Re: few questions for the RAT PACK

[Impacttheatre@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/31/01 8:00:46 PM, skipworthy@hotmail.com writes:

<< And I AM being as kind as I can. >>

Really?  You sound kinda snippy to me.

In any case, the language is in a constant state of flux, despite the many 
attempts to codify it at its various stages of development.  We managed to 
drop "thee" and "thou" when levels of politeness became less important to 
English speakers, or perhaps more important, as everyone then became included 
in the "polite" form "you" (corresponding to the modern Spanish "Usted").

The attempt to drop the antiquated and thoroughly inaccurate "he" for what is 
now popularly stated as "they" or academically stated as "s/he" isn't really 
so bad, now is it?  This sort of garden-variety language shift is exactly why 
dictionaries are updated on a regular basis.  It's not just to include words 
like "dotcom."   

Language is important.  It shapes what we think.  In my opinion, "they" and 
"their" and etc in this vein will become standard usage in the next hundred 
years or so, despite the academic and conservative wailing and gnashing of 
teeth that generally accompany changes in the language.  

Attacks on one's level of education, trustworthiness, and air temperature are 
uncalled for.

It's actually easy to be nice to people.  It makes everything easier.  
Bloviating about someone's personal characteristics when in actuality you 
simply disagree with their position is, um, uncool.  Dude.

And I stand by my "their."  You wanna piece a me?

And yes, I AM in a freshman comp class.  As a teacher.

Love and kisses-

Melissa Hillman
Artistic Director
Impact Theatre
P.O. Box 12666
Berkeley, CA 94712-3666

(510) 464-4468
http://www.impacttheatre.com

"Action Movie: The Play" plays until April 21st!



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