(no subject)

[rm]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/us/07aging.html

Fascinating article on the harm of addressing seniors with elder-speak.

But what really struck me? The toll of words like "sweetie" and "dear" that the article notes are also used for children in a way that can also be disrespectful and isolating. What the article doesn't note: is that these words are used in the same way on women of all ages, and yes, it makes us angry and uncooperative too.

Comments

[newsbean.livejournal.com]

I think a huge part of the McCain thing is his age combined with the fact that his health history puts him at risk for dying really soon. I'm not sure it's just the age. (At least, that's the way I've been understanding, but perhaps I am too generous...)

[lysserum.livejournal.com]

I've seen people refer to previous cancer incidents and something about his medical records being kept private. I don't recall the exact details, but I read something a while back about the media being given limited access to them and then being cut off.

[holyschist.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think the health history is a huge factor--malignant melanomas are nasty, plus he has all the POW damage. (Frankly, I also think he shows possible signs of dementia, but that's another issue....)