Quote:
Originally Posted by TGS
One of the interesting things about this whole thread, and indeed the whole debate, is how the word "pirate" has got into the language in this context. The other contemporary use of the word is of course in the context of those armed gangs who ply the Gulf of Aden and take over cargo ships and other vessels by armed force, and then demand a ransom. This is much closer to the original usage.
Do we really think that unauthorized downloading and distribution of digital material is anything like commandeering a ship by the use of force? If we don't why do we insist on using the same word for the activity? It makes me wonder what rhetorical purpose it serves, and whose interest that rhetorical purpose promotes. It is of course a metaphor, but we all seem to be buying into this metaphor, and the metaphors we choose matter.
|
To me any term that clearly indicates that such behavior is clearly wrong and that there should be absolutely no excuses is fine. Theft does seem to fit the bill most closely. Even though a right is being stolen, not a physical item.
So I am open to new suggestions, just no whitewashes.