Posted on 07/03/2005 7:04:19 AM PDT by paltz
Talk of brainstorming 'may offend epileptics'
By Liz Lightfoot
(Filed: 26/04/2003)
The term "brainstorming" has become the latest target of political correctness, according to a charity.
Trainee teachers are being told to avoid the word for fear of offending pupils with epilepsy. Instead they are being advised to use "word storm" or "thought shower".
However, charities working with epilepsy say "brainstorming" is not offensive. "We had several inquiries from teachers about it so we did a survey of our residential home," said Gemma Baxter from the National Society for Epilepsy.
"We also contacted people with epilepsy in the community and the overwhelming response was that 'brainstorming' implies no offence to people with epilepsy, and that any implication that the word is offensive to people with the condition is taking political correctness too far."
People found it more offensive that the question was being asked of them, she said.
The Teacher Training Agency said it was not responsible for the suggestion that students avoid the word.
"We are responsible for overseeing the general quality of the courses provided by universities and colleges and we don't get involved in the minutiae of what they teach."
But you're right. If the "artists" who performed at Live 8 all contributed money to that particular cause, maybe I would have a little more respect for them. They don't want to lead by example when they can shove their fingers into our faces while the media falls all over them in admiration for working for "a cause".
The marquees above the Live 8 stages said it all -- "Justice, not charity."
Like all good socialists, they don't think they have to spend their money when they can force governments to rape the taxpayers again and again and again.
Trainee teachers are being told to avoid the word for fear of offending pupils with epilepsy. Instead they are being advised to use "word storm" or "thought shower".
If anyone tells me brainstorming is offensive to epileptics, I shall promptly flash a strobelight in his eyes!
I always considered myself an epileptic since the diagnosis at age 6. I am well aware of titling it differently(e.g. seizure disorder, person w/ epilepsy, etc...) Frankly, I've always referred to myself as an epileptic(when asked about it) and never felt any shame in doing so.
And golden thought shower may turn them on...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.