209
edits
Changes
A compromise (against my better judgement). The objections section is yours to do with as you will. I'd advise making it sound less paranoid.
'''"Homophobia"''' is most commonly used to indicate a general opposition to the idea that [[homosexuality]] is an acceptable state of being. <ref>http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_fuel1.htm</ref> It is rarely employed in its full "strong" sense, i.e. an irrational phobic response to the very thought of same-sex relationships.
Those who oppose the acceptance of homosexuality often react angrily to the word's use, believing that it is employed to trivialize or disparage their objections, without proper consideration of their actual arguments. Indeed, its common use contains an implicit value judgement, on a par with referring to someone or something as [[racist]] or [[sexist]].
Whilst principled objections to homosexuality are perfectly possible, particularly on religious grounds, gay men and women continue to suffer violence and intimidation because of their sexual orientation.
== Homophobic murders and assaults ==
Two men were jailed for life for the "horrific" killing of barman Jody Dobrowski on Clapham Common in south London in October 2005. He was targeted at the well-known gay "cruising" spot for "no other reason than his sexuality" and the attack was "shocking in its violence, leaving Jody's body so badly battered he had to be identified by his fingerprints." Sentencing the killers, Judge Brian Barker said: "He suffered considerably before his death." <ref>Gay man's killing 'tip of the iceberg' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5080164.stm</ref>
Victor Chalk was murdered in February 2006 after making sexual advances towards Michael Palmer, whom he had invited back to his flat after meeting him in a local pub. Palmer broke a bottle over his head and then stabbed him in the neck. He pleaded guilty and received a life sentence with a minimum 13 year term. Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Dave Prywata said Mr Chalk was a popular man and the incident had caused "great distress" to the gay community. <ref>Life term for homophobic murder http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/5225008.stm</ref>
Lee Harvey was kicked and beaten to death by two men after being tricked into meeting his killers via a gay chatline. <ref>Men in court for homophobic murder http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/news/stories/200301/21/murder_case.shtml</ref> More common still are examples of homophobic violence and thuggery. <ref>Two injured in homophobic attack
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6264975.stm</ref> <ref>Yobs 'filmed homophobic assault' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/4517743.stm</ref> <ref>Man jailed for homophobic attack http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4340365.stm</ref> Such incidents clearly have no place in a civilised society and must be resisted.
Speaking in 2005, the Archbishop of York, John Semantu, said that homphobia has "no place" in the Church. He went on to say:
'''''Please, please, please don't use such ghastly words, because every human being regardless of their sexual orientation are standing in for God, each one of them is actually loved of God. And when you use language which implies they were not human beings who are you to do that because you did not create them?''''' <ref>Archbishop vows to ban homophobia http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4108616.stm</ref>
== Objections to the use of the term ==
The term '''"homophobia"''' is a [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] term originally intended to portray principalled opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as an abnormal mental condition. It was introduced into scientific literature shortly before the American Psychiatric Association declassified its diagnosis of [[homosexuality]] as a [[mental illness]] in 1973. Recent research however, claims that among non-homosexual homophobes, no phobia exists, <ref>[http://www.cwfa.org/articles/674/CFI/cfreport/index.htmNew Study Says There’s No Phobia in ‘Homophobia’], Martha Kleder, CWA, 6/28/2002.</ref> and most homophobes are homosexual who suffer from "internalized homophobia". The is no agreement within the psychiatric and theraputic profressions on what the term actually means.
The term '''"homophobia"''' is a [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] term originally intended to portray principalled opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as an abnormal mental condition. It was introduced into scientific literature shortly before the American Psychiatric Association declassified its diagnosis of [[homosexuality]] as a [[mental illness]] in 1973. Recent research however, claims that among non-homosexual homophobes, no phobia exists, <ref>[http://www.cwfa.org/articles/674/CFI/cfreport/index.htmNew Study Says There’s No Phobia in ‘Homophobia’], Martha Kleder, CWA, 6/28/2002.</ref> and most homophobes are homosexual who suffer from "internalized homophobia". The is no agreement within the psychiatric and theraputic profressions on what the term actually means.
