The Evolution of Language

This from Marv Chastain (I was going to publish it earlier, but I forgot. Today, Jackie Juntti reminded me).

Have you noticed? One very popular way of “solving” problems is to just change the language? For example: For a long time (about 1940-1970), we were told we were entering a “New Ice Age” and things were going to get unbearably cold.

Then, we were told the earth is heating up. Then, when that sort of stopped selling(especially in severe winters) The whole thing became “CLIMATE CHANGE.” That covers it all, no matter what the earth does (at God’s direction).

In high school chemistry, I learned that everything alive was “organic.” Recently, it has somehow been learned that it’s only “organic” if it is More Expensive vegetables.

We used to have three (economic) classes of people:

1. The Poor – who paid little or no taxes;
2. The “Middle Class” – who paid most of the taxes;
3. The rich – who paid quite a lot of taxes.

But, that has now changed. Now we have:

1. The Poor – who pay no taxes;
2. The Rich – meaning anybody who has a job and pays taxes;
3. The Super Rich – who pay very limited taxes because their money is kept in The Cayman Islands or a tax-exempt trust – or you name it;

* The “Middle Class” – - is history.

People who indulged in sexual activity with their own sex were known as “homosexuals.” But, now they are “Gay” (in spite of the fact they typically live shorter, sadder lives).

People who sneaked across the border into the USA illegally used to be known as “Illegal Aliens” – But, “illegal” has all kinds of bad connotations, especially if you are employing some or have some voting for you. So, they are now known as “Undocumented Workers” – even if they don’t work and just collect welfare. How about “UUUs” (unworking, undocumented, unamericans)? So, if illegal aliens are now “undocumented workers,” are the drug dealers who accompany them, “unlicensed pharmaceutical importers”??

The handicapped used to be known as, well, “handicapped” or “crippled” – But, we no longer have handicapped people. Now, they are “physically challenged” or “mentally challenged” or just “politicians.”

Secretaries used to be known as, well, “secretaries.” But, now they have been given the awkward title of “Administrative Support Staff” – for short: ASSes.

Guys who took care of the details of a building were once known as “janitors” or “handymen.” Now they are “Building Superintendents” (But some buildings still don’t have adequate heat).

Nursery schools are now known as “early childhood education centers.”

Criminals are now known as “victims of racism, parental abuse, economic deprivation, educational mismanagement or addictive behavior.” We must never call them “crooks”"thieves” or “sociopaths.”