I am "otherwise offended" by attempts to eliminate value laden words from SI discussions.
The problem with the word is not that it is value laden but that it is imprecise.
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Main Entry: de·cent
Pronunciation: 'dE-s&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin decent-, decens, present participle of decEre to be fitting; akin to Latin decus honor, dignus worthy, Greek dokein to seem, seem good
Date: 1539
1 archaic a : APPROPRIATE b : well-formed : HANDSOME
2 a : conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality b : modestly clothed
3 : free from immodesty or obscenity
4 : fairly good but not excellent : ADEQUATE, SATISFACTORY <decent wages>
5 : marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill <hard-working and decent folks>
synonym see CHASTE
- de·cent·ly adverb
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Try standing up in front of a sex-ed class and say that they shouldn't have sex because it is #4 inadequate. Or perhaps #1, it will make them ugly. Make the kids choose between going blind from masturbating or going ugly from sex. Brees, don't jump on me. I couldn't resist. But I'm just trying to point out how useless I think the word, decency, is. |
