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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Today my son was asking me about sexuality and the it, homophobia, came up. He asked me what It meant and I told him it what it was referred to as, but then what I think, because I really think the word doesn't match what it supposedly means.
I don't understand the word "homophobia", scared of gay people? Really? Obviously I know that isn't the definition of the word, but homo and phobia surely mean scared of gay people? So why is it called homophobia?
Any other words you want to throw into the mix? |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"phobia is a fear OR an aversion"
Well I didn't know that. So when people claim to having a phobia it could be 1 of 2 things and without them explains which one you'd have no idea, as there's no said context to make you think fear or aversion |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"phobia is a fear OR an aversion
Well I didn't know that. So when people claim to having a phobia it could be 1 of 2 things and without them explains which one you'd have no idea, as there's no said context to make you think fear or aversion "
Lots of words depend on context - gay for example. |
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"Today my son was asking me about sexuality and the it, homophobia, came up. He asked me what It meant and I told him it what it was referred to as, but then what I think, because I really think the word doesn't match what it supposedly means.
I don't understand the word "homophobia", scared of gay people? Really? Obviously I know that isn't the definition of the word, but homo and phobia surely mean scared of gay people? So why is it called homophobia?
Any other words you want to throw into the mix?"
Many medical, psychological and scientific words have strayed into common usage, with broadening of their meanings.
Homophobia is still somewhat on target though, relating to prejudiced fears of people who pose no rational threat to them.
It's a good way for kids to learn how our language works and evolves. |
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