Word Choices: do they matter?
Posted by humboldt_honey on May 14, 2009 · Member since Feb 2007 · 12529 posts
In case there's any interest. (I modified my other post to limit the amount of debate on my beloved diva thread.)
From the Diva thread:
There are no bad words, just overly sensitive people.
I wholely disagree that, for example, racial slurs are fine, people just need to be less overly sensitive.
I think we all agree that, of course, word choices matter, but to what extent? Where do you draw the line where people are being too sensitive/too PC?
I think we all agree that, of course, word choices matter, but to what extent? Where do you draw the line where people are being too sensitive/too PC?
When it becomes annoying and/or obstructs the natural flow of conversation. If you ever read "Politically Correct Bedtime Stories" you know what I mean.
Also when people are obviously cleaning up their language in a performative or show-offy way. As in, I am so open-minded, look at me use all these PC monikers. I hate that shit.
I had to come back to this to just to say this. Um I the sentence quoted to start this debate was a part, a component of my response to someone elses posting. So if you were to go back and read it you can pretty clearly see that I wasn't making a blanket statement that people should just not react to "bad words". I was only trying to be socialable.
I think we all know that you were just being sociable. hh just saw something in your words that sparked her to start a discussion. Think of it as inspiration. Don't worry, we just like to discuss.
I hadn't thought of "farm" animals. Probably because I only know some animals in context of use by humans. You're totally right. Now I'm going to notice it and I'm definitely going to switched to "farmed" animals. Very insightful!
Yes! Me too.
Yeah, I think we're all in agreement that respecting people's (and animals) integrity with our words is one thing, and quibbling about semantics is another. When the person you're trying to talk to has stopped listening to what you're trying to say and starts picking holes in the words you use--that's when I change the subject or terminate the exchange. I can understand correcting an understanding, but you know what I mean--using semantics as a weapon because they feel like they're "losing" and are on the defensive offensive. (Or do I mean the offensive defense?)
I think we all agree that, of course, word choices matter, but to what extent? Where do you draw the line where people are being too sensitive/too PC?
When it becomes annoying and/or obstructs the natural flow of conversation. If you ever read "Politically Correct Bedtime Stories" you know what I mean.
Also when people are obviously cleaning up their language in a performative or show-offy way. As in, I am so open-minded, look at me use all these PC monikers. I hate that shit.
You're in my brain again, rabbit. I feel the same way!
I've noticed this with certain friends I've known in the past few years--Some will speak casually when it's between the two of Us, then completely change into this uber socially-conscious/feminist/PC expert, who do seem to use the language strictly to show off just how totally PC they are.
Yeah, I think we're all in agreement that respecting people's (and animals) integrity with our words is one thing, and quibbling about semantics is another. When the person you're trying to talk to has stopped listening to what you're trying to say and starts picking holes in the words you use--that's when I change the subject or terminate the exchange. I can understand correcting an understanding, but you know what I mean--using semantics as a weapon because they feel like they're "losing" and are on the defensive offensive. (Or do I mean the offensive defense?)
This, too.
I found this problem with my ex. He was simply a new philosophy major in his sophomore year when We started dating, and eventually was a first-year Philosophy grad student. Semantics-quibbling was his game. Much of the last two years with him involved ineffective communication and him dismissing every single thing I said, either because I was using the "wrong" words, and/or because I was speaking from my emotions, not logic.
That was one of the biggest problems in Our relationship--he was too wrapped up in his studies and his quest for being a philosophical/logic-minded show off to be able to communicate.... it was particularly hurtful when he dismissed my feelings entirely because they couldn't be put into a logical equation. :P Also, whenever he learned new words and phrases particular to his area of study, he used them against me to "win" arguments....it didn't matter how I felt or what I argued, he always had the higher ground (in his mind) because he could use words that I hadn't heard or used before AND dismiss anything I said based on his own set of language rules. it was pretty sick.
Also, whenever he learned new words and phrases particular to his area of study, he used them against me to "win" arguments....it didn't matter how I felt or what I argued, he always had the higher ground (in his mind) because he could use words that I hadn't heard or used before AND dismiss anything I said based on his own set of language rules. it was pretty sick.
I say this with love:
Wow.
Fuck that guy. I'm glad he's your ex. He sounds like a knob and you have CLEARLY done better! :)>>>
I say this with love:
Wow.
Fuck that guy. I'm glad he's your ex. He sounds like a knob and you have CLEARLY done better! :)>>>
csh'yah, tell me about it. I mean, I don't want to say that he's an all-around bad person, but the dude really didn't know how to respect a partner (in more ways than previously described). bleh.. moving on now.....
I also want to add, based on the notion of context and such, that I DO feel that Our word choices matter. In the context of debate especially, it is very important to choose Our words carefully in order to express Our opinions and respond to others' arguments as accurately and thoroughly as possible. And in any situation, it is equally important to pay attention to the overall context--the setting, the audience / conversation partners, the desired tone, and the purpose of Your message.
As stated above, there is a point when one can be too particular, as in the case of self-indulgent attempts to be 110% PC... But I do like to make sure I communicate effectively while avoiding certain blunders.
Sometimes, if I'm speaking with a person or group of people that I don't very well (especially about "sensitive" topics), I'll preface my conversation with something like, "Okay, before I go any further... I'll refer to "black people" and "white people" and "Asian people" here, just as generally descriptive terms, not giving any of those terms a value judgment or any other connotation... Is that cool?" or "Keep in mind that I use words like "dude" and "guys" in general terms, and that I don't personally consider them to be gender-specific anymore," ...Just to make sure no one is going to be personally offended or misinterpret my intentions.
That has always made such conversations easier.
TOT: What does one do with a degree in philosophy, I wonder? I mean, what career opportunities does it open doors to? On the news from France once in awhile I will see someone's head talking and underneath it will say, "So and So--Philosopher." Does that pay much, I wonder? Not denigrating the uh, profession, but what does a philosopher do, as a job description?
And does making money negate the purpose of the calling?
Just thinking out loud here.
Pages