People who use the Word "Homophobe" are Retarded

[IronySandwich]

zman0305

paranoid paramecium

I entirely disagree.


Homophobe does mean "fear"... but it's usually the case of fear creating the hate and anger that misinformed people have toward gay people. This isn't much of an extended discussion, to be quite honest, because they're acting fearful.


Just because someone doesn't run screaming and crying doesn't mean they aren't afraid. Homophobic people are afraid of what will happen to "the sanctity of marriage" if gays are allowed to marry. Homophobic people are afraid of what will happen to kids raised in an environment with two gay parents. Their hate is fueled by fear and ignorance.

This is a common misconception. The majority of people against gay marriage do not fear it, but disapprove of it. They view it as comparable to disturbing the peace, in which people do not fear people having a loud party, but rather disapprove and dislike it since it annoys them. Thus, the homophobe is an incorrect usage.

It's not a misconception at all.

http://64.233.179.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:OuUWXezMbF8J:www.oogachaga.com/downloads/homophobia_and_homosexual_arousal.pdf

A significant number of people against homosexuality (opposition to gay marriage is merely one aspect of this) are against it because they themselves have homosexual tendencies and are fighting to keep those tenancies secret even from themselves. If that doesn't qualify as a phobia, I don't know what does.

[zman0305]

vipr230

zman0305

No, since homophobe comes from the Greek rather than Latin root. The Greek root indicates "same," and when used in this word indicates being attracted to the same sex.

My problem with its use is that, unlike other colloquialisms, people try to sound intelligent when they use the word in an effort to elevate themselves above the people with whom they are arguing. However, this has quite the opposite effect since it reveals they are stupid. I dislike pompous idiots, and the use of this word has revealed that most Americans are pompous idiots.

Man you're a rather well spoken troll, but troll none the less.

"When used in this word indicates being attracted to the same sex"
Aside from the fact that this statment is grammatically incorrect (Irony much?), it also is making the same arbitrary association that you are making with phobia.

Homophobia, sticking to roots, means fear of the same, saying that "homo" relates to same sex is arbitrary. "Homosexual" literally means "same sex", it indicates nothing of attraction. Saying "this word indicates being attracted to the same sex." is attributing a definition not accounted for in the original etymology.

But as does "since", which takes it root to mean "after that", or "later", but you used it as because. So should I call you a retard for that?

Or what about "comes", originally that actually meant "goes"

And then there's "attracted" which meant literally draw, such as a body drawing fluids, having nothing to do with two people being drawn to each other in any form.

"colloquialisms" comes from Latin for "speaking together", indicating nothing of informality.

Most of the words in the entire English language are different from their original etymology. Some, such as "come" are drastically different, yet "homophobic" retains the definition pretty damn well.

Finally, considering that English is a Germanic language in the first place, arguing that greek roots are being used improperly is absurd, as the language isn't greek in origin. Greek roots have no intrinsic meaning in the language other than that which we attribute to them. The roots can change their meaning to fit a different language with an entirely different root system. After all, different language, different meanings. They can be the same generally, but still have no need to actually have the exact same definition.

Oh, and by the way, "phobia" in Homer was taken to mean flight.

Homosexual and your other examples do not expressly exclude the logical extension of their meaning, while homophobia does (explicitly referring to people who fear gays rather than disapprove of them).

Similarly, colloquialism does not exclude informality and in fact hints at it, since speaking together implies common expression.

I would agree with your last point. However, in all other psychological uses of the suffix phobia, it is taken to signify fear, as in arachnophobia and claustrophobia. Since the ENGLISH definition is fear, it is stupid to use it in a way that does not conform to this definition.

[vipr230]

zman0305

By your logic, we should not use anti-Semitism but rather semiphobia. You cannot use the ultimate reason for the disapproval or hate (which may or may not be true of all of group, which it is not in this case) as the root of a word trying to express the disapproval or hate.

My point is, there is no sense in saying Gay fearer when you really mean Gay hater. It is idiotic.

Just to clarify, I am not arguing for or against either ideology in the gay issue. I am just trying to express my disapproval of the misuse of the term.

