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Slimebeast on 19 July 2010
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Rath said:
Slimebeast said:
Khuutra said:
Slimebeast said:
Khuutra said:

"Attraction to the opposite sex (at the expense of attraction to the same sex)" should be undnerstood as heterosexuality, otherwise you are bisexual. Heterosexuality is by nature an attraction to the opposite sex and not the same sex. You are not describing homophobia with that qualifier. Not wanting to hav homosexual relations does not indicate any degree of homophobia, it just indicates heterosexuality.

Well, just change the nut licking part with watching two men tongue kissing with each other or somethung.

That's still heterosexuality. I have no desire to see men kiss each other, but that isn't the same thing as being actively against said kissing. A lack of attraction is not the same thing as revulsion.

Exactly. And that's the key thing here. Heterosexuality only means "lack of attraction" towards the same sex. You need a different term to describe the repulsion that is prevalent, and therefore I use the term homophobia.

Homophobia is a very very different beast. Somebody can be revolted by the thoughts of two men kissing while not hating or fearing homosexuality or gays. Revulsion is an instinctive reaction, it is usually not conscious. Homophobia requires a conscious predjudice, hate, fear or discrimination against homosexuals or homosexuality.

I don't know if there is a term for a reaction of revulsion towards a homosexual act, but its not homophobia.

Different in intensity, but not necessarily to it's character. I've met many hateful homophobes in my life, but mostly I get a strong impression that it springs from something primitive more than a well-thought hatred.

Anyway, my theory is that the basis, both culturally and on an individual basis, springs from a natural revulsion. Whether it's a weak revulsion or strong depends on how you look at it and who you ask. But this revulsion doesn't justify discrimination, hate or such things, I've never implied that. I am just arguing that it's the main source for the cultural historical phenomenon of homophobia. And as I said earlier, our culture historically always tends to augment our natural instincts. Well, up until our modern world. In our modern world it can actually be the other way around. And rightfully so, as with racism, homophobia, sexism etc, we strongly try to supress these instincts socially because these instincts simply are not good. But I would wish that we would have slightly more knowledge and awareness of these instincts, for better nuance, understanding and maybe even tolerance of those who are intolerant.