Obsolescence of Homophobia
The article “Ending Homophobia in Magic” by Abe Sargent focuses on the obsolescence of the word “homophobia.” Sargent makes the case that people use the word contrary to what its semantics may indicate. He uses the Magic community as a building block to make his point that “homophobia,” which implies a fear of homosexuals rather than hatred, is nothing more than a word used as an alternative to a widespread disdain for those in the LGBT community.
Sargent establishes a connection with his reader from the outset of the article by recalling an incident from his childhood in which, at the age of 10, he started a rumor that he was a homosexual. While I am not totally sold that Sargent making up a rumor about himself provides him with the ability to identify with the LGBT community — because he is not actually a homosexual — the example serves its purpose nonetheless.
Sargent’s piece condemns the use of slurs directed at the LGBT community, while “More Than Words: The Associated Press Stamps Out Homophobia” by Cara (no last name provided), brings to light that the Associated Press will no longer be recognizing the term “homophobia,” or any other word using the suffix “phobia” in a “political and social context.”
Throughout the article, it becomes increasingly clear that the word “homophobia” is indeed an archaic term that should be done away with. The origin of the word dates back to a 1960s social study and indicates that being opposed to being gay is a pathology “culturally and linguistically speaking,” a sentiment that is ridiculous. Being afraid of gay people isn’t a sickness or a disorder.
The main problem with the word “homophobia” is the way it is used. It is too general of a term to describe how some people feel about the LGBT community.
The Sqoop 
I like that you challenged Sargent’s experience being teased and the same for actual homosexuals.
When I first read Cara’s article my feelings changed from believing not allowing homophobia to be used as offensive to understanding what this could mean in the future. I thought you did a good job explaining that the article makes it make sense by using the term “brings to light”