Why do we accept "Homophobia" when it is not an actual fear, but hatred instead?

Question

Linguistically, as most other phobias are actual fears, not intolerance, why do we accept the excuse of someone being homophobic, when they are just hateful and unwilling to accept?

Answer 1

The reasons for Homophobia are rooted in ignorance -- This ignorance breeds irrational fear, which festers into hostility, hatred and intolerance of homosexual behavior.

Often religions breed nothing but hate, and especially hatred of gay people.

Answer 2

I, personally, do not accept homophobia as a good excuse. I believe it could be a fear, a fear of something someone does not know about, or does not know the truth about. I believe that the issues of homosexuality should be out in the open more so people can have the opportunity to learn about it. The people that are unwilling to accept homosexuals i thinks are just bigots and nobody can change their minds, but the rest of the world can change and leave them behind.

Answer 3

I've always thought that homophobic people are afraid of exploring their own sexuality, accepting the possibility that everyone could be attracted to someone else regardless of gender. Not that that would make them gay, but just the fear of finding something that is considered wrong by most people. Gay people usually go through a great deal of trouble accepting themselves, analyzing, etcetera... So yes, I agree it's not necessarily fear of homosexuals, but there is some fear involved in my opinion.

Answer 4

Religion and demographics. In Canada 77% of the nation follows a religion which advocates against homosexuality.

And as a subset or religion/related note, the way you were brought up as a child and the inclinations and influences surrounding you. I think anyone can be brought up to be tolerant, but if your parents/pastor/whoever tell you to hate gay people, then there's a good chance that you will.

I also blame the media for perpetuating the stigma of homosexuality. Even though some might say it's getting better, to be gay is still either a scandal or a novelty freakfest in the making, and that's just wrong.

Answer 5

Homophobia is not always based in hatred. That is a biased statement. Some people are homophobic due to thier own personal FEARS not hatred... Too many people have issues to try and seperate them...

Answer 6

Look at Jan's answer and try to claim that's not hatred
Pride doesn't mean people are any more naked then when straights are at the beach and stuff, people are teaching teens about stuff that they may need to know, there's always been straight sex-ed. Aids didn't appear to destroy gays, she even wants to force LB GT people to be straight before they can be allowed to vote!!
Some people accept homophobia cos they don't care about gays

Answer 7

Calling someone 'homophobic' is far more impactful to them because it suggests they are scared.

This takes the wind out of their sails.

Most hatred (eg racist, religious) has its root in fear.

As humans one of our innate qualities is to fear/hate anything different and as we evolve we must learn to short circuit that knee-jerk reaction and use our intelligence instead.

Answer 8

All hate is based in fear.

Answer 9

It sounds like you are being a hater of anyone who doesn't agree with your way of life.

If disagreement equals hating someone then you are no better than those you're complaining about.

Answer 10

Correct....I believe "Heterosexism" is often a better term to be used in place of "Homophobic".

But like a lot of words in English, original meanings change as social trends change. "Terrific" used to mean "terrible", but now it is used in context of something good happening.