TERMS: The words matter

Using terms such as “anti-maskers” and “anti-vaxers” does not describe accurately those who are not willing to have government or those who are not leaders to determine how to live one’s life. Those people are not asking anyone to not do what they believe they should do. Calling unknown persons a name that is meant to be derogatory simply enlarges the gap between and among individuals and society as a whole.

Is there not enough of that already with political theories differing so much? Adding fuel to the fire is not helpful.

Using a term such as “pro-vaccines” or “vaccine neutral” would more accurately describe others. “Pro mask” and “mask neutral” would more accurately describe the two camps. Those people who choose not to be vaccinated are not opposed to vaccines or those folk who choose to be vaccinated; nor are they opposed to those who choose to wear a mask. They are “neutral” on those subjects.

Newspaper articles of late use the less desirable terms set forth above, and they would be a good place to start with the less onerous terminology.

KONRAD K. LARSON

Hayden