Homophobic words face to face and online: An emotional hit and run
Abstract
The current study explores the referral of derogatory words used by heterosexuals towards gay men online and offline. Ethnophauliusms such as gay, fag and shirt-lifter are words that promote hegemonic masculinity and the stigmatization of gays. One hundred and nine heterosexual people served as participants (45 males and 64 females), with an age range from 18-60 years old. The study employed a between participants quasi experimental design. The independent variables were ages on three levels and gender on two levels. The dependent variables were ages on three levels and gender on two levels. The dependent variables were the responses to online questions and use of classifications as language providers for participant's emotional and cognitive words, using a Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC). The results found (a) significant difference in the use of homophobic words offline across genders (b) significant difference in the choice of words selected offline with females (c) significant difference in the choice of words to degrade gay men offline (d) the LIWC variable ANGER across the three age groups revealed a significant difference. Over all, the need to establish an equal tolerance, offers the means to educate, and reduce homophobic language in everyday conversation among heterosexuals.
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