(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

[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....)