We seemed to have managed to avoid using discriminatory language rooted in history in relation to other social groups. I guess it just comes down to what you consider important. At least now, if you continue to use it, then it is a conscious choice rather than a lack of awareness.
And whilst we may disagree, I do appreciate the thoughtful engagement.
That’s the entire point. And one that undermines yours. When language changes, it does so through a kind of consensus. Old meanings are lost and new ones are attributed. Pretending that the old list ones are still relevant is a list cause bcs the thesis is bust.
How is a new consensus built if not by challenging current orthodoxy? The shift away from the use of other forms of discriminatory language probably wasn’t an act of shared spontaneity but built out of a growing recognition that its use was offensive. Ableist language has lagged behind sadly.
I suggest that your terminology is anachronistic. You only recognise it is ‘abeliest’ bcs you are particularly aware of the original meaning of the term. But times move on And the use of the term detracts away from its roots. Hence it’s use is no longe a reference to its origin. Bit like Cretin.
Unfortunately the social connotations of its use, like Cretin, are not anachronistic. They associate negative characteristics and behaviours with those who find learning harder. That in turn perpetuates negative views of those who find learning harder, which have real world consequences.
I’m not convinced by this in Scotland we call ppl we think are illogical ‘dunderheeds’ which might refer back to Neanderthals.
I’m sorry but I disagree. The term cretin has its origins on ancient classical literature where stupidity was associated with the isolationist culture of Crete. But as that is almost completely been forgotten, the use of the term is in no way a modem slur against ppl from Crete.
It don’t think it does. “The English word "cretin" comes from the 18th-century Swiss French word crétin (from the dialectal crestin), meaning "Christian". The term was used for people in the Alps suffering from cretinism (a condition of dwarfism and mental impairment due to iodine deficiency)” 1/2
That is a Google summary for ease, but my understanding is that is correct. But happy to call it a day in the knowledge we don’t agree. I suspect I’m not going to be persuasive enough to change your view. 2/2
I’m Happy to Be better informed, but my understanding is that Cretin comes from creatin. But doesn’t this just illustrate point? The entomology is lost and the meaning evolves?