TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I have been following the discussion of words that offend and whose fault is it
anyway. Arlen (and others) is right: it is not the words that hurt us. But
it is that attitudes that hurt us. I am offended by people's insensitive
comments on gender, religion, race, and enthicity because it reveals their
underlying attitudes about certain groups of people.
While eradicating the words does not change the attitudes, at least it helps
prevent spreading of harmful attitudes. As technical communicators, we have
the power to lead the way.
Sharon Rosenthal
Senior Technical Writer
Manugistics, Inc.
sharon rosenthal -at- manu -dot- com
