Posted by Rick on September 22, 2002, at 1:22:33
In reply to Homophobia, posted by Squiggles on September 21, 2002, at 20:46:30
> Is this a real phobia? I rather doubt
> it.I would guess the term originally was specific to some sort of fear of homosexuality, but in common usage it seems to have evolved into an extremely broad (and thus less meaningful) term encompassing any real or perceived negativity towards homosexuality.
If the terms "negativity" and "homosexuality" seem to lack any specificity (are we talking attitudes? actions? people? sexual preference? sexual behavior? stereotypes? insecurity? moral positions?), that's my point! You can take it dozens of different ways, and they could each end up being labeled "homophobia."
Now, getting back to the original meaning, if this involved a situation where someone feared they might have homosexual tendencies (which might or might not be manifested in outward animosity toward homosexuals), yes, I would call that a phobia, or perhaps more accurately an anxiety disorder...just as repetitive, intrusive, anxiety-provoking thoughts are often a component of OCD.
Actually, this topic is too deep for me, and you and Madison have posted some very provocative ideas. I just thought I'd throw out a couple not-so-fleshed-out thoughts that came to mind.
If it turns out homophobia IS an anxiety disorder, when will "they" try to rename it "homosexuality anxiety disorder" as "they" did for social phobia?
Maybe when Glaxxo Smith Kline gets an indication added to Paxil for this? (I think they're already nearing FDA approval of an indication for CAD - Chocolate Anxiety Disorder. That means they'll have indications for GAD, SAD, CAD, and HAD. Which will mean the next one will be for AAD - Acronym Anxiety Disorder. So sorry about the truly pathetic attempt at humor...it's past my bedtime. I truly hope I either don't press the Post button, or that Dr. Bob deletes the post so that I can maintain what little credibility I have.)I would imagine Dr. Bob will soon be shunting this thread to one of the other Babble Boards.
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:120661
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120689.html