[Marxism] Re: Academic whoring

[Ben Courtice <benj2006@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Just for the record, I always cringe when Louis (or anyone) introduces
that sort of macho language -- especially into the title of a post!!

Regardless of the technical history and use of the term, regardless of
how disgusted one is at the academics in question, or whether it is
sexist or not or if the gay community has liberated the use of the word
or not.

Certainly at lunch at work or talking to someone on the street I might
not make a big deal about their sexist or "gendered" use of language.
But this is, of course, a Marxist discussion list, the second wave of
feminism was some 35 or more years ago, and people should be a little
more savvy. Or just sensitive. Use your imagination, or if you don't
have one, buy a thesaurus.


On secondary matters:
My Cassell's English-Latin dictionary gives the following translations:

semen, -inis, n.
seed; a seedling, scion, shoot; a stock, race; an element; a cause,
origin; an author, instigator

semino -are,
to sow, plant; to beget, produce

I don't know if those actually clear up anything about the use of the
term "seminal". Etymology is very complicated. For example: some time
ago I read that the (in modern times) clinical, apparently value-neutral
term "vagina" comes originally from the term for a Roman soldier's
scabbard (where they kept their sword, the metal one, that is). So the
modern use of the term is presumably descended from a crass soldiers'
joke. As far as I know, on the other hand, the word that in modern times
is generally totally unacceptable (and usually sexist), i.e. "cunt"
probably only ever had the one literal meaning (I think it's Germanic in
origin but I'm not sure), regardless of the attitudes of its users
across the ages.

...in summary:
When in doubt, politeness doesn't cost you anything. It helps to bear
that in mind if you're part of a privileged gender, nationality, skin
colour etc. I reckon.

Ben Courtice

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