No homo
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The phrases no homo and pause are slang terms. They parenthetically assert that the speaker of such does not have any homosexual intent and are usually used after an utterance that may have given that impression.[1]
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History [edit]
The term no homo originated in East Harlem slang of the early 1990s.[2] It was used by many to distance themselves from the stereotype of closeted gay and bisexual men.[3]
Criticism [edit]
Several social commentators have criticized the use of both no homo and pause in hip hop and in the mainstream. It has been said that the phrases "uphold an unhealthy relationship with homosexuality, a relationship based in fear."[4] Fox News commentator Marc Lamont Hill encouraged the hip-hop community to stop using no homo in its music.[5]
At the same time, Slate columnist Jonah Weiner suggested the use of the phrase is somewhat more complex. Weiner notes several hip hop artists – such as Cam'ron and Lil Wayne – cultivate an extravagant and camp public persona while embracing homophobia, thus saying no homo can help expand established concepts of masculinity, and challenge the status quo.[2]
Nick Catucci, writing for New York magazine, disagrees with this assessment. In his view, no homo is merely another form of gay bashing, and to a large extent is used simply because it "just sounds good", and is easily applicable in rhymes. A rapper like Cam'ron, Catucci argues, will use the phrase and dress in pink simply to show that he is man enough to get away with it, without being suspected of being gay.[3]
Notable uses [edit]
- In 2011, The Lonely Island made a parody of the expression with their song "No Homo" published in their album Turtleneck & Chain. The song begins with standard usage of the term and expands to be said after more and more blatantly homosexual statements such as "I've been thinking about fucking a dude/No homo!"[6]
- The animated television show The Boondocks frequently uses the phrase.
one of the first uses of the phrase was in 1959 "the New York Daily News ran an article under the headline, "I'm No Homo, Says Suing Liberace." Before the year ended he was completely vindicated; his name and reputation were freed of any blemish." [7]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Matson, Andrew (2009-07-22). "Dear Eddie Francis, morning host at KUBE 93.3 FM: Cut the homophobia". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ a b Weiner, Jonah (2009-08-06). "Does This Purple Mink Make Me Look Gay? The rise of no homo and the changing face of hip-hop homophobia". Slate. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ a b Catucci, Nick (2009-08-07). "'No Homo': Cause for Hope in Hip-hop?". New York. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ Matson, Andrew (2009-07-27). "The continuing saga of KUBE morning host Eddie Francis and American English's current homophobic lexicography". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ "Roundup: Kiss-Ins Spread, 'No Homo' Must Go". The Advocate. 2009-07-21. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ Jeffries, David. "Review: Turtleneck & Chain".
- ^ http://movies.yahoo.com/news/scott-thorson-liberace-protected-big-secret-homophobic-50s-165837054.html
External links [edit]
- "That's Gay: No Homo", October 7, 2009, Current TV.
