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October 21, 2007
Lively debates
Clients not Offenders - generated a lively and lengthy debate.
All speakers in the debate agreed that language is a powerful tool and depending on how it is used can either empower or disempower. The use of the word Offender they argue disempowers; when does an offender become an ex-offender? asked one speaker, it turns individuals into specimens, it detracts from their individuality and it denies individulas the opportunity to change.
Speakers could not however agree on an appropriate term to use. "Is clients a proper term" asked a speaker, speaking against the motion. Clients, she argues, assumes that individuals with whom we work have requested a service, but, she continues, they did not ask to come to us, they were directed.
The motion was passed.
Cpillay
Posted by jledger at October 21, 2007 11:45 AM