Is the Word "Homophobe" a Derogatory Term

The word seems to be a catchall for anyone who disagrees with homosexuality. I've debated with heterosexual homophiles about the implications of the word, and they seem to use it quite liberally (I suspect that they use the word more than do homosexuals.) Anyway, what are your thoughts about the use of the word "Homophobe"? Is it simply a means of debasing someone who disagrees with you? :devil:

 

Interesting question, Scrub.

I think it is a word which doesn't add a whole lot to the debate. Yes, there ARE homophobic people out there; but the moment you deploy the word you shift the emphasis of discussion away from the person's argument to the person themselves. It's a bit like when you call somebody a racist, in that respect.

If the point they make is capable of refutation, I reckon it's better to refute it by reason and logic and example than simply to reach for a label to apply to them.

So yeah, I think it is a derogatory term; and I think it is better to engage with the arguments of those with whom you disagree than just to reach for a derogatory label to apply to them.

 

perfect answer.
/thread

 

That was a very good answer. Thank you.

In a recent debate on another forum, the word was being tossed around like water balloons. Those involved insisted that it had broad scope. My perspective is that it means a fear of homosexuals, which isn't always the case. Also, I don't think I've ever encounter it being used by a homosexual, more like by those who support gay rights.

 

I'm gay and think the word has become watered down to the point of being meaningless.

And if you disagree with me, you're just being homophobic.

 

^^^

oh, quit being such a pansy.
oh, and, welcome !
:love:

 

Some people are genuinely homophobic. Some people just lack empathy and reasoning skills, they don't hate, they're just ignorant.

 

I don't like the way the word is used at all. It implies someone is afraid of homosexuality... where some people are, most people who are called homophobic are not afraid of, but against it for one reason or another or even hateful of it. I don't like how it is now just an umbrella term for anyone who isn't quite in agreement (whether out of fear, religious purposes, or hatred) with homosexuality. I think it should only be used for an actual phobia of homosexuals rather than the others. Maybe "orientationist" or "sexualityist" would work but they're kind of too odd to use, most likely. Asshole works for the hatred one.

 

Thanks, Voyage.

Anyway, hatred of homosexuals is very real, as well as fear of homosexuals.

 

most hatred is based on fear of the unknown. subconscious unacknowledged fear.

that's why the word 'phobia' is used in that term.

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Ignorance-Root-Cause-Fear-124768.html

 

Nothing that any homosexual has ever done has affected my life in any way whatsoever. Consequently,nothing I have ever done has affected the life of any homosexual in any way whatsoever. They appear totally human to me,as I'm sure I appear to them. Good enough for me. What's to fear?

 

I don't think it's a derogatory word.

I think it's a descriptive word.