Tag Archives: meaning

Biology, Destiny, and the Politics of Dys-

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Boz

I am aware that when Freud pronounced his now-vilified dictum of biological determinism, “anatomy is destiny,” he was referring specifically to sexuality, which is not my subject here–at least not my only subject. However, because I like to be well … Continue reading →

Posted in language, politics, sexuality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hope Is a Thing

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Boz

Twenty years ago today, so the legend goes, the hopeless step-grandmother of a wild child saw a red sign on a gray door: “Enter Here in Peace.” Though the parlous state of her soul belied the mode of entry, she took … Continue reading →

Posted in etymology, language, metaphor, poem, religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Issue Issue

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Boz

I can’t pinpoint when issue reared its euphemistic head and took the place of problem or difficulty in the general parlance, but the usage is now of epidemic proportion. The media are replete with sidebars about anger issues and relationship issues and weight issues. Students’ excuses for late homework … Continue reading →

Posted in language, politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gonnegtions

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Boz

In the early 1980s, I was watching  an episode of Charles Kuralt’s Sunday Morning in which he chronicled the demise of an important family-owned newspaper. I’ll have to call it the Tribune because I have long since forgotten the newspaper and the family and the … Continue reading →

Posted in language, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment