Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Locutus

#1Sep 22nd, 2012

Journalist Asks AP, NY Times To Stop Using Term “Illegal Immigrant”…

Journalist Jose Antonio Vargas on Friday issued a challenge to news organizations to stop using the term "illegal immigrant" — and his first targets are The Associated Press and The New York Times.

After giving Friday’s keynote address at the 2012 Online News Association Conference in San Francisco, Vargas spoke with POLITICO and followed-up on his comments that he and his non-profit group Define American would focus on getting the media to stop using what he deems an inflammatory and inaccurate phrase.

Vargas, who made waves in 2011 with his New York Times magazine essay "My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant," said his first step to stop the media from using the term "illegal immigrant" will be to meet with the individuals in charge of each news organization’s style and encourage them to use "undocumented" instead, or to explore other alternatives.

more

Jose Antonio Vargas 'illegal immigrant' - POLITICO.com

The thought and hurt-feelings police are up to their old slippery tricks.

dumpthemonarchy

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

Two days and no comments, this crowd is thoroughly cowed. Some think anyone, anywhere, anytime has the right to enter Canada or the USA. There is a group in Canada called nooneisillegal.org Come one come all. Even with these dolts, Canada is still a good country. But then, why take immigrants who can't get a job? They won't pay, you will. The price of nice is lots of dough.

BaalsTears

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

I don't like the term "illegal immigrant" either. I prefer "illegal alien." It's more accurate.

Durry

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

The term illegal is the correct term when your not legal.
Undocumented could mean you are legal, you just haven't gotten your documents filled out yet.

I say, call it like it is !!

B00Mer

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by BaalsTears

I don't like the term "illegal immigrant" either. I prefer "illegal alien." It's more accurate.

Hay Caramba!!

skookumchuck

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

Isn't this the same mind set that had the Obama crowd call the Fort Hood shooting "workplace violence"?

dumpthemonarchy

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 24th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by skookumchuck

Isn't this the same mind set that had the Obama crowd call the Fort Hood shooting "workplace violence"?

Comical.

Attacking a US military base could easily be classified as terrorism. Doing so is a deterrent. It is not a regular workplace. You can't just quit whenever you feel like for example. You are AWOL and the other kind of MPs (military police) will come and get you. The Bay does not, and cannot do that.

Random shootings are not terrorism, they have to have an agenda, a plan, and some associates. Otherwise its just some loon spouting off. Terrorists have goals, their own state, overthrowing a current state or just terror to get rid of some soldiers from a territory. This mindset says that immigrants do not conduct terrorism, or they are never bad.

The FLQ had some specific goals to go along with their bombs and kidnappings, they wanted an independent Quebec.

karrie

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

But, if we remove the term 'illegal', it undermines the US's entrenched policy of criminalizing its populace. Take away the term illegal, and suddenly they don't sound like a personal threat. Take away the term illegal, and say 'undocumented', and suddenly it puts you in mind of people just working and trying to make a life for themselves. Putting a PC spin on it makes them sound human, makes them sound like neighbours who just didnt have the money or education to follow the rules, instead of the imminent threat that they really are. We can't have that. Them illegals will just have to deal with the facts of the matter.

Durry

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

. We can't have that. Them illegals will just have to deal with the facts of the matter.

Your right, for a country to prosper it needs to have law, ORDER, and Good government.

You only have to look to a country like the sh^t hole country of Mexico to see what happens when you allow law and order to take a back seat.

karrie

#10

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Law, order, and good government, doesn't need to come at the cost of human civility. Quite the opposite. Xenophobic, oft racist, criminalization of your fellow man undermines good government, and it clearly undermines law and order if one looks at the size of American prisons.

Durry

#11

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

A countries first responsibility is to look after its own people.
It is not Americas responsibility to look after all the losers from other countries.

The best thing anyone can do to help other countries, is to go there and help them learn to help themselves. Taking someone in to your country does not help the others left in their country.
Kinda pretty basic, but probably not for the lefties!!

Locutus

#12

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Using a new age 'soft' word for something like this is obvious...and simply an attempt to appease, legitimize or take the sting out of this that or the other.

Rape; or sexual assault?

More on this insidious politically 'correct' smarmy activity: soft language - definition and examples of soft language - George Carlin on euphemisms

TenPenny

#13

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Durry

It is not Americas responsibility to look after all the losers from other countries.
...
Taking someone in to your country does not help the others left in their country.
Kinda pretty basic, but probably not for the lefties!!

