I've started a Tumblr blog, the Lame Wall of Shame, to showcase links from media outlets who use 'lame' as an insult.
They should know better. (If you don't understand why, please read Lame is so gay.)
If you would like to help, please do one of two things: send me links to add to the wall, or drop a comment on one or more of the linked posts to object (nicely, politely) to their use of the term 'lame' to mean 'pathetic' or 'inadequate' (or 'laughable' or 'foolish' or 'naff' or 'poorly written' or...) Or you could do both. I, for one, am so thoroughly sick of feeling punched in the stomach everytime some writer who couldn't be bothered to find a better word unthinkingly reaches for this insult.
Thank you.
Posts
Here's one for you: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bastard-machine/sorry-state-2-broke-girls-252579
ReplyDeleteThey mention racism, but they don't realize their mistake in using lame...
Thanks. Got it. It's up.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thefrisky.com/2011-10-28/17-lame-embarrassing-celebrity-book-covers/
ReplyDeletehttp://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20110186849&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood&nid=144513
http://berkeleybeacon.com/2011/10/perry%E2%80%99s-lame-resurrection-of-%E2%80%9Cbirtherism%E2%80%9D-a-textbook-non-issue/
I'm a non-native speaker but I'm wondering if it's OK to speak of a "lame duck" when referring to a president. here too, "lame" is used as a derogative. at least that's how it sounds to me. (As for links: there are tons of these...)
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I'm also wondering if it's possible that words can change meaning over time; that they transcend what they initially referred to; or that they cease being used for what they initially meant. do words and expressions evolve? etymologically?
Sorry for adding controversy to this delicate topic; I just think, in general, it's healthy to at least consider whether there is another interpretation of the phenomenon.
Kate
Kate, words do change over time. But for people like me, they still drag unpleasant baggage. For me, it's an anger-inducing and unnecessary word. Life is too short to get flicked on the nose twenty times a day.
ReplyDeleteDianne, thanks. Please keep them coming.
Wire blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/10/10-years-of-ipod-commercials/
jennifer, got it, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what your answer to Kate's first question is---is "lame-duck" also inappropriate, or does the extra layer of metaphor soften things sufficiently?
ReplyDeleteAnon, 'lame duck' as a political metaphor doesn't bother me. I think because the metaphor is front-and-centre, and not a sideways slap at cripples. But, eh, I haven't had the bandwidth to think it through clearly.
ReplyDelete..."get flicked on the nose" by a word; get a "front-and-center" not a "sideways slap" by a metaphor. writing from the body.
ReplyDeletehm.
I think I'll take a week off in order to read all your posts.
Kate
Kate, oh, yep, I'm all about the body.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to read all the posts, start with the list in the sidebar. Then maybe read some of my essays.
Have fun.
you know, I did. start with that list. actually, with the first thing on that list - the good-sex-rant post. I read the first paragraph and an big "NO" formed in my head.
ReplyDeletethen I decided to read that ryan guy's entry and went back to see what you replied.
and was fairly surprised. I downloaded the novelette. I need to read it and do some more pondering about this.
but jeez! I still have that paper on my desk I need to send off!
nonetheless, thanks for the link and the hint to the essays. food for thought. and a lot of good readings. which is simply marvelous!
Kate
Kate, you're welcome.
ReplyDelete