Sticks, Stones, and Words
One of the controversies swirling in the New Orleans aftermath is what to call those who have been made homeless by Katrina. "Refugee", it seems, is the one that has the most reaction to it, although "homeless" strikes some raw nerves as, most naturally does "those people."

The first time I heard the people at the Superdome or now in tha Atrodome referred to as "refugees" I did a double take. Refugees are forced to leave one country and go to another for various and sundry reasons. At least that's the way we have always seemed to use it. Well, here's the dictionary definition:

Refugee -
1 : one that flees to a place of safety; especially : one who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution in his own country or habitual residence because of his race, religion, or political beliefs
--Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. Merriam-Webster, 2002. http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com (8 Sep. 2005).

Then the other day I heard an interview on NPR with a woman in one of the places of safety reacting strongly to the word. In no uncertain terms she let the reporter know that she was NOT a refugee. She was an American and she was still in America. "I am a survivor," she said proudly and powerfully.

Now I get worried about some of the political correctness that borders on word play, but I agree that this one is a real and serious issue. In spite of how we may think we are using the word, refugee does have a negative impression. So does homeless. Both may invoke anger, shame, fear, or pity. This woman on NPR didn't want any of that. She wanted to be seen for who she was. A survivor. A person who stands up and gets through the trouble.

When we were young we were always told that name-calling shouldn't affect us. You know,

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But names will never hurt me.

We know today that is hogwash. Names, negative and perjorative names are hurtful. Words have great power. They may not break bones, but they sure can break spirits and souls. I for one applaud that survivor for her stance. It is not being picky about words. "Those people" in New Orleans and along the whole Gulf Coast:

They are survivors!