==Common usage==
===Common usage===
The term was invented to impugn and slander opponents of [[homosexuality]].
The term was invented to impugn and slander opponents of [[homosexuality]].
When used in this [[pejorative]] sense, the term is offensive and derogatory (see [[Mockery]]).
When used in this [[pejorative]] sense, the term is offensive and derogatory (see [[Mockery]]).
==Etymology==
===Etymology===
The word comes from combining the Greek prefix ''homo-'', meaning "same", and suffix ''-phobia'', meaning "fear of". In early usage by homosexual activists, the term described heterosexual fears that others might think they were homosexual <ref>http://www.narth.com/docs/creates.html</ref> The neologism was promoted by George Weinberg, a gay activist and psychologist, who attempted to define it in clinical literature shortly before the downgrading of homosexuality as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Asscoaition in 1973. Weinberg claimed it was "the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals." <ref>Plummer, David, ''One of the Boys: Masculinity, Homophobia, and Modern Manhood'', [http://books.google.com/books?id=xHGz4f_2_7IC&pg=PA3&ots=U8ktZZgnAk&dq=George+Weinberg+homophobia&ie=ISO-8859-1&sig=d7hjCcZ1uuBlgdLyRjUJwEn51uA#PPA3,M1 pp. 3-4]: "'Homophobia was introduced into the clinical literature by George Weinberg in 1972, in ''Society and the Healthy Homosexual.'' At that time, he referred to it as 'the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals.'"</ref> The term then entered common usage beginning with pornographic publications. <ref>Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D., published ''Beyond 'Homophobia': Thinking About Sexual Prejudice and Stigma in the Twenty-First Century,'' in the April, 2004, issue of Sexuality Research & Social Policy. </ref>
The word comes from combining the Greek prefix ''homo-'', meaning "same", and suffix ''-phobia'', meaning "fear of". In early usage by homosexual activists, the term described heterosexual fears that others might think they were homosexual <ref>http://www.narth.com/docs/creates.html</ref> The neologism was promoted by George Weinberg, a gay activist and psychologist, who attempted to define it in clinical literature shortly before the downgrading of homosexuality as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Asscoaition in 1973. Weinberg claimed it was "the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals." <ref>Plummer, David, ''One of the Boys: Masculinity, Homophobia, and Modern Manhood'', [http://books.google.com/books?id=xHGz4f_2_7IC&pg=PA3&ots=U8ktZZgnAk&dq=George+Weinberg+homophobia&ie=ISO-8859-1&sig=d7hjCcZ1uuBlgdLyRjUJwEn51uA#PPA3,M1 pp. 3-4]: "'Homophobia was introduced into the clinical literature by George Weinberg in 1972, in ''Society and the Healthy Homosexual.'' At that time, he referred to it as 'the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals.'"</ref> The term then entered common usage beginning with pornographic publications. <ref>Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D., published ''Beyond 'Homophobia': Thinking About Sexual Prejudice and Stigma in the Twenty-First Century,'' in the April, 2004, issue of Sexuality Research & Social Policy. </ref>
The terms meaning has not been accepted or agreed upon within the psychological therapeutic community. William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles <ref>William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles, [http://www.springerlink.com/content/n0264m864t146585/ Homophobia: Conceptual, definitional, and value issues], Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Volume 15, Number 3, Springer Netherlands, September, 1993. ISSN 0882-2689</ref> have concluded based upon research within the therapeutic community a clear understanding of the term has not been adequately evaluated and it is not clear whether the term can be accurately characterized. They have concluded, "the construct of homophobia, as it is usually used, makes an illegitimately pejorative evaluation of certain open and debatable value positions, much like the former disease construct of homosexuality."
The terms meaning has not been accepted or agreed upon within the psychological therapeutic community. William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles <ref>William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles, [http://www.springerlink.com/content/n0264m864t146585/ Homophobia: Conceptual, definitional, and value issues], Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Volume 15, Number 3, Springer Netherlands, September, 1993. ISSN 0882-2689</ref> have concluded based upon research within the therapeutic community a clear understanding of the term has not been adequately evaluated and it is not clear whether the term can be accurately characterized. They have concluded, "the construct of homophobia, as it is usually used, makes an illegitimately pejorative evaluation of certain open and debatable value positions, much like the former disease construct of homosexuality."
