Perhaps just a rant, but how in the world did the word Homophobic come into being or for that matter, anytime where phobic is used other than to denote fear? Homo has it’s roots in Latin meaning Human or Man and Phobia has the same roots meaning fear. Thus, unless someone is afraid of humans, the word is used improperly and “stupidly” if I may use the word Obama made famous. I know I have run across several more words that, even though they are defined differently in Wiki and the new Websters, are indeed targets for a good rant.
So, actually, I want to (respectfully) disagree with you here, @Bobby Cole . I think that “homo” means more like “same”. The word you are thinking of about mankind, homosapiens, means something akin to same species. Homogenized milk is milk where the milk and cream have all been blended together, and the whole bottle is the same, as opposed to fresh milk, where the cream comes to the top. In this case, homophobia would be someone who is afraid of something that is the same, but the homo part is short for homosexual; so I think that it is aptly used.
And also respectfully, homo has indeed been placed as a short version of homosexual but it’s just that, a shorten version. Alas, in the world of chemistry your analysis of the word homogenized is correct but it doesn’t necessarily apply to homophobic or at the very least, what each part of the Latin dedications mean.
True enough. Now, unless you embrace homosexuality, you are considered homophobic. I can't embrace homosexuality because the Bible tells me that it's wrong. But I don't hate them, I wouldn't refuse to hire them, and I'm certainly not afraid of them. Usually, I don't give it much thought at all.
I think it’s just the “phobic” thing that when I hear it placed in a accusatory way that bugs me. If it is suspected that we hate people from another country, we’re xenophobic? I’m certainly not afraid of foreigners nor am I afraid of gays as in homophobic. Fact is, thus far I haven’t found anyone or anyone that I am phobic of but alas, I live in this new world of pointy fingers so I’ll just have to bite the bullet. Maybe eventually, someone will point a finger at me and call me Bobbyphobic. That’s the fear of looking at myself or the fear of myself, which I’m not, but maybe someday.
I have the same response to "homophobic." I'm certainly not afraid of homosexuals; more like disgusted and repelled. Of course I'm not allowed to express my thoughts on that subject but "they" can label me as they see fit. To my narrow way of thinking, some things are an abomination and no amount of pride parades is going to change that. That said, one of my best friends in the world is a gay man. I suppose our individual sexuality has never entered into conversation or been a factor in our friendship... same as with heterosexual friends. Gasp.
I'm finding you all's opinions enlightening. I have odd conflicts in attitudes towards homosexuals.. On the one hand, I believe they may have no choice in the matter and so are worthy of respect. On the other, I'm repulsed by the idea of men having sex with each other. In Berkeley, in 1972 I lived with Howard, a gay black man. I think partly I was trying to prove to myself that my progressive ideas of tolerance were practical. I was comfortable when it was just the two of us. When he had his lovers over I couldn't be around. Howard had sporadic encounters but no real caring relationships. I felt bad for him..