Reply #48: So after reading the replies to this thread....

[Fleshdancer]

I never really thought of the simplicity of the word "homophobic" before and how it really does whitewash the actual hatred and discrimination involved. For those of us who are committed to gay rights and equality for all, the word "homophobic" really does equate to the way we use the word "racism". It encompasses the brutal history, the current legal struggles and the disgusting acts of hatred toward homosexuals that exist around the world today. For us, it is more than a phobia per say but I can see how taking the word at face value does indeed minimize its horrific implications.

I don't think there's one person on DU who believes that the hatred and discrimination of one group of people over another group of people is acceptable. I just think we're getting tripped up over the language involved. Is there a better word to describe what we're trying to say?