*sigh* except it actually DOES mean gay hater and gay fearer. Your logic would mandate you shouldn't use the word "express" because that actually literally means to "press out". Or "hater" which came from "hate" which remarkably came from "care" "trouble" "sorrow" or just "feel strongly"

In truth, "dislike" is FAR more correct than hate if you go back to the very original etymology of the word.

[zman0305]

IronySandwich

zman0305

paranoid paramecium

I entirely disagree.


Homophobe does mean "fear"... but it's usually the case of fear creating the hate and anger that misinformed people have toward gay people. This isn't much of an extended discussion, to be quite honest, because they're acting fearful.


Just because someone doesn't run screaming and crying doesn't mean they aren't afraid. Homophobic people are afraid of what will happen to "the sanctity of marriage" if gays are allowed to marry. Homophobic people are afraid of what will happen to kids raised in an environment with two gay parents. Their hate is fueled by fear and ignorance.

This is a common misconception. The majority of people against gay marriage do not fear it, but disapprove of it. They view it as comparable to disturbing the peace, in which people do not fear people having a loud party, but rather disapprove and dislike it since it annoys them. Thus, the homophobe is an incorrect usage.

It's not a misconception at all.

http://64.233.179.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:OuUWXezMbF8J:www.oogachaga.com/downloads/homophobia_and_homosexual_arousal.pdf

A significant number of people against homosexuality (opposition to gay marriage is merely one aspect of this) are against it because they themselves have homosexual tendencies and are fighting to keep those tenancies secret even from themselves. If that doesn't qualify as a phobia, I don't know what does.

A significant number, but NOT ALL. Do you really believe that more than 50% of Californians are homosexual? Yet Californians passed Prop 8. In addition, words should express what they are intended to mean, not give an insight into the source of the meaning.

[Steeple]

vipr230

Finally, considering that English is a Germanic language in the first place, arguing that greek roots are being used improperly is absurd, as the language isn't greek in origin.

Oh, and by the way, "phobia" in Homer was taken to mean flight.

English is Germanic? I'm no lingual expert, but it was my understanding that it was composed of a mix of Germanic, Greek, and Latin words and grammars.

I think my favorite "It means something really different now" Latin word is "rapo" - meaning to carry off, but the root word of "rape" (though the latter probably followed the former when women were the object sweatdrop ). Like that statue "The Rape of Persephone", which Pluto/Hades is dragging her downward.

[vipr230]

zman0305

vipr230

zman0305

No, since homophobe comes from the Greek rather than Latin root. The Greek root indicates "same," and when used in this word indicates being attracted to the same sex.

My problem with its use is that, unlike other colloquialisms, people try to sound intelligent when they use the word in an effort to elevate themselves above the people with whom they are arguing. However, this has quite the opposite effect since it reveals they are stupid. I dislike pompous idiots, and the use of this word has revealed that most Americans are pompous idiots.

Man you're a rather well spoken troll, but troll none the less.

"When used in this word indicates being attracted to the same sex"
Aside from the fact that this statment is grammatically incorrect (Irony much?), it also is making the same arbitrary association that you are making with phobia.

Homophobia, sticking to roots, means fear of the same, saying that "homo" relates to same sex is arbitrary. "Homosexual" literally means "same sex", it indicates nothing of attraction. Saying "this word indicates being attracted to the same sex." is attributing a definition not accounted for in the original etymology.

But as does "since", which takes it root to mean "after that", or "later", but you used it as because. So should I call you a retard for that?

Or what about "comes", originally that actually meant "goes"

And then there's "attracted" which meant literally draw, such as a body drawing fluids, having nothing to do with two people being drawn to each other in any form.

"colloquialisms" comes from Latin for "speaking together", indicating nothing of informality.

Most of the words in the entire English language are different from their original etymology. Some, such as "come" are drastically different, yet "homophobic" retains the definition pretty damn well.

Finally, considering that English is a Germanic language in the first place, arguing that greek roots are being used improperly is absurd, as the language isn't greek in origin. Greek roots have no intrinsic meaning in the language other than that which we attribute to them. The roots can change their meaning to fit a different language with an entirely different root system. After all, different language, different meanings. They can be the same generally, but still have no need to actually have the exact same definition.

Oh, and by the way, "phobia" in Homer was taken to mean flight.

Homosexual and your other examples do not expressly exclude the logical extension of their meaning, while homophobia does (explicitly referring to people who fear gays rather than disapprove of them).

Similarly, colloquialism does not exclude informality and in fact hints at it, since speaking together implies common expression.

I would agree with your last point. However, in all other psychological uses of the suffix phobia, it is taken to signify fear, as in arachnophobia and claustrophobia. Since the ENGLISH definition is fear, it is stupid to use it in a way that does not conform to this definition.

"Or what about "comes", originally that actually meant "goes""

... Pardon me? "Comes" meant "goes"... how the hell does "goes" not exclude the definition its been given now? How does "flight" actually not exclude "fear"? It's a completely different word, as different as "fear" and "hate". Because is nothing like "after that", in fact, it's "as a result of", indicating that what follows must have come BEFORE thanks to simple cause and effect, the original etymology completely excluded the definition it's come to have.

And it's hardly stupid or improper, it is the definition, because languages ARE fluid, the currently accepted definition is the proper definition. Or should we remove the colloquial meaning of the word theory? It'd make scientist's lives a hell of a lot easier to never have to explain why "theory of evolution" is not the same thing as "I've got a random theory", but both ARE valid definitions, just because psychologically one definition of "phobia" is paramount does not mean that the definition of the word inherently is or even should be anything other than what is currently accepted.

[Mister Okami]

Here's the funny thing...
Actually...homophobia is the fear of sameness...not gays and lesbians...

But since homosexuality is attraction to the same sex..a lot of homophobes fear same-sex people along with anything else that's the same..

[vipr230]

Steeple333

vipr230

Finally, considering that English is a Germanic language in the first place, arguing that greek roots are being used improperly is absurd, as the language isn't greek in origin.

Oh, and by the way, "phobia" in Homer was taken to mean flight.

English is Germanic? I'm no lingual expert, but it was my understanding that it was composed of a mix of Germanic, Greek, and Latin words and grammars.

I think my favorite "It means something really different now" Latin word is "rapo" - meaning to carry off, but the root word of "rape" (though the latter probably followed the former when women were the object sweatdrop ). Like that statue "The Rape of Persephone", which Pluto/Hades is dragging her downward.

Yep, English is Germanic. There's a lot of influence from other languages, but make no mistake, English is primarily a Germanic language. Most languages show influences from other commonly spoken ones, but the roots are still fairly clear. Think of it this way, Spanish, Latin, and French are all very different languages. Yet, if you can speak one of those languages, it's not all that difficult to grasp at some sentences in the others. They all are based around the same thing. Likewise, "Guten Morgen", "Guten Abend" and such are fairly obvious to an English speaker even if you've never seen German. They are common phrases and haven't changed too much. Yet "buenos dias", "buenos tardes" would hardly be clear if you've never spoken a romance language. Likewise, "Ohayou" is almost impossible to tell would mean the same thing.

When looking at the most preserved phrases, that is, words and such that are often used, it's easy to tell where the roots come from.

[Hella Bad Scrub]

Words that may have meant something prior can change with the times. Times change, get over it. If you really have that little to do with your spare time, submit your argument to Webster. If you want a self appointed title for being a closed-minded jackass feel free, but don't expect people to honor it

[vipr230]

XxWillowsghostXx

Here's the funny thing...
Actually...homophobia is the fear of sameness...not gays and lesbians...

But since homosexuality is attraction to the same sex..a lot of homophobes fear same-sex people along with anything else that's the same..

Going by your definition of homophobia, homosexuality is literally "same sex" having nothing to do with attraction to the same sex. Most people however follow the dictionary definition because it's more proper than your definition.

Or should I point out your use of "lot" is wrong following your logic? Or "actually"?

[Steeple]

vipr230

Steeple333

vipr230

Finally, considering that English is a Germanic language in the first place, arguing that greek roots are being used improperly is absurd, as the language isn't greek in origin.

Oh, and by the way, "phobia" in Homer was taken to mean flight.

English is Germanic? I'm no lingual expert, but it was my understanding that it was composed of a mix of Germanic, Greek, and Latin words and grammars.

