(no subject)

[lollardfish]

There's a post out there today of a "friend" (not someone I actually know that well) who has been out of touch with LJ.

He's asking for updates because, "If there's something you've been assuming I know because you wrote about it on LJ and in the past I've reliably read your LJ, you might want to point it out to me. Alternately, you can just regard me as the retard in the corner who never knows what's going on."

I find this metaphor infuriating and offensive, although I know that as with most such things he means nothing by it. What's the best response? Ignore? Post something publicly in comments? Send a private email? Write an LJ post of my own about how offensive I find it and hope someone reads it?

What do you think?

Edit - I posted what I hope was both a polite and firm comment.

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

This effect of perjoration doesn't happen equally in everyone's thinking. For example, I am told that the first four letters of the descriptor "Pakistani" are considered highly offensive in the UK. That happens to ring neutral and inoffensive to my ear.

People will have different standards, whether through different experiences or just ham-handedness. I think it's important to alert them to a more civilized level of kindness, and I think you did a good job here. I certainly need the reminder (not concerning using the word "retard" but in the broader sense of choosing words carefully).

I haven't a clue how any of this might relate to Patrick. I just don't want you to be infuriated, because fury can wreck your whole day.

Kindly,

K.

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

Fury did, if not wreck, at least throw up significant roadblocks into my day. My anger peaked around 6 and has been settling down since then.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Yeah, see. I wish for calm and happiness for you!

K.