>From a rant I posted at http://wmusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1485
There are various diatribes around the 'net decrying the use of the term "resource" to refer to people. Thought this forum, laden as it is with consulting "resources", might enjoy another version of the complaint. re-source from American Heritage Dictionary 1. Something that can be used for support or help: The local library is a valuable resource. 2. An available supply that can be drawn on when needed. Often used in the plural. 3. The ability to deal with a difficult or troublesome situation effectively; initiative: a person of resource. 4. Means that can be used to cope with a difficult situation. Often used in the plural: needed all my intellectual resources for the exam. from Oxford English Dictionary 1. a stock or supply of materials or assets that can be drawn on in order to function effectively 2. a country's collective means of supporting itself or becoming wealthier, as represented by its minerals, land, and other assets 3. personal attributes and capabilities that sustain one in adverse circumstances 4. an action or thing resorted to from WordNet, Princeton University 1. available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed 2. a source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed; "the local library is a valuable resource" 3. the ability to deal resourcefully with unusual problems; "a man of resource" from Merriam-Webster Dictionary 1. a. a source of supply or support : an available means -- usually used in plural b. a natural source of wealth or revenue -- often used in plural c. computable wealth -- usually used in plural d. a source of information or expertise 2. something to which one has recourse in difficulty : EXPEDIENT 3. a possibility of relief or recovery 4. a means of spending one's leisure time 5. an ability to meet and handle a situation : RESOURCEFULNESS None of these definitions states that a person is a resource. I am not a load of gravel, a bag of nails, or a cruise missile. A resource is something we use, a thing without feelings, opinions or goals. A resource is a tool, a raw material, or a finished product. Using the word "resource" to refer to a person is insulting, disrespectful, and dehumanizing. People are resourceful and bring those resources to their work but they themselves are not resources. I am not a resource. -Rob
