Reply #92: The reference was not made to you, but to others responding [View All]

[hlthe2b]

to your OP. As I have expressed to you, I agree with the sentiment, if not the scope of the problem. I simply think equating generic terms like "wacko" or "nuts" to referring in a derogatory term to a specific group with very specific mental illness terminology (or to use of those slurs we all agree are meant only to hurt) is ridiculous. The former generic terms are part of the general vernacular and are not specific derogatory terms, being used more often to express confusion, surprise, or lack of agreement with someone's actions, tactics, or some specific belief. To suggest it specifically means (and is only used) to refer to someone in a derogatory way, is simply not true.

There are plenty of areas of language use that we should draw a line. Drawing it too finely only diminishes our credibility and makes it all to easy for others to discount the issue underlying our concern as baseless.