I think my favorite "It means something really different now" Latin word is "rapo" - meaning to carry off, but the root word of "rape" (though the latter probably followed the former when women were the object sweatdrop ). Like that statue "The Rape of Persephone", which Pluto/Hades is dragging her downward.

Yep, English is Germanic. There's a lot of influence from other languages, but make no mistake, English is primarily a Germanic language. Most languages show influences from other commonly spoken ones, but the roots are still fairly clear. Think of it this way, Spanish, Latin, and French are all very different languages. Yet, if you can speak one of those languages, it's not all that difficult to grasp at some sentences in the others. They all are based around the same thing. Likewise, "Guten Morgen", "Guten Abend" and such are fairly obvious to an English speaker even if you've never seen German. They are common phrases and haven't changed too much. Yet "buenos dias", "buenos tardes" would hardly be clear if you've never spoken a romance language. Likewise, "Ohayou" is almost impossible to tell would mean the same thing.

When looking at the most preserved phrases, that is, words and such that are often used, it's easy to tell where the roots come from.

Well, now I've learned something on the internet! Yay! I see exactly what you mean.

Actually, it's really strange... Latin and Japanese have quite similar grammar structure. Like, word order is flexible(1) because of the grammatical declensions/particles, sentences almost always end with the verb, etc. Guess some grammar rules are universal, huh? Oh, I notice this because I've studied both languages.

(1)Which leads to the hilarious phrase in one textbook: "Nihongo is a train", referring to each word as a car. Hee. I love crazy textbooks.

[Adalyna]

Do you prefer the term heterosexist? though most heterosexism is indeed a result of homophobia, and that's apparently too new or uncommon a word to be regarded by this computer's spellcheck.

[Cynic-san]

Yeaaaah....sounds like a gay basher is trying to sound smart and got pwned on the first page with a definition.

For one...."phobia" is derived from a word that does mean fear. But ever since the start of psychology is used for both distaste and fear. For example, a person can have arachnophobia but not be afraid of spiders--they just find them disgusting and therefore take action against them. They go "gross" but don't go "eek!" The same applies with people and snakes.

Course this is all just wonderful semantics.

[Sin of the Malkavian]

zman0305

c0nn3ct th3 d0ts

ho·mo·pho·bi·a (hm-fb-)
n.
1. Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
2. Behavior based on such a feeling.

Therefore people who show contempt for homosexuals would qualify as being homophobic despite not fearing it.

Just because a word is commonly used and therefore defined with the colloquial definition does not mean that the usage is correct. Take "ain't" for example.

Homophobe is an over used term and should be corrected.

A lot of words are dreadfully over used. Like, and this is off the top of my head after playing word bump, Lol, omfg, rofl, afk, just to name a few. Sadly, they are all technically words in addition to acronyms because they include all the parts needed to constitute a word. But if you absolutely must argue the definition of what constitutes a word, in today's society a word's meaning and in fact, a word's very existance is changed at a rapid pace. Ain't for example is now a legit word. It is in the english dictionary and fully classifies as a word, despite it's lack of explainable origin. When a word is used enough and spreads over a general area to have a single meaning, or in some cases a few, similar meanings, it can be added to the dictionary and be defined as a word. It's how we got a lot of racial slang into our language. You don't hear a lot of english people say the N word because it's of American origin and is definatly qualified as a word.

[Eccentric Iconoclast]

The Greek word phobos has been used in quite a number of ways over the years. Classical Greek (from which we borrowed most of our Greek words), as a language, persisted for really quite a long time, and the word certainly went through a number of changes during that period. In Homer's Greek, the word meant "flight," and it was originally descended from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhegw-, which meant "to run." As no terms that use the suffix -phobia mean that a person quite literally runs from the object of their fear, it is asinine to suggest that the meaning should be forevermore "fear" and should not be allowed to evolve.

As such, your argument can perhaps be understood as saying that it is inconsistent with other uses of the suffix -phobia. This is true, but a) consistence has very little role in language and b) there are words that use the suffix in the same way, such as "xenophobia," "ephebiphobia," "chemophobia" and a number of other terms. These all mean dislike as much as fear of the word's first morpheme.

But in the end, it all boils down to how, in language, how it's used is what it means, regardless of etymology or prescriptivist nonsense.