Reply #15: The Semantic Police Need to Chill [View All]

[Ravenseye]

www.dictionary.com

Refugee is "One who flees in search of refuge" and has the note "as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution."

Evacuee is "a person evacuated from a dangerous area"

Displaced is "To move or shift from the usual place" and has the note "especially to force to leave a homeland"

According to the actual definitions Displaced has as much of an indication of being extra-national that Refugee has.

The simple fact is that just because YOU hear a stigma when you hear the word refugee doesn't mean everyone else does. Also even if everyone else did, it wouldn't validate something that is inherently incorrect.

All these terms apply to the former New Orleans residents but only the term Refugee implies that the people are still seeking help.

An evacuee is removed from a situation, period. It implies no seeking of shelter or help or protection. Displaced simply means they are moved from their normal place. It also carrys no implication of need.

Refugee does. It's not a negative stigma. These people need help. If I were one of them I would consider myself a refugee, because I would be seeking help. These people could give a shit about words right now, they need actual help. So get down off your high horse, buy an actual dictionary and quit using MS Word, and chill out.