I resent the rape of 30239 by polititions.

indeed. And even if I was inclined to use it metaphoriy, I wouldn't blithely deploy it for so trivial a purpose as cemoaning the state of Myspace. Just as I don't particularly care for people describing their lost ballgame as a "holocaust" or ing their undershirts "wifebeaters." Some words shouldn't be stripped of their ability to horrify. Just my two cents etc.

damn. I've never heard holocaust used for a lost sporting event. That's completely absurd. How do you feel about a phrase like "rape of the landscape?"

I'm -almost- inclined to describe it as such, considering how strong my feelings are about environmental protection. But, nope, I always choose another equally strong word. "Vandalizing", "deprading", "destroying" "violating" and the like work well. "Rape" doesn't bring any greater gravitas or nuance to it than such words already provide.

Language is a powerful tool, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts, agita2.

thanks for the chat!

I feel the same way about the constant misuse of the word "Nazis."

A far better example than the ones I used. I couldn't agree more.

me too! it diminishes the reality of people's history and experience.

Lucky you It pops up on CL and elsewhere with revolting frequency. Usually from some guy who's pissed off that someone disagrees with him. "Frighteningly" is quite acceptable!

maybe if the word isn't as devastating, people would be able to talk about their sexual rape, etc., without being scared to say the word.

And then no one would care, because it's been rendered nearly meaningless.

thank you for speaking up