Discussion on Homophobia (copied from another forum)

[Alexander]

I thought this was an interesting point made here that often fundamentalists and the like tend to overlook.

Originally Posted by Person 1

.......a phobia is a unreasonable fear. 'Homophobic' is therefore an unreasoned fear of homosexuals.

Where in the article to they even imply a fear of homosexuals?

In fact, where do they do anything other than attempt to offer statistical data?

Originally Posted by Person 2

I don't think it works like that. "phobia" as an English word is different from the meaning of the Greek word, whose meaning is closer to aversion.

For that reason in science we talk about hydrophobic molecules - not because the molecules fear water but because they don't dissolve easily. They are repelled by it.... think of oil and water.

Similarly, with the word "xenophobic". I suppose you could interpret it as fear of strangers, but its meaning is closer to revulsion/hatred of foreigners.

[Davo]

Ah, that finally makes sense now. It seemed a bit of an odd word, it implies that when a homophobe meets someone gay they run away screaming, which I don't think happens.

[Beebo]

All I can say is I am kinda Monsterphobic, because if I saw a monster, I would be crapping my pants.

[Byte]

I have arachnophobia, I highly doubt someone who calls themselves a "homophobe" goes through what I do when I encounter a spider, when they meet someone who is gay.
If they did, I really would be very tempted to laugh, even though it would hurt.

[Jeimuzu]

All words in English come from other languages. Phobia is no different, and when words come from ancient languages, the meanings don't necessarily stay exactly the same.