=="Internalized homophobia"==
==="Internalized homophobia"===
The therapeutic community is largely divided between proponents of [[gay gene]] theory who believe a person is born gay and will always be gay, and proponents of [[Reparative therapy]] who believe with sympathy and understanding a homosexual can be relieved of afflictions if he so desires. Gay gene advocates seek to criminalize so-called "homophobia", despite many homophobes themselves being gay, whereas Restoration therapy advocates point out the cruelty of brainwashing a young person into believing -- based upon theoretical evidence -- there is no hope of ever leading a heterosexual lifestyle.
The therapeutic community is largely divided between proponents of [[gay gene]] theory who believe a person is born gay and will always be gay, and proponents of [[Reparative therapy]] who believe with sympathy and understanding a homosexual can be relieved of afflictions if he so desires. Gay gene advocates seek to criminalize so-called "homophobia", despite many homophobes themselves being gay, whereas Restoration therapy advocates point out the cruelty of brainwashing a young person into believing -- based upon theoretical evidence -- there is no hope of ever leading a heterosexual lifestyle.
== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==
=== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ===
The suffix "phobia" <ref>Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> suggests an irrational fear, but it is most often used as a attack term by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that opposition to [[homosexuality]] is irrational and hateful.<ref>Eg, this site [http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_phob.htm] first defines homophobia as a dread or fear, but says that it includes those who write their Congressmen to oppose same-sex marriage.</ref> Dr. Sander J. Breiner of NARTH has stated, "it would be very valuable for society in general, and therapists in particular, to have a clear picture of homophobia separated from all the other topics that have been lumped under that rubric." <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/coll-breiner.html HOMOPHOBIA: A Scientific Non-Political Definition], Dr. Sander J. Breiner, National Association for Research and Therapy on Homosexuality, 2003.</ref> Of the myriads of references to the term in popular and other sociologic publications Breiner observes, "There is no personal, internal, institutional, or cultural homophobia. The terms do not exist in the recognized scientific literature...There is only one homophobia, which has been properly defined," in the the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) <ref>[http://anxiety.psy.ohio-state.edu/phobia-d.htm Specific Phobia DSM-IV Criteria]</ref> developed by the American Psychiatric Association. Breiner, an advocate of [[Reparative therapy]], acknowledges "There is no doubt that homophobia exists" as an irrational fear among both homosexuals and heterosexuals. 2 Timnothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. <ref>[http://bible.cc/2_timothy/1-7.htm 2 Timothy 1:7]</ref>
The suffix "phobia" <ref>Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> suggests an irrational fear, but it is most often used as a attack term by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that opposition to [[homosexuality]] is irrational and hateful.<ref>Eg, this site [http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_phob.htm] first defines homophobia as a dread or fear, but says that it includes those who write their Congressmen to oppose same-sex marriage.</ref> Dr. Sander J. Breiner of NARTH has stated, "it would be very valuable for society in general, and therapists in particular, to have a clear picture of homophobia separated from all the other topics that have been lumped under that rubric." <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/coll-breiner.html HOMOPHOBIA: A Scientific Non-Political Definition], Dr. Sander J. Breiner, National Association for Research and Therapy on Homosexuality, 2003.</ref> Of the myriads of references to the term in popular and other sociologic publications Breiner observes, "There is no personal, internal, institutional, or cultural homophobia. The terms do not exist in the recognized scientific literature...There is only one homophobia, which has been properly defined," in the the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) <ref>[http://anxiety.psy.ohio-state.edu/phobia-d.htm Specific Phobia DSM-IV Criteria]</ref> developed by the American Psychiatric Association. Breiner, an advocate of [[Reparative therapy]], acknowledges "There is no doubt that homophobia exists" as an irrational fear among both homosexuals and heterosexuals. 2 Timnothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. <ref>[http://bible.cc/2_timothy/1-7.htm 2 Timothy 1:7]</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references/>
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Homosexuality]]
[[Category:Homosexuality]]