Ok all due respect accorded. You don't seem to get it so let me explain - I don't make the linguistic rules, I just recognize their existence, so don't shoot the messenger
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Words are power. On an internet forum, all we have is words to define us, and "demarcate our territory", in the crudest of terms. Let me explain, with a few examples:
Let's say I am a pilot of Airbuses and high numeral Boeings; I have clocked thousands of hours of flight-time in years upon years of experience. I am a member of a community and a forum where a certian diction has evolved to express eloquently what I do, and the direction and path I have chosen, what I have devoted my life to and arduously followed for the larger portion of my life. All of a sudden a subculture of virtual pilots who play videogames and flight simulations arises, refering to themselves as "flysters". No problem... no problem at all. Kids are kids and subcultures are subcultures...
Then someone comes on the forum of professional, career dedicated pilots and refers to the members as "flysters", insinuating that their life's passion and devotion is actually indistinguishable from a prepubescent joystick wielding simulation "gamer"...
Words are potent: DEEMSTERS is a collegiate, fraternity evoking term for what people here take seriously. You didn't make it that way. I didn't. But show some humility and acknowledge that that is the reality of the vocabulary you employ.
Another example:
I am, let's say, a professional sex worker. I am a member of a professional sex-workers union and a website dedicated to the safety and respect of sex workers around the world. A guy comes on the website and writes: "Yo, ho's, wassup! wassa word in the world of Ho's! much respect yo, I LOOVE ho's!!". He is met with derision and indignation and baffled... He defends himself and tries to explain that it's "just a word", and to lighten up and that he meant no disrespect and, further, insists that the "ho's" should recognize their "scene", and learn to accept it...
OK, still confused? Walk into Brooklyn and start referring to the "dudes" you run into as "homies" and "ma niggas". Would you be surprised to get the SHIT KICKED OUT OF YOU???!!!
Make no mistake. Words are power, words empower and words MEAN SOMETHING. Choose your words carefully. Recognize your audience. And above all, as a word of advice, whether you think it's just or not, adjust your vocabulary to the context at hand. It's COMMUNICATION: understanding the expectations and cultural mores of a specific group. i n recognizing the parameters of the "group" you are addressing, you'll only succeed in efficiently conveying your point. Is that such a difficult compromise?
Surprised at the turn this thread has taken? Well, understanding it is as simple as looking at the vocabulary you employ.
I repeat: I didn't make the rules, nor did you. But recognizing them is a great step on the avenue of communication. And generally a giant step to getting along with all the marvelously varied people of the world.
With all due repect, cause ME LIKSA YA POST:
GET IT?
respect,
JBArk
JBArk is a Mandelthought; a non-fiction character in a drama of his own design he calls "LIFE" who partakes in consciousness expanding activities and substances; he should in no way be confused with SWIM, who is an eminently data-mineable and prolific character who has somehow convinced himself the target he wears on his forehead is actually a shield.