Can we stop calling places war zones?

[Erin Dorsey Robinson]

Something has been bothering me. This phrase, "war zones". Am I the only one? Real people actually live in these places that are so casually and and narrowly characterized by this phrase. I'm not discounting that some places are more likely than others to have bad things happen, this is as true in Cleveland as anywhere. But I doubt most of us would knock on the door of a person who lived in one of these neighborhoods and call their street a war zone face to face. Just thinking maybe there's another way. Thoughts?

[Erin Dorsey Robinson]

@James Wise You may be right. Let me translate for you so you understand exactly what it says about me. 

I come from a proud military family. My husband is an Army vet who toured in Afghanistan and Kuwait. My brother was a Marine drill sergeant who did 3 tours in desert storm. My nephew and niece are Marine Recon and Navy. So I don't use the word war casually. Hence my inquiry.

I understand that people are complex and capable of a broad range of behaviors. Some of those add to quality of life of those around them. Others, less so. Yes, those may include shootings, theft and gang activity @George W.. But they also include birthday parties, kids playing outside and families welcoming new babies home. In every community where people live, both the good and the bad exist. How much of each varies, certainly. However, to characterize an entire city or neighborhood as just one side is a dramatic over simplification of the humanity that exists there- whether the characterization is good or bad. I am personally not inclined toward or amused by simple mindedness. That's number 2 for you.

And finally, I accept that there are varying points of view on things, but I do not accept that condescension or dismissal is the most productive way for us to advance our understanding or even our personal agendas in a forum designed for education and advancement of common goals. That's the third and final thing which you may now presume to know about what this post says about me.

@Account Closed has summed this up perfectly for us. To call someone's neighborhood a "war-zone" to their face would be "insulting". His word. Not mine. I simply ask the question why it's ok to be insulting from a distance. For me, the answer is: it's not. That's a bonus point for you on what this post says about me.