Let me eliminate confusion. I’m not a homophobe, but I am called one. I once had a mini-debate with someone who changed the definition to fit me.
I believe that acting upon homosexual desires is wrong. I am not afraid of homosexuals.
I remember learning that phobia means fear. That used to be true. Today, it can be applied to anyone who thinks that homosexual behavior is wrong.
Okay. Enough sarcasm. For this blog, homophobia will mean homophobia. It is a fear of homosexuals or homosexual behavior. On this blog, you are not a homophobe if you believe that homosexual behavior is wrong.
Reynvaan said
What if we were made to stop using the word “amateur” because it originally referred to a person who loved what they were doing (from Latin ‘amatorem,’ “lover”), and not to an unskilled or unprofessional person? Literal, etymology-based definitions aren’t always applicable, especially when it comes to recently coined words. It is common knowledge that homophobia refers to a whole range of feelings, from fear to aversion to mistrust to disgust to opposition regarding homosexuality and/or homosexuals. It kind of seems like you’re trying to redefine the word just to avoid a label.
clarityman said
Thank you for commenting. I truly enjoy when people disagree with me respectfully.
You point about etymology-based definitions is well taken. Your point about my trying to avoid a label is something to which I say:
I’m trying to avoid the label of homophobia applying to people who believe that acting upon same sex attractions is immoral. A bit wordy, but . . . simply – I believe that it is wrong for two men to engage in sexual activity. I can love such a person. I can be respectful towards such a person. I would defend such a person.
I believe that there should be more of a conversation about most topics in our world. The labels are important, but they are abused when they are used “to shut up that idiot who disagrees with me.”
Thank you again for reading and responding.
Reynvaan said
I hope it didn’t sound like I was trying “to shut up that idiot who disagrees with me” by labeling you a homophobe. I was really just defending the word and its use. True, I do disagree with you about homosexuality, but who am I to come to your blog and bash you for your views? We may not agree, but at least we can be respectful, and I hope my last comment didn’t suggest anything to the contrary.
A newer word making the rounds is “heteronormative,” which I think fits really well with what you were going for. Maybe that one is more up your alley?
clarityman said
No no no. I didn’t take it wrong. I wasn’t sure if you were calling me an amateur or not, but I enjoy a healthy dose of teasing, so . . . I thought there was a brilliance in the subtlety if you were.
Feel free to come to my blog and bash me anytime. Just do it without nasty language and name calling, so we can air it out. I do like heteronormative, though I can’t see it making it into mainstream language.
By your understanding of the more normative use of homophobia, would you consider my views as homophobic? Is that where the language has gone? I hope not, because then I’m grouped with the scumbags who hold signs that read “G-d hates faggots.” I wish we could find another planet for those cretins to live on.
Reynvaan said
“I wish we could find another planet for those cretins to live on.”
You and me both.
Well, since homophobia is defined (by Wiktionary) as “fear of or antipathy toward homosexuality or homosexuals,” I suppose I would consider your views homophobic. But in pointing out that that usage could group you with the likes of the Westboro Baptist Church… I think I’d have to agree that some distinction has to be made. Maybe they could be “militant” or something? That seems to be the trend these days. I just generally call them radical anti-gay bigots, if I have to talk about them at all.
I wouldn’t worry about being grouped with people like that, though. Any rational person can easily make the distinction between radicals and the rest, and I don’t think we’ll see you picketing funerals any time soon.