[Edu-sig] PC terminology to end processes? (was Re: Tips ...)

[kirby urner]

On 4/26/06, Paul D. Fernhout <pdfernhout at kurtz-fernhout.com> wrote:
> I see the value in encouraging kids to have a sense of their own power,
> but I have a script on my system (just for myself) which lets me type
> "stop" instead of "kill".

I'm disgusted that "kill" isn't politically correct enough.  We're
engineers, not politicians.

> Even in a virtual world of computing, is teaching kids to "kill" a good
> message? Language does effect thought to an extent.

Sheesh.

> I feel a bit the same way about some user manuals that go on about
> "depressing" or "hitting" buttons. "Press" is a better choice I think.
>

OK, so now you're just being funny.   Hah!

> Also, someday those processes might represent sentient AIs and attempting
> to "kill" them might have serious consequences. Perhaps good to to get
> kids thinking about the potential rights of any sentience, even now. :-)
>
> --Paul Fernhout

Right.  Be fearful little huddly creatures, all aquiver and afraid o
dat big bad AI monster.

Kirby