Nut, this is a really great post. Thank you for writing it.

Since you volunteered to help...

...in addition to pointing out what not to say, I'd appreciate if you could write up a "how to" post one day showing what people say wrong, now, and the better, more inclusive language to use instead.

I know you already started to do that with this post. My point is, we are often slow to make positive changes, and lots of good examples would be helpful.

Thanks again very much.
Shaula Evans | Homepage | 03.16.06 - 8:16 pm | #

Not a problem! I'm very happy to do so as it's one case where I am owning up to my wishy-washyness, lol. or should I say flip-flopping?

I'll dig out the presentation I did and post it but I'll have to tailor it to a reading audience instead of me standing up in front of 35 people and yapping.
a nut | Homepage | 03.16.06 - 10:01 pm | #

Can I still say fuckwit? (She asks wistfully.) I really like fuckwit.
delagar | Homepage | 03.17.06 - 12:55 pm | #

*fuckwit* is safe sort of. It's like stupid, it's just not meant for everyone.
a nut | Homepage | 03.17.06 - 2:24 pm | #

Michael Bérubé has written on this topic, explaining further why it's shoddy to call someone an idiot or moron.
Orange | Homepage | 03.17.06 - 11:41 pm | #

How about adding insane, mental, or challenged?

'Cause really, who gets to determine who meets the criteria? The same goes for rational vs. irrational.
a nut | Homepage | 03.18.06 - 3:00 pm | #