Funny, considering where Americans came from.

PoliticalNick

#14

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

Law, order, and good government, doesn't need to come at the cost of human civility. Quite the opposite. Xenophobic, oft racist, criminalization of your fellow man undermines good government, and it clearly undermines law and order if one looks at the size of American prisons.

I cannot believe someone used the word 'xenophobic' in CC. Well done K

Quote: Originally Posted by Durry

It is not Americas responsibility to look after all the losers from other countries.

Just ask Iraq & Afghanistan.

Quote:

The best thing anyone can do to help other countries, is to go there and help them learn to help themselves. Taking someone in to your country does not help the others left in their country.
Kinda pretty basic, but probably not for the lefties!!

I agree the best way to help is getting them whats needed to help themselves. A lot of education and a smaller helping handout would go further than just sending money.

skookumchuck

#15

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Putting a PC spin on the fact of hordes of people illegally crossing a border into a foreign sovereign state simply shows a disingenuous political agenda.
It has been tried here by the MSM calling illegal immigrants "boat people", that changed the public perception of an illegal act to a bleeding heart agenda. The idea that any western nation can help everyone is patently ridiculous.

If one took politics out of the equation and asked the question of the majority populace i think we know what the answer would be.

#juan

#16

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by BaalsTears

I don't like the term "illegal immigrant" either. I prefer "illegal alien." It's more accurate.

If a person comes into this country without permission, intending to immigrate, that person is in the country illegally and is
subject to arrest. I think "illegal immigrant" is completely right.

BaalsTears

#17

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

Law, order, and good government, doesn't need to come at the cost of human civility. Quite the opposite. Xenophobic, oft racist, criminalization of your fellow man undermines good government, and it clearly undermines law and order if one looks at the size of American prisons.

So are you suggesting that Americans just accept the presence of millions upon millions of illegal aliens? Would Canada do that?

karrie

#18

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

who said accept it? but, treat it as what it is... a social and immigration problem, not a criminal one.

Criminalizing it actually worsens the social damage done, because once you're living in fear of the law, in fear of jail time or immediate deportation, then you're more likely to live up to the expectation that you are a criminal.

BaalsTears

#19

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

who said accept it? but, treat it as what it is... a social and immigration problem, not a criminal one.

Criminalizing it actually worsens the social damage done, because once you're living in fear of the law, in fear of jail time or immediate deportation, then you're more likely to live up to the expectation that you are a criminal.

Would such a policy be good for Canada?

Quote: Originally Posted by #juan

If a person comes into this country without permission, intending to immigrate, that person is in the country illegally and is
subject to arrest. I think "illegal immigrant" is completely right.

People who come to America in violation of American laws have the effect of diminishing the self-determination of Americans by imposing demographics of ignorance and poverty. I will never accept illegal aliens. I will resist them the same way Palestinians resist Israeli settlers. I loathe and detest illegal aliens.

Here's an illegal alien for you Canadians who love illegals...he was my god damn neighbor until he shot two guys in the head:

Live Oak teen to be tried on double murder charge - Santa Cruz Sentinel

karrie

#20

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by BaalsTears

Would such a policy be good for Canada?

.

I haven't ever noted the common use of a single term to describe unprocessed immigrants (ha, how do you like that one? lol) in the Canadian media. undocumented, unauthorized, illegal, refugee, immigrant.... so, while no one's proposed a 'policy' (he's merely pointed out to the media that as a prolific catch phrase it has potential to do more harm than good), I'd have to say it would be a moot point to approach Canadian media regarding it.

Quote: Originally Posted by BaalsTears

People who come to America in violation of American laws have the effect of diminishing the self-determination of Americans by imposing demographics of ignorance and poverty. I will never accept illegal aliens. I will resist them the same way Palestinians resist Israeli settlers. I loathe and detest illegal aliens.

Here's an illegal alien for you Canadians who love illegals...he was my god damn neighbor until he shot two guys in the head:

Live Oak teen to be tried on double murder charge - Santa Cruz Sentinel

And this, right here, is exactly the point. By applying a singular label, you can link everyone you so much as suspect, to this criminal. And if you keep the label itself dripping with connotations of criminality, you keep the paranoia flowing throughout the country. A country that doesn't trust its citizenry, is easy to run.

