A term used to identify with the irrational fear or discrimination against homophobia, and also a term that Kimmel uses in a different respect. Michael Kimmel's controversial "Masculinity as Homophobia" ultimately challenges this rationale and changes the meaning of homophobia that many would associate as the fear of gay men, to being seen as if you are too feminine then you do not fit into manhood. His interruption is flawed in modern society, as like he states, "Men, both individually and collectively, can change" (Kimmel 23). Homophobia is an evolving subject as society becomes more accepting of homosexuals and is straying away from what Kimmel believes to be homophobia. Throughout his piece, he not only wants readers to question the characteristics about themselves, but to use the claims presented so their pre-existing notions of homophobia are no longer.
Homosexuals have long been stigmatized, but over the past decades there has been a strong gay political movement to create equality and respect throughout the gay community. As society is moving towards acceptance, some segments of our culture still have a fear or discriminatory dislike towards homosexuals. While Michael Kimmel's piece does not elaborate on modern day homophobia, he does present claims that make you question your reasoning and definition of homophobia. He states, "Homophobia is a central organizing principle of our cultural definition of manhood.It comes out of the depths of manhood: a label of ultimate contempt for anyone who seems sissy, untough, uncool" (Kimmel 24). By associating homophobia with manhood, it contradicts what many would argue are two different identities. However, claiming that it is a central principle of our modern day viewpoint of manhood and masculinity opens a window of possibilities for what homophobia really is. Homophobia is this overarching stigma against the gay community that many could believe is because of insecurity with oneself and they feel the need to target someone.