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Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:01 AM

Think of us as your elders, not the elderly

Just as referring to enslaved people is more powerful than referring to slaves, the nation should refer to Our Elders no the elderly.

A seemingly small change, but important.

15 replies, 2360 views

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Arrow 15 replies Author Time Post
Reply Think of us as your elders, not the elderly (Original post)
Shanti Mama Mar 2020 OP
Rorey Mar 2020 #1
Shanti Mama Mar 2020 #2
FM123 Mar 2020 #3
Shanti Mama Mar 2020 #4
Harker Mar 2020 #5
whathehell Mar 2020 #6
lark Mar 2020 #7
Lulu KC Mar 2020 #8
redstatebluegirl Mar 2020 #9
Shanti Mama Mar 2020 #10
Arthur_Frain Mar 2020 #11
whathehell Mar 2020 #12
Arthur_Frain Mar 2020 #13
whathehell Mar 2020 #14
Arthur_Frain Mar 2020 #15

Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:08 AM

1. I like it NT

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Response to Rorey (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:09 AM

2. Thanks.

This humanizes us.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:12 AM

3. You make such a good point, I haven't really paid enough attention to that....

When we become more thoughtful with words, we become more thoughtful with deeds.

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Response to FM123 (Reply #3)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:14 AM

4. Using Our Elders

means you're connected to them. And Elder connotes dignity, value, wisdom.

In most Asian countries their elders are revered, though modernization and "development" are changing that.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:17 AM

5. The connotations of 'elders' are as wise...

experienced teachers and leaders.

'Elderly' for many connotes frailty, both physically and mentally.

Good thought.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:18 AM

6. A good idea..

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:21 AM

7. Excellent and important sugggestion.

drumpf is trying to trivialize our ties that bind and some folks really need to be reminded.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:33 AM

8. totally with you

Unfortunately, I think the wise thing to do is let them figure that out themselves. So I bite my tongue and think, "Someday you'll get it, when we're long gone." And then I know I really am my mother! I can't count the number of times I look up to the sky and say, "Mom! I get it!"

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 10:50 AM

9. That is how I was raised.

I was raised to "respect my elders" and would get a huge smack if I did not. My growing up was much different than most. I was raised on a farm, 2 miles from my paternal grandparents, 5 miles from my maternal grandparents and within a short bike ride of two of my aunts and uncles. My great aunt lived in a small house on my grandparents farm and my great uncle farmed a few miles away.

I took it for granted, I wish I hadn't.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 11:32 AM

10. This is not to say that I wouldn't give my ventilator to a youngster

If that choice had to be made I'd willingly forgo treatment. But let's hope that choice doesn't have to be made often.

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Response to Shanti Mama (Original post)

Wed Mar 25, 2020, 11:38 AM

11. Sorry, I'm not on board with this.

First you couldn’t use the word “old”.

Now you’re objecting to “elderly”.

This is moving the goalposts unnecessarily.

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Response to Arthur_Frain (Reply #11)

Thu Mar 26, 2020, 04:41 AM

12. What "goalposts"?

This isn't a game.






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Response to whathehell (Reply #12)

Thu Mar 26, 2020, 10:48 AM

13. Don't be purposely obtuse.

It’s a common phrase that’s used to describe many situations. Just like this one.

We have a lot of very important things to focus our attention on. For the OP to bust someone’s chops because they call them “elderly” but say it’s okay to refer to us as your “Elders”? I’m trying to be respectful here. There’s no reason not to. But respect is a two way street.


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Response to Arthur_Frain (Reply #13)

Thu Mar 26, 2020, 02:07 PM

14. Lol..Try expanding your vocabulary beyond sports metaphors.

As to your officious indignation about my supposed "purposeful" obtuseness, I can only tell you that it was kinder than the first draft.

As to what is or isn't "important", perhaps you've yet to realize that what's unimportant to you, may be quite important to others..Just a thought.

Beyond that, you need to remember that suggestions posted on this forum are not mandates -- If you don't like them, you're free to ignore them. That would apply to individual posters as well. If you dislike their views, it's good to remember that "Ignore" is your friend. I am "remembering" that right now...Buh bye.

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Response to whathehell (Reply #14)

Thu Mar 26, 2020, 05:20 PM

15. Then I suggest

that if you’re that offended by what I wrote, which as I pointed out was respectful, then I’d suggest you use the ignore button.

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