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It's not an "attack". It's an argument against. "Attack" implies some sort of animus directed against the recipient; e.g. an attack on unhoused people, etc. An
by 1attice 3y ago
It's not an "attack". It's an argument against. "Attack" implies some sort of animus directed against the recipient; e.g. an attack on unhoused people, etc. An attack implies violence.
An argument, even one with strong language, can be about whether or not a tool is fit-for-purpose. This is allowed. This is discourse.
Right now, politically, a lot of arguments are actually attacks (on specific groups of people) in disguise, and I sympathize with your confusion. But arguments do exist. Not every argument is an attack.
I can't link to this book often enough: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29363252-conflict-is-not-abuse?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=o6dl7PwFOs&rank=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29363252-conflict-is-not...
- timsneath 3y agoYou can attack an idea. I don't know why you think it assumes animus against the recipient.
- 1attice 3y agoYes, and you can also shoot, strangulate, or set an idea on fire. Metaphorically speaking. But metaphor is imprecision and unnecessary colour. Be clear and precise. Use specific language. This is admittedly prescriptive usage, but I am prescribing this antidote for an overheated era, full of overwrought language.