No Homo

The other day I was in a discussion about the phrase, “no homo” and it really got me thinking. The phrase is a slang term that the speaker says when he does not have and homosexual intent. It is usually used after an statement that may have given that impression. However, the phrase is becoming more and more common. It is being used even when the speaker didn’t say anything hinting that they were gay.

The phrase was popularized by rap music. Rappers such as Lil Wayne and Kanye West are notorious for using the phrase. Their music is so common and listened to all around the world, so the phrase is heard everywhere.

Lil Wayne, says "no homo" 10 seconds in after saying "got money out the ass no homo but I'm rich."

Lil Wayne says "no homo" just to say it. 

In Kim’s, From Sex to Sexuality, she discusses mainstreams codes that are presented in the mainstream media. “Male-Oriented Homo- phobia (MOH) states that men must avoid behaving in a manner that could be construed as homosexual. Accordingly, men who are "caught" in such situations express discomfort or embarrassment.” (Kim, 2007).

The phrase no homo reiterates the male-oriented homophobia code. The phrase no homo stresses the speaker’s sexuality, masculinity, and other traits to avoid being perceived as gay. The phrase goes great lengths to assure the speaker avoids any associations with anything queer. It reinforces gay is bad. When people constantly feel the need to assure other others of their heterosexuality by using that phrase it stigmatize homosexuality and perpetuates a narrow understanding of masculinity. It tells a man he must explain himself for behaving in a way that could be considered gay.

I think “no homo” is an expression of insecurity and homophobia. I think it shows that males lack confidence and that they are unsure of themselves. There is no need for a male to be taunted for expressing warm emotions. Males, figures in the media, everyone should stop saying it. This phrase further solidifies Kim’s codes of how males should act. It is hard to get away from these mainstream stereotypes if they are constantly being reiterated throughout the media.

Works Cited

Kim, J. L., Sorsoli, C. L., Collins, K., Zylbergold, B. A., Schooler, D., & Tolman, D. L. (2007).   From sex to sexuality: Exposing the heterosexual script on primetime network television. Journal of Sex Research, 44(2), 145-157. doi: 10.1080/00224490701263660 

http://youtu.be/GsgrcYGDvmY

http://youtu.be/jHHQ-GcAm14