Problem with the actual word "Homophobia"?… not the concept, the actual word.?

Question

I've heard the word "homophobia" or homophobic" plenty of times, but I don't think it means what everyone thinks it means. Homophobia is supposed to mean "the disapproval or hatred of homosexual relationships, activities, etc." However, that isn't what "homophobia" really means.

The root "hom" in Greek and the Latin root "homin" have two different meanings: "him" means "same" in Greek, and "homin" means "man" in Latin. Examples: "homogeneous" means "of the same kind" and "homo sapien" is the scientific name for humans.

"Phob" is a Greek root, meaning "fear." Fear as in paralyzing, panic attack inducing, fear, not something taken lightly like a roller coaster ride.

With that being said, the actual definition of "homophobia" is "the paralyzing fear of men" OR "the paralyzing fear of sameness." This has nothing to do with the notion of disapproving or hating homosexual relationships, actions, etc. Hate and fear are not the same. They could possibly be related, but definitely are not the same. Example: I hate tofu vs. I fear tofu. Not the same.

I understand that there are people who strongly disapprove and even hate homosexuals and there might possibly be a word for those kinds of people, but I certainly don't think "homophobic" is the right word. Does anyone else have a problem with the way the word "homophobia" or "homophobe" is being used? The actual word(s), not the concept.

? · Accepted Answer

I do agree with you because people don't fear homosexuals as a rule. I'm not sure what a real word to describe the dislike or hate some people have for people who are attracted to the same sex people. I also have heard so many gays call the disapproving people homophobic or the like. I don't think name calling is the answer at all. That just causes more problems. I can tell you that what ever sexual persuasion someone is does not affect the fact of whether or not we're friends. And, if people are friends, their sexual orientation doesn't even matter. But keep putting it in my face and because I don't agree with all you stand for, you call me names? I don't think so.

? · Answer

Why does it bother you so much?
Everyone knows what is meant by the word Homophobia, regardless of it's Greek origins.

I like that you provide a whole lot of reasons for your problem, but I still don't understand why you would take issue with it.  It's a word, everyone knows that it means a person who is bigoted toward homosexuals. We could make up a new word, but I really don't see any need. Changing the word won't change the fact that people are bigoted.

It's kind of sad that you come up with this problem you have but don't offer any solutions. What word would you like to use to describe a homophobe?

Jason · Answer

I do agree with all you have said, however, it is often extreme fear of diversity which causes perceived hatred and prejudiced discriminatory action. That is how I have come to understand the definition 'homophobia' and homophobe, somebody whose hatred is based on fear of a differing sexuality/lifestyle. I wasn't aware of all the above though. Thanks for the research and a very interesting post

WILLI · Answer

Oh yes I agree It Is like the word Umbraphobia the fear of an umbrella opening up In your pants or the word Treadaphobia that is the fear of waking up with a Goodyear Tire In your bed

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Problem with the actual word "Homophobia"?… not the concept, the actual word.?

4 Answers