Language is constantly changing. Should we throw out "thug" or "boondocks" because those aren't proper English words? Should I argue with the current meaning of "prosylete" and suggest that we go back to the original meaning, a Greek who converted to Judaism, simply because I'm a Jew and don't agree with Christians taking over "our" term? Language is always changing. The meaning of words constantly changing -- mouse, menu, keyboard...just what are these things? How about hacking? Is that something you do with an axe, or is an axe something a fellow from a rock band plays?
No argument that the language changes, and well it should. But to say there is no differentiating between good and bad change is disingenuous. No one actually believes that, no matter how eloquently they may state it.
English-speaking people are prone to adopt words from other languages, so that is par for the course. Having more than one use for a word is fine, too. I'm not complaining that gay or queer have additional meanings, but that those meanings have completely taken over any other meaning. What is bothersome is that it symbolizes that our society has lost any moral sense, and given in to the demands of a few people with bizzare and unwholesome practices. We have let them taint everything from common words to the very healthy concept of close friendships with the same sex, and even the arts. Now, it has become "reasonable" to pretend that homosexual relationships are equivalent to an actual marriage, and to involve government in recognizing them. Even though such "reasonable" people would howl in protest at government recognition or support for other private, sexual unions. (Marriage is neither private, nor purely sexual.)
Boy, this thread has wandered far.
