Unnecessary syntax

[JBE 328]

If you folks read my little piece on Rain Event in the storm thread, you'll understand where I am coming from here.

I used to be a fan of George Carlin. The reason why I am not the same fan I was years ago is that he, IMHO has become a very angry old man.

Many of his bits used to be about his love of words and how he used them to create his humor. It also allowed him the opportunity to shine a light on unnecessary words. One of the first HBO specials I saw was back in 1989 or 90, and it was called Back in Town. It was released as an album under the title Explicit Lyrics, Parental Advisory. His last routine in the show was about euphemisms. Words that hide the truth. I happen to agree with a lot of what he said. Reason being I see so much of it in our media today. Example, when was the last time you saw an ad from Audi or Lexus advertising a used car?? It's now a previously owned vehicle. Technical terminology, such as a Myocardial Infarction have more of an honest effect when you use its more common term, Heart Attack. CVA means more when you say a Stroke.

I truly believe he had it nailed when he talked about veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was once known as shell shock. As time went on, it morphed into P-TSD. If they still called it shell shock back in the 70's and 80's with the Vietnam Vets, and in the 90's and today with the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq Vets, maybe those folks would get the help they need. I also say the same for any member of the emergency services(not a euphemism, just using two words to bring all agencies together) who has been through numerous crappy incidents, or members of the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, and other agencies involved with the 11th, and any other incident that would blow ones mind.

Some people think it's hurtful to call someone in a wheelchair or mental retardation handicapped. I disagree. It's better than calling them a retard or a cripple.

Urban Music, WTF is that?? It's not rock and roll, or top 40 pop. It's hip hop, R n B, etc. Why not call it what it is?? Music that is primarily enjoyed by people of color. Don't get me wrong, I love old school rap. Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, early Beasties. Most of the stuff today, I don't care for. It's not fun and happy like it was back when I was a kid.

If you were poor, you lived in slum, the projects, or the ghetto. Now if you're poor, you live in low income housing in a financially dilapidated neighborhood. Or, as I call them, $hitty places to live.

You don't have a car, you take a train or the bus, not public transportation. The lights go out, you call the electric company, not an energy delivery corporation.

You call someone for business help, you talk to an operator, not a customer service representative(My brother is going to shoot me for that one, he works for Commerce). You call for real help, you call a 911 operator or fire dispatcher, not an emergency telecommunicator. Same goes for secretaries, not office administrators(Sorry, Mom).

I think, or hope you folks get my point. Simple direct words, when used properly can get your point across, rather than being all touchy feely. You can use them without hurting, or have to be fearful of offending.

Example, Using touchy feely talk, Bob can no longer be considered a viable member of our team, due to his lack of tangible results in his business dealings.

The truth. Bob's performance is well below standards. His employment should be terminated for his poor work skills.

In closing, if I offended anyone with some of the things I said, not my intention, but it's just something to make you think.