Ya! Well, as author of a slow selling book on semantics, let me just
say, corporations don't seem to care all that much about them and
while you would like to be treated in a less dehumanizing manner and
in fact perhaps the world would be a much better place if corporations
didn't view people as resources, for most corporations, humans = bag
of gravel.
Besides, American Heritage Dictionary definition #3 is very acceptable
in this regard. J
On Nov 22, 2007, at 11:44 AM, Rob Eamon wrote:
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
