What Is Homophobia?

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

I posted this on a Democratic board recently and did not receive any substantial responses. What exactly is homophobia? The true definition of the word means "afraid of homosexuality." But does one who simply disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle automatically AFRAID of it?

Polls indicate that a majority of Americans do not accept the homosexual lifestyle as legitimate. Some disagree with the homosexual lifestyle based on religious beliefs; others believe it undermines our sacred sociological institutions such as marriage and family.

So does this mean that we live in a country full of people who are AFRAID of homosexuality, cowering at the very thought of seeing or conversing with homosexuals? Or is "homophobia" simply a bully term - a lame attempt to intimidate and shame the culture at large into accepting homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle?
:priest:

UNCLEBOB · Jul 24, 2005

It's fear through ignorence. They don't know much about, they don't want to know, they rather "kill it" like they do with anything they fear and don't understand.

I guess many people deep down inside fear they might have a little homosexuality in them, or in their children.

Lokisdottir · Jul 24, 2005

A homophobe isn't someone who simply disagrees with or dislikes homosexuals, as long as they leave the latter alone. If they try to interfere with gays' personal lives, or take away their rights, that's homophobic.

Of course, being afraid of homosexuals also qualifies as homophobia (since that was the original definition), but I don't know many people who are actually afraid of gays, so that definition is fairly limited.

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

UNCLEBOB said:
It's fear through ignorence. They don't know much about, they don't want to know, they rather "kill it" like they do with anything they fear and don't understand.

I guess many people deep down inside fear they might have a little homosexuality in them, or in their children.

But this is simply not true. Conservative Christians, for example, are notorious in their opposition to the homosexual lifestyle. They are not ignorant of homosexuality; they know exactly what it is. I mean really. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

But homosexuals know that those who oppose their lifestyle fully understand what homosexuality is and its consequences to the society at large. So really, the only way they can gain acceptance is to aggressively attempt to discredit the opposition by smacking the "homophobic" label on them.

Hence the reason for this post. Why do they REALLY use the term "homophobic?"

From the conservative Christian viewpoint, the main disagreement with the homosexual lifestyle is that God said it isn't just a sin, it's an abomination. This is found in both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Also their argument is that morally, it undermines the very fabric of our civil society.

It is also a fallacy to say that many people fear that they have a little homosexuality in them. According to homosexuals, either you are born homosexual or you are not. To legitimize their lifestyles, they discount all social learning in the child years and say they are born that way. So according to their own logic, if I'm a heterosexual, I'm born THAT way. So to say I fear I have a little homosexuality in me is a little ridiculous IMHO.

merryjig · Jul 24, 2005

i agree with uncle bob that many homophobes fear homosexuality within themselves and hope to cover that up by openly opposing homosexuality

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

merryjig said:
i agree with uncle bob that many homophobes fear homosexuality within themselves and hope to cover that up by openly opposing homosexuality

Again, that is a very weak argument. I am a heterosexual and I have never "feared" that I might be a homosexual.

Again, a majority of Americans oppose the homosexual lifestyle. Does this mean that America is full of people who are simply covering up their own personal fears that they might be homosexual by openly opposing homosexuality? Are there THAT many people who are so insecure? Or do they have a valid argument against that for which there is no credible rebuttal, save a lame attempt to smack a nonsensical label on someone to discredit them?

Mechanical Bliss · Jul 24, 2005

Homophobia is defined to mean "irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals" (http://webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=homophobia&x=0&y=0).

So yes, a great deal of people are really homophobic.

The "true" definition of a word is not dependent on its etymology or breaking down its greek roots. By the way, the "true" definition, according to that reasoning, would be more along the lines of "fear of the same."

Similarly a "hydrophobic" molecule doesn't literally fear water.

Some people do literally fear homosexuals and homosexuality, however, and that is clear. Some have an irrational aversion or intention to discriminate against homosexuals for absolutely no logical, secular, and constitutional basis, so that would qualify as homophobia as well.

MartinM · Jul 24, 2005

Mechanical Bliss said:
Homophobia is defined to mean "irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals" (http://webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=homophobia&x=0&y=0).

So yes, a great deal of people are really homophobic.

The "true" definition of a word is not dependent on its etymology or breaking down its greek roots. By the way, the "true" definition, according to that reasoning, would be more along the lines of "fear of the same."

Compare to 'xenophobic,' which certainly isn't used to mean fear of foreigners.

Cerberus~ · Jul 24, 2005

But this is simply not true. Conservative Christians, for example, are notorious in their opposition to the homosexual lifestyle. They are not ignorant of homosexuality; they know exactly what it is. I mean really. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

No one knows "exactly" what it is. We can't even determine the exact causes of it. But when many of these concervatives go around claiming gays choose their homosexuality, that aids is a gay disease, claiming gays had to be abused as children, that they're a hundred or so more promiscuous than heteros, and basically just regurgitating NARTH propaganda, they are ignorant of not only homosexuality, but also homosexuals.