BaalsTears

#21

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

I haven't ever noted the common use of a single term to describe unprocessed immigrants (ha, how do you like that one? lol) in the Canadian media. undocumented, unauthorized, illegal, refugee, immigrant.... so, while no one's proposed a 'policy' (he's merely pointed out to the media that as a prolific catch phrase it has potential to do more harm than good), I'd have to say it would be a moot point to approach Canadian media regarding it.

And this, right here, is exactly the point. By applying a singular label, you can link everyone you so much as suspect, to this criminal. And if you keep the label itself dripping with connotations of criminality, you keep the paranoia flowing throughout the country. A country that doesn't trust its citizenry, is easy to run.

Let me be clear. There isn't going to be any peace in America under any circumstances. It would be preferable for America to disintegrate than to accept the presence of illegal aliens. No peace ever. Strife without end.

DaSleeper

#22 Top Rated Post

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

If we sanitize a term for someone who is in the country "illegaly" .as an undocumented citizen.....

Why not call a rapist an "unauthorized lover" ??????

karrie

#23

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by DaSleeper

If we sanitize a term for someone who is in the country "illegaly" .as an undocumented citizen.....

Why not call a rapist an "unauthorized lover" ??????

How about when someone commits, purposefully and with intent, a crime upon another individual, you call a spade a spade.

But, when dealing with the movement of men, women, and children, across a continent, perhaps one ought to stop and realize that neglecting to follow government policy for any number of reasons, does not make a person a criminal in the sense that the media (and folks like Durry and Baals) oft imply.

Immigration can be illegal, but when routinely labeling human beings 'illegal', you're heading down a slippery path to removing their humanity from your own mind. And I really don't think this gentleman is wrong to point that out.

eh1eh

#24

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Durry

A countries first responsibility is to look after its own people.
It is not Americas responsibility to look after all the losers from other countries.

The best thing anyone can do to help other countries, is to go there and help them learn to help themselves. Taking someone in to your country does not help the others left in their country.
Kinda pretty basic, but probably not for the lefties!!

Statue of Liberty.

Nip on down and read the base.

Statue of Liberty National Monument - Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Quote: Originally Posted by TenPenny

Funny, considering where Americans came from.

I know, right?

TenPenny

#25

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

It's funny that many of the high and mighty right wingers are the ones benefitting from cheap child care, lawn care and renovations due to the illegal immigrants that they don't want.

That's why nothing actually gets done - there's too much money to be made.

DaSleeper

#26

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by karrie

How about when someone commits, purposefully and with intent, a crime upon another individual, you call a spade a spade.

But, when dealing with the movement of men, women, and children, across a continent, perhaps one ought to stop and realize that neglecting to follow government policy for any number of reasons, does not make a person a criminal in the sense that the media (and folks like Durry and Baals) oft imply.

Immigration can be illegal, but when routinely labeling human beings 'illegal', you're heading down a slippery path to removing their humanity from your own mind. And I really don't think this gentleman is wrong to point that out.

Then get the law changed, don't sugar coat it......changing the name does not make it legal!
The crime being committed is against the taxpayers! Not violent' but still a crime according to the law!

Durry

#27

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by DaSleeper

Then get the law changed, don't sugar coat it......changing the name does not make it legal!
The crime being committed is against the taxpayers! Not violent' but still a crime according to the law!

Lefties like to start changes by sugar coating things. Then they gradually lobby to get a sweet law changed.

karrie

#28

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

First of all... crime against the tax payers... that doesn't fly very far, considering the US's dependence on 'illegal' immigrant workers. They put more money into the economy than they could ever hope to take out. The government couldn't send them home, even if it wanted to, because they do the jobs that 'proper' Americans don't want.

second of all... illegal immigration is illegal immigration. You're confusing the issue. The problem he's attempting to address is the criminalizing language, the attempt to lump a large diverse group together under one alienating banner. He is referring to how individuals should be addressed, not an immigration issue as a whole.

CDNBear

#29

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Durry

Then they gradually lobby to get a sweet law changed.

Sweet law?

What's a sour law to you? Not being able to marry your sister?

Durry

#30

Re: Bad words: 'illegal immigrant'

Sep 25th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by TenPenny

It's funny that many of the high and mighty right wingers are the ones benefitting from cheap child care, lawn care and renovations due to the illegal immigrants that they don't want.

That's why nothing actually gets done - there's too much money to be made.

Not true.
Your making this up because it sounds good.

The Law is the Law.
Breakers should be caught and punished and sent home with a penalty in the case of illegals!!

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