one ever seem to use the word? Instead using the word racist
(..and I know what some of you are going to say, in that case why does society still use the word homophobic when homophobes don't actually FEAR gay people?)
2007-06-19 16:23:31 · 20 answers · asked by bruce 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
it means fear OR dislike.
people use the word racism when talking about hating the French or Americans or Mexicans for example.
OMG your so racist for saying that!!11
American, French and Mexican obviously aren't races. That's what i'm talking about.
2007-06-19 16:34:05 · update #1
i'll have to start using it:)
2007-06-19 16:26:31 · answer #1 · answered by kitty is ANGRY!™ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe because homophobic means not just fear of, but contempt for homosexuality. Xenophobic also means an unreasoning contempt for that which is foreign or strange. Racist, on the other hand, means a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. I do not believe the words are synonymous.
2007-06-19 23:36:18 · answer #2 · answered by claudiacake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of foreign things, or people. I guess because there doesnt seem to be a connection between the word and what it means.
Like "racist" has "race" in it, but I dont see where "xeno" comes from in the phrase "fear of foreign people or things"
2007-06-19 23:31:52 · answer #3 · answered by witchette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because xenophobic and racist are not synonymous
Xenophobia
A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/xenophobia
Racism
1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Racist
2007-06-19 23:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Pancho 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It seems like you answered your own question...
I think few use the word because it's a "big" word and they 1) don't feel confident busting it out or 2) aren't sure their audience will understand it.
I used to work with grade and middle-schoolers and they were constantly asking me what words I used meant (these were really smart kids too.)
2007-06-19 23:30:57 · answer #5 · answered by Bonnie B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fear of Xena the Warrior Princess???
or Xena impersonators,
or Henas,Xena transvestites???
2007-06-19 23:29:02 · answer #6 · answered by Rich B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A fear or contempt of foreigners or strangers.
2007-06-19 23:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by deb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Xenophobia
A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or foreign peoples.
2007-06-19 23:26:24 · answer #8 · answered by Dragon Slayer™ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hate and fear are two different things. Racists hate. There's no phobia in that.
2007-06-19 23:26:21 · answer #9 · answered by collynn 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
the fear of photo development. or just for laughs, the fear of xeron.
2007-06-19 23:28:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anon omus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
having abnormal fear or hatred of the strange or foreign
2007-06-19 23:26:59 · answer #11 · answered by saldana_t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