Homophobia is the fear and possible hatred of those who sexually desire someone of the same sex. In the reading by Suzanne Pharr she explains that homophobia is used hand in hand with heterosexism. It is reinforced in society is the idea of compulsory heterosexuality, in that we are to have sexual relationships only with those of the opposite sex. Therefore someone who is homosexual is seen as an outsider and is deviating from social norms and is detrimental to the nuclear family an important social structure.
the stigma attached to being a lesbian of being man hating and ugly are used as weapons to derail the woman's movement. Women fear being called a lesbian because of the negative connotations it conjures up in peoples mind discrediting their work for woman's rights. Lesbian baiting is a tactic used where women are called lesbians if they deviate outside of a woman's ascribed roles in society. Since their is no way to disprove being called a lesbian and sexual identities change the tactic is very effective. I think that until we can move past using homophobia as a tool to reinforce sexism women will not be able to progress and liberate themselves from patriarchal oppression.
i agree with you, unless women get passed the fear of being called a lesbian and keep working hard for what they want the movement is not going to go far and male dominance will still exist in society
ReplyDeleteAgreed, although I feel that there is more progress in some places than others. Overall, this world needs to wake and realize that there is nothing wrong with being a homosexual. It is the only way that any real change in society will ever happen.
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