How to talk about old people
Some California "wisdom":
"'Codger' is out, and don't even think about using 'fogey', 'fossil' or 'elderly', ageism activists in the US have warned. In fact, 'senior' and 'of a certain age' are also no--nos on a list of dos and don'ts of reporting people of a certain age. The advice is included in a media guide on reporting issued by the International Longevity Centre and Ageing Services of California.
In it, the campaign groups attempt to help journalists and advertisers represent 'older people' - its preferred term - in a "fair contemporary and unbiased" manner. To redress the bias, the pressure groups have listed a lexicon of unacceptable terms for older adults. It includes 'biddy', 'old goat' and 'prune' - all of which should not be used. 'Old ladies' of both the 'little' and 'sweet' variety are also to be avoided. Gone too should be 'old fart' and 'miserly old man', the report states
Indeed the list of acceptable terms is far shorter than those that can't be used. Journalists are advised: "If you need to identify individuals over the age of 50, 'older adults' is preferred over "senior" and "elderly", which can be discriminatory in nature.
Euphemisms are also not the best way forward, according to the guide. So out goes 'golden years' as a description of an individual's period of life relating to the years after being deemed to be an older adult.
Source
12 comments:
My personal favorite is "old geezer".
A geezer in Limey-land means a wall mounted gas fired hot-water heater.
I'm starting to hear terms like "experienced young person" applied to older people.
As an older person, i can't say that i disagree with no longer using those terms, as most are insulting, but it's certainly not worth all the fuss.
Having said that, i think there's something far more disturbing here, and that is having some Leftist PC'Nazi from Mexifornia telling people how they must speak. The talking heads on TV are already consumed by so much PC that they are barely coherent. (and yes, Fox included, and perhaps, especially!) The very last people on the planet who should set standards for anyone, about anything, are the Leftist goof-balls from Mexifornia!
Oh, it's from the twisted minds in Calif? That explains it all.
I'm sixty. I got to the movies and ask for the "geezer discount." I love it, and after the teenager at in the booth grasps what I mean, he or she chuckles.
Did you notice that the ILCASC (which I think is pronounced :"lickass," but I'm not sure) gave two examples of unacceptable terms for men and women. Don't call old women "little [or sweet] old ladies": they're old, but they're women and thus, they're nice.
BUT don't call old men "old farts" or "miserly"": they're old, and since they're men, they're probably unpleasant or difficulty. They are men, after all.
Sheesh.
Is "Q-Tip" still OK ????
I am deeply offended. I have worked very hard to earn the name 'old fart'. To me, it is a sign of respect.
since its Mexifornia try
"CABRON" short A long O
CABRON-O THE HEAD GOAT
While the American sheeple have been asleep, political correctness has totally changed our lives, including our language. And in spite of what you're being told, not all change is good!
I like Mr Old Fart myself but that just me. Stormewaters
I call 'em "Old fart" and they typically laugh at it!
Fact is, most older people could give a rip. It's the younger activists with way too much time on their hands that are causing the problems.
Damn kids...get off my lawn!
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