Why “Homophobia” Reminds Me of Inigo Montoya
Homophobia makes me think of Inigo Montoya, who said, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Homophobia is generally meant to indicate a state where someone hates or is in some other way against homosexuals, but let’s look at a couple of things. First, let’s analyze the word roots themselves. Homo- means same or similar, and -phobia means an exaggerated fear of. So it seems to me that homophobia would be more aptly applied to someone who runs screaming from his or her own twin or possibly twins in general or even tract housing. Second, I want to examine the other words we have that mean similar things, such as sexism, racism, and ageism. These are prejudices or discriminations against their various word roots. Why is homophobia not homosexualism? Do you know the origins of this word? (Yes, this is a thinking LTotD.)
I have the same problem with pedophile. I think that should describe someone who loves feet.