ROTHENBURGER: Whether or not “genocide,” is an appropriate definition, for the record of violence against indigenous women, it is less important than doing something about the problem
LANGUAGE IS NOT the boss of us ~~ An editorial by Mel Rothenburger. Used with permission, with credit to CFJC Today We follow its rules when they suit us. We change language through common use and misuse. The English of today is much different than it was 100 or 200 years ago. Image Credit: Mel Rothenburger This week, we’re changing the definition of “genocide.” Up until now, the word has referred to the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, cultural or political group. The final report on the uses the term “Canadian genocide” to describe the subject of the inquiry. The term has stimulated a national debate on whether use of the word is accurate. In discussing the “G” word it’s important to note the debate goes way beyond the title of the inquiry, referencing colonialism, racism and historic grievances. According to the report, “Genocide is the sum of the social practices, assumptions and actions detailed in this re...