How important is it to call things by their right name?
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@diesch one good example might be saying Free Software instead of Open Source, or GNU/Linux instead of Linux. Another is using the right names for people, like Inuit or Roma. Or using the right terms for difficult social issues, like CSAM or death by suicide.
One person's "right thing" can be another person's wrong thing. Or the "right thing" can differ depending on the context. And sometimes the "adequate thing" is sufficient.
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@evan but why do you ask?
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How important is it to call things by their right name?
@evan
The point of communication is communication. If you are not transferring the right meaning, it is pointless. But also, language is dynamic and shifting. The idea that there is a right name is fundamentally flawed. -
How important is it to call things by their right name?
@evan
Sorry, I missed this poll when it was active. I am replying to this from my Pleroma instance, (not from Mastodon), using a computer that runs GNU/Linux.
Let us call things by their right name. -
@evan
Sorry, I missed this poll when it was active. I am replying to this from my Pleroma instance, (not from Mastodon), using a computer that runs GNU/Linux.
Let us call things by their right name.@lohang it's still open!
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@lohang it's still open!
@evan Oh really? At my end it says the poll ended 39 minutes ago.
Possibly an issue with the ActivityPub software I am running... or maybe a time zone glitch! -
How important is it to call things by their right name?
Thanks to everyone who replied. Here are my thoughts:
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Thanks to everyone who replied. Here are my thoughts:
Calling things by their right name has been a prominent part of movements I've supported or been an active participant in for a long time.
Which letters should be included in 2SLGBTQIA+, what name to call occupied places, how we refer to software released under particular licenses.
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Calling things by their right name has been a prominent part of movements I've supported or been an active participant in for a long time.
Which letters should be included in 2SLGBTQIA+, what name to call occupied places, how we refer to software released under particular licenses.
Names frame how we think. They are declarations of power -- who gets to say what the right name is. They are expressions of ideas and ways of thinking. They can mean a lot.
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Names frame how we think. They are declarations of power -- who gets to say what the right name is. They are expressions of ideas and ways of thinking. They can mean a lot.
But calling something by its right name does not in and of itself right the wrongs. Calling the attack on Gaza a genocide is correct, but that has not stopped the genocide. Right thinking might aid in right action, but it is not a substitute for right action. It is the beginning of justice, not the completion of it.
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But calling something by its right name does not in and of itself right the wrongs. Calling the attack on Gaza a genocide is correct, but that has not stopped the genocide. Right thinking might aid in right action, but it is not a substitute for right action. It is the beginning of justice, not the completion of it.
So, I think my answer has to be somewhat important. There are too many other more important things -- such as conveying information, taking action, and achieving results.
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Names frame how we think. They are declarations of power -- who gets to say what the right name is. They are expressions of ideas and ways of thinking. They can mean a lot.
@evan Manhattan Island lies on the Epstein River, I tell ya... someone should inform PM Carney
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Thanks to everyone who replied. Here are my thoughts:
@evan
Brother, I have a clinic appointment with my mother tomorrow. Please help me if you can.
We really need your support. -
How important is it to call things by their right name?
@evan It must depend on the immediate context. In the context of computer programming, naming things correctly is pretty important.
From my archive: https://mastodon.social/@rperezrosario/114299594067375167
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@evan things? somewhat important.
people? VERY important.
@johnefrancis elaborate!
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@Ellis my thoughts are here
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So, I think my answer has to be somewhat important. There are too many other more important things -- such as conveying information, taking action, and achieving results.
@evan I like this reasoning and it convinces me to agree with you!
