any outstanding reviews

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Thanks WIT.... I am just reflecting on the term itself.

 

Well, since you cite me, I'll point out that that's just my point: context and intent play such a large role in any particular instance, that there are very few words that can be accurately termed disrespectful in a one-size-fits-all rule.

 

I'll use the particular term you find disrespectful as an example: "use" is such a common, everyday, multi-purpose word that it can easily sneak in most anywhere:

 

"I like the way your lawn is being mowed this year ... who are you using to do it?"

 

"I need to get my stove fixed ... who do you recommend I should use?"

 

Or the dreaded:

 

"I need some help preparing dinner ... can I use you?"

 

"Make yourself useful and grab that sack of cement!"

 

Etc.

 

Terminology is particularly sensitive in our context, of course. There will never be any one word that satisfies everyone -- yet, words are, nevertheless, required for communication. One person's innocent word may be another person's hurtful word, and vice versa. Judging the context and intent can be tricky, especially in written form. So the by-words, for me, are to hope that writers tread carefully - and to hope that readers are kind enough to grant some leeway for benefit of the doubt.

 

To the best of my self-knowledge, I respect other folks, but that certainly doesn't mean that I haven't caught myself on any number of occasions having to re-jig my initial (natural to me) wording before hitting the "submit" button -- replacing it with more formal wording for public consumption. (ha ha ... doesn't always work, even so ... but that's par-for-the-course any time humans get together.)

[ottawaadventurer 5114]

Thanks for the post WIT.

 

I'm not going to belabor my point. It is simply my opinion. And you're entitled to yours.