Comments on: Ableist Word Profile: Weak

By: Jennifer Kesler

Jennifer Kesler — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:09:22 +0000

Sorry for double-posting, but a link to the article I was talking about might have been helpful.

http://www.cherryh.com/www/charac.htm
Jennifer Kesler´s last blog ..Links of Great Interest 11/06/09

By: Jennifer Kesler

Jennifer Kesler — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:08:35 +0000

This is a great discussion of the classical concept of characters being morally weak or strong, and how their moral character must be differentiated from their actions or effectiveness – i.e., a morally “strong” martyr may look less effective than a morally “weak” tyrant who takes over half the planet. Unfortunately, even Cherryh offers the terms “morally weak/strong” in quotes because, I assume, she can’t find a better term in English for it.

(Which may be very telling, in an Orwellian sense. I’ve long felt US culture (and possibly others – I can only speak to my own country) has trouble distinguishing the quality of one’s achievements from the quality of one’s character.)
Jennifer Kesler´s last blog ..Links of Great Interest 11/06/09

By: meloukhia

meloukhia — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:04:06 +0000

It is hard to come up with a simple, pithy word which can be used like “weak” is in that sense. I note that I addressed the lack of moral strength issue when talking about how the word is used, and then evidently forgot to talk about it at the end when I was discussing alternatives. (Go, subconscious evasion, go!) I’m not sure I have any good suggestions to offer right now; I’m going to ponder it, and the nature of bullies, for a bit.

By: Jennifer Kesler

Jennifer Kesler — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:46:17 +0000

I use “weak” to refer to people who lack moral fortitude, which is a bit different from any of the contexts you described, and so I’m still searching for a better alternative. For example, I’ve gotten into discussions with people who thinks bullies are “strong” people, and I say, no, bullies are “weak” and over-compensating for their lack of strength by mounting all-out offensives whenever they feel the least bit threatened.

I think the concept I’m getting at there is “weak-willed.” What might be a good alternative? (That isn’t ALSO ableist, since as you point out, several of the synonyms are at least as bad.)
Jennifer Kesler´s last blog ..Links of Great Interest 11/06/09

By: Personal failure

Personal failure — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:22:06 +0000

I am unable to lift more tham 10 lbs. Accurate, concise and a lot more descriptive than ” weak”.

By: MomTFH

MomTFH — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:16 +0000

Thanks for another great installment.

AS much of a fan as I am of the Rachel Maddow Show in general, her pop culture and comic relief sidekick Kent Jones is usually not as aware or sensitive as she tries to be. He has an ongoing bit where he identifies events or people as “weak!” in a pun on news of the week. It makes me cringe every time.
MomTFH´s last blog ..Reply turned post, conscience clauses can be OK style