There's a subtle advantage to language like "phobia" if we're feeling like being as manipulative as they are. "Misandry" is like "sexism." It suggests a conscious choice to be negative towards men. The person holding that position has agency. But "androphobia," means the person holding it has a defect that they're broken and can be rehabilitated.
It's the exact reason they love to use "homophobia" and "transphobia" so much.
The implication buried in the word choice is that the person expressing those views is the abnormal thing. It signals a false consensus and lets you medicalize your opposition. You see, your critic isn't just an asshole, he's in need of reeducation. For his own good of course.
There's a subtle advantage to language like "phobia" if we're feeling like being as manipulative as they are. "Misandry" is like "sexism." It suggests a conscious choice to be negative towards men. The person holding that position has agency. But "androphobia," means the person holding it has a defect that they're broken and can be rehabilitated.
It's the exact reason they love to use "homophobia" and "transphobia" so much. The implication buried in the word choice is that the person expressing those views is the abnormal thing. It signals a false consensus and lets you medicalize your opposition. You see, your critic isn't just an asshole, he's in need of reeducation. For his own good of course.
not sure if that's a plus one or a negative one, but either way, i'll take it, lol.