Terminology

“Domestic Violence” or “Domestic Misbehavior”

“Sexual Harassment” or “Sexual Misconduct”

The body of terms used with a particular technical application in a subject of study, theory, profession, etc.

“The terminology of semiotics”

Synonyms: phraseology, terms, expressions, words, language, lexicon, parlance, vocabulary, wording, nomenclature, usage, idiom, jargon, cant, argot.

If you have read any of these ‘Just Another Life’ posts, you know I don’t follow the AP Stylebook or most other grammar or English journalistic rules for communicating, but recently I’ve noticed the phraseology changing in the established news media. There seems to be an attempt to find the proper word association that is politically correct and still conveys the passion of our cultural ‘#MeToo’ and ‘#Stop Senseless Violence’ movements.

do·mes·tic  relating to the running of a home or to family relations. stay-at-home, home-loving, homey, housewifely, (of an animal) tame and kept by humans, domesticated, tame, pet, household, a person who is paid to help with menial tasks such as cleaning, servant, maid, housemaid, cleaner, cleaning lady, housekeeper.

Somewhere along the line, I believe I was domesticated, though I still have some rough edges. Beside the pets, getting along with someone else you work with or hire to do a task or live with does require a bit of domesticity. Learning to compromise is one of the aspects of ‘growing up’. Throwing a temper tantrum should go away before puberty, but sometimes it just hangs around. Being domesticated is adjusting to the rules of culture and etiquette while prioritizing your selfless wants.

vi·o·lence behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something, brutality, brute force, ferocity, savagery, cruelty, sadism, barbarity, brutishness forcefulness, force, power, strength, might, savagery, ferocity, strength of emotion or an unpleasant or destructive natural force, intensity, severity, strength, force, vehemence, power, potency, fervency, ferocity, fury, fire, the unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation by the exhibition of such force.

Violence is perceived as bombs blowing up or some fake blood on a video game. Our society likes violence. We solve disputes with violence. We create weapons to extend our violence when personal physical abuse does not surmise. Everyday our media exposes us to our violence and if it is not happening to us (at least in public) we get our thrill and move on. We all have those moments when road rage could become a felony or just letting off steam. I’d think that the first responders could designate between folks slugging it out to dodging bullets.

mis·be·hav·ior  the action of misbehaving; bad behavior.

I don’t know? Misbehavior sounds like something corrected at the dinner table with a look and stern warning. Misbehavior brings shame for a punishment and a life lesson.

sex·u·al  sexual, relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction or intimate physical contact between individuals, carnal, erotic, relating to the two sexes or to gender, reproductive, genital, sex, procreative.

The term ‘sex’ is still taboo for most conversations though it is our biggest thrill. We shun our own fascination with the subject while titillating ourselves with movies, videos, books and artwork that feeds our endorphins but will not discuss with our kids. While some admit the act of fornication is a physical dominance over another human being, others will blush and give Valentine cards disgusted as romance. Sex is penetrating another’s body for personal pleasure, so get over it.

ha·rass·ment persecution, intimidation, pressure, force, coercion, aggressive pressure or intimidation.

Has anybody been in the military? Basic training is harassment to follow commands. It is the humiliation of striping away all individual identity to form a fighting team that when ordered to go over the top will run into people who are shooting at you. Stalking, poking, trolling, etc. are all forms of harassment, but the ‘sexual’ demeaning has been prevalent for years. The male size and strength has been excuse until a kick with a sharp heel neutralized the playing field.

mis·con·duct unacceptable or improper behavior, wrongdoing, unlawfulness, lawlessness, crime, felony, criminality, sin, sinfulness, unethical behavior, unprofessionalism, malpractice, negligence, impropriety misbehavior, bad behavior, misdeeds, misdemeanors, disorderly conduct, mischief, naughtiness, rudeness mismanagement, especially culpable neglect of duties.

Misconduct, to me, is like misbehavior. A slap on the hand and then it is time to go out and play. Like the legal difference of a misdemeanor or a felony and the punishment given for each, semiotics matter.

As all these descriptions of pain and suffering are redefined they exist. The politicians and lawyers and judges will write copious notes and declarations and draw the red line. Still murder will be redefined to a few years or maybe a time out due to extenuating circumstances or rape was just a misunderstanding or a pay off will make it all disappear.

There was a time when an allegation would be enough for a lynching.

How far have we come?