But homosexuals know that those who oppose their lifestyle fully understand what homosexuality is and its consequences to the society at large. So really, the only way they can gain acceptance is to aggressively attempt to discredit the opposition by smacking the "homophobic" label on them.

They do?!! Well I wanna meet em, cause no one here can tell me the consequences to society. You'ld be sursprised how many of these ppl you claim "fully understand" homosexuality, confusing homosexuality and homosexual sex as the same thing! They're stupified when you use the term "virgin homosexual".

Hence the reason for this post. Why do they REALLY use the term "homophobic?"

Because they fear homosexuality out of ignorance. It's not a cowering in the corners fear, but an angry fear. Since they themselves are not gay, and too narrow-minded or self-centered to think outside their own circumstances, they just can't see how anyone could be gay. That's why they fear it.

From the conservative Christian viewpoint, the main disagreement with the homosexual lifestyle is that God said it isn't just a sin, it's an abomination. This is found in both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Also their argument is that morally, it undermines the very fabric of our civil society.

We're not a theocracy. That's an arguement why not to be gay, not to arguement to discriminate and penalize gays for being gay.

It is also a fallacy to say that many people fear that they have a little homosexuality in them. According to homosexuals, either you are born homosexual or you are not. To legitimize their lifestyles, they discount all social learning in the child years and say they are born that way. So according to their own logic, if I'm a heterosexual, I'm born THAT way. So to say I fear I have a little homosexuality in me is a little ridiculous IMHO.

That's not what all gays claim.

Cerberus~ · Jul 24, 2005

Compare to 'xenophobic,' which certainly isn't used to mean fear of foreigners.

I had a friend that was xenaphobic. He'ld just run away screaming everytime I turned the show on. In retrospect, maybe I shoulda told them they were just commercials...

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

Man, I feel like I'm running around in circles here. Nobody has come up with a solid argument against what I have asked. It's just the same old argument, "You fear homosexuals," which I have already disproven.

Nobody is fearing anything. It is not fear that drives people to oppose homosexuality! Now given that, why is the "homophobic" label thrown around so much? If it's not fear, then what is it? Could it be that those opposed to the homosexual lifestyle are not ignorant of what it is (lame argument, of course everyone knows what homosexuality is), but KNOW what it is and for moral and religious reasons OPPOSE IT?

Let's put this "fear" thing to rest, because I have not heard (and will likely never hear) a single valid argument that legitimizes it. I mean really. Many Democrats disagree with their Republican counterparts regarding social issues such as abortion. Does this mean those Democrats are scared of the Republicans? They are suddenly afraid of them, cowering whenever they see a Republican? That those Democrats are simply ignorant, not knowing what abortion "really" is? It's a bit ridiculous really.

So back to the question. Is "homophobia" simply a nonsensical label that is thrown out by the homosexual minority groups in an attempt to discredit and shame any opposition? I say YES.

Cerberus~ · Jul 24, 2005

Man, I feel like I'm running around in circles here. Nobody has come up with a solid argument against what I have asked. It's just the same old argument, "You fear homosexuals," which I have already disproven.

You've disproven nothing. I refuted you recycled arguements last time you posted them. That's why you will not address my post.

BTW, no one is saying that everyone who opposes homosexuality is a homophobe. But there are plenty of ppl who opposes homosexuality out of an irrational fear of what they don't understand. I've seen many ppl like that on this site. Completely ignorant of the facts about homosexuality.

belladonic-haze · Jul 24, 2005

People fear what they don't understand and from fear comes misunderstanding, judgement and even hate. It is hard to understand why people react like that sometimes. Like someone with a serious skin disease. People don't know it, fear that they catch it too and the person is discriminated. Not because people want to do that.....it happens.

Jesus loved everyone. He is my example how we should live and approach fellow human beings....no matter what lifestyle, disease, disorder, skincolor or creed.......and so on. The hardest thing to do when your only human, but the reward of a smile, a thank you or whatever is the most beautiful thing I can get...

Love and sunshine,
Bella

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

Cerberus~ said:
You've disproven nothing. I refuted you recycled arguements last time you posted them. That's why you will not address my post.

BTW, no one is saying that everyone who opposes homosexuality is a homophobe. But there are plenty of ppl who opposes homosexuality out of an irrational fear of what they don't understand. I've seen many ppl like that on this site. Completely ignorant of the facts about homosexuality.

I am well aware of the "facts" of homosexuality. You cannot give me any "facts" that will sway me one way or the other. Duh, everyone KNOWS what homosexuality is. This is why it's so silly to say that people are simply ignorant of it, or afraid of it. "Oh, they just don't know what it is," I hear all the time. "They're homophobic. They're ignorant."

Well I DO know what it is, I know all about it, and I believe it's a destructive lifestyle choice that is clearly contrary to God's plan for mankind. And the polls show that a majority of Americans believe this also.

