I thought I was going to write about my feelings concerning People First Language. It's a topic which seems to be coming up a lot in recent days, and it's one I feel strongly about. Well, perhaps I'll talk about it at some point soon, but not this time. I'm not sure I have it in me on a Friday afternoon. Instead, I think I'll answer a question that's come up from a few long-time readers, one that doesn't touch on disability or sadness or fancy-pantsed authorliness or anything even remotely resembling actual content.
People who have been reading for a while will remember my previous car, a '99 blue VW Beetle which I called "Beelzebug". Seriously old skool readers may even remember my car before that, a yellow Honda CR-X which earned the name "The Lemonator", both for its color and it's frequent need for repair.
A few people have asked me about the new car, my 2008 black Mazdaspeed3. How's it working out? And what do you call it?
Well, first of all, I love the car. It's a little more of a "guy" car than I've ever had before, and that's taken some getting used to, but perhaps it was time for me to man up a little. Julie likes the car because it's roomy inside and does all the family duties she requires of it, and Schuyler likes it because she can always talk me into punching it when no one's around. And it punches. Good lord. I really am going to end up on the local news, with a helicopter shooting video of the debris field from above the freeway.
As for a name, I decided to pay homage its place of manufacture -- Hiroshima -- and also to one of Schuyler's favorite movies, The Iron Giant. If you've seen that movie, you'll understand why I call the car "Atomo".
And yeah, this entry really is my way of dodging the People First discussion just a bit longer. Want to talk about the couch I'm getting soon? Because really, it is a fine, fine couch...
August 15, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Of course I followed that link and after only reading about 5 lines of type began to chuckle maniacally in anticipation of your upcoming rant. Don't make us wait too long, Rob :-)
I like the new car, "Automo" is a sweet nickname. I went to the "People First Language"....I am I correct in assuming you aren't a fan? It seemed to me like they were being overly sensitive and politically correct. Personally I prefer a more direct, yet respectful, style. How does tiptoeing around the elephant in the room help people? Kathie Snow should give the people she is trying to help more cedit.
I especially enjoyed that Examples of People First Language at the end of the article. That is all I'm going to say for fear of retribution. :)
*what* the heck is that People First stuff? wow. if only they'd spent their enegy on ... oh, never mind.
I'm very glad to hear that you have a fine, fine couch. My couch, however, is differently upholstered in places and has a diagnosis of stains---but at least it isn't suffering (although I may be and not with my diagnosis of MS.)
Sure, you can write it. Stop stalling!
oh i got yer People First
Rob, I found this post that explains the big budget drop in AK's special ed budget here: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2008/09/gov_palins_budget_for_special_1.html.
I find it hard to be special ed parent and a fan of either political party. I'm intrigued by Palin, however.
Keep up the great blogging and the People First language (PFL) post is still ringing in my head. Not a fan of PFL for many of the reasons you cited.
Post a Comment