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

belladonic-haze said:
People fear what they don't understand and from fear comes misunderstanding, judgement and even hate. It is hard to understand why people react like that sometimes. Like someone with a serious skin disease. People don't know it, fear that they catch it too and the person is discriminated. Not because people want to do that.....it happens.

Jesus loved everyone. He is my example how we should live and approach fellow human beings....no matter what lifestyle, disease, disorder, skincolor or creed.......and so on. The hardest thing to do when your only human, but the reward of a smile, a thank you or whatever is the most beautiful thing I can get...

Love and sunshine,
Bella

Did Jesus love the Pharisses and the Saduccees? I seem to remember Him calling them a "Brood of vipers." You cannot take Jesus and form Him into your own little lovey dovey cabbage patch doll. It doesn't work that way.

Jesus was outspoken on sin. He said that if we do not believe that He is God in the flesh, we will surely die in our sins (referencing an eternal destiny in hell). He made it clear that He was the only way to God, the only way to get to Heaven. That by acknowledging our sins and asking Him to come into our hearts and lives, we may gain entrance into Heaven and escape the torments of Hell.

There is no other way. Jesus said He is THE way, not "a" way.
:preach:

belladonic-haze · Jul 24, 2005

SackLunch said:
Did Jesus love the Pharisses and the Saduccees? I seem to remember Him calling them a "Brood of vipers." You cannot take Jesus and form Him into your own little lovey dovey cabbage patch doll. It doesn't work that way.

Jesus was outspoken on sin. He said that if we do not believe that He is God in the flesh, we will surely die in our sins (referencing an eternal destiny in hell). He made it clear that He was the only way to God, the only way to get to Heaven. That by acknowledging our sins and asking Him to come into our hearts and lives, we may gain entrance into Heaven and escape the torments of Hell.

There is no other way. Jesus said He is THE way, not "a" way.

The bible says many things. It is HOW you read it. Everyone reads the words in is own way. Paper and ink is patiently and written by humans so many many years ago. We have grown since that time and know so many more....And Jesus was human.....the SON of God...not God. That is what I believe

And yes, read the Sermon of the mount and you'll understand Jesus love, respect and compassion. Read between the lines amd learn from the words and place them in our time and age.

Love and sunshine,
Bella

Cerberus~ · Jul 24, 2005

I am well aware of the "facts" of homosexuality.

Are you aware of the studies that show a definitive link between homosexuality and genetics?

You cannot give me any "facts" that will sway me one way or the other. Duh, everyone KNOWS what homosexuality is.

Your arguements will continue to be flawed as long as you refuse to re-examine this false premise.

Well I DO know what it is, I know all about it,

Are you gay? Have you ever had gay sex? How about lesbians, you know that much about them too?

Just cause I've seen a few war movies, doesn't make me a general.

and I believe it's a destructive lifestyle choice that is clearly contrary to God's plan for mankind.

Everything is believed by someone or another. Can you prove any of your claims?

And the polls show that a majority of Americans believe this also.

Which polls.

SackLunch · Jul 24, 2005

belladonic-haze said:
The bible says many things. It is HOW you read it. Everyone reads the words in is own way. Paper and ink is patiently and written by humans so many many years ago. We have grown since that time and know so many more....And Jesus was human.....the SON of God...not God. That is what I believe

And yes, read the Sermon of the mount and you'll understand Jesus love, respect and compassion. Read between the lines amd learn from the words and place them in our time and age.

Love and sunshine,
Bella

But you cannot ignore the fact that Jesus is holding His hands out to you. He wants you to accept Him as your Savior. Won't you answer Him? All you gotta do is ask:

"Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, and only you can rescue me from my sin. I accept your gift of salvation today. Please come into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior. Amen."

belladonic-haze · Jul 24, 2005

Cerberus~ said:
Are you aware of the studies that show a definitive link between homosexuality and genetics?

Your arguements will continue to be flawed as long as you refuse to re-examine this false premise.

Are you gay? Have you ever had gay sex? How about lesbians, you know that much about them too?

Just cause I've seen a few war movies, doesn't make me a general.

Everything is believed by someone or another. Can you prove any of your claims?

Which polls.

I have gay friends, I am bisexual and I am happily married (with a man and I am faithful to him.....Although if angelina Jolie rang my doorbell.......rofl...kidding).....

"Knowing" and "understanding and respecting" are two different things. Jesus would be so sad if he read here how judgemental we are of each other.

Love and sunshine,
Bella

belladonic-haze · Jul 24, 2005

SackLunch said:
But you cannot ignore the fact that Jesus is holding His hands out to you. He wants you to accept Him as your Savior. Won't you answer Him? All you gotta do is ask:

"Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner, and only you can rescue me from my sin. I accept your gift of salvation today. Please come into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior. Amen."

I discuss these things with the Pastor of my church.....and he even never asked me to say this...LOL

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