Posted on 10/30/2008 12:12:25 AM PDT by bloggerrhea
You may have noticed, in the wall-to-wall coverage of the triple-murder of singer Jennifer Hudson's relatives, that the murders are almost universally referred to as a "tragedy". I've always understood the word "tragedy" to mean a random unfortunate happening, like getting hit by lighting, or an Ashley Judd film. This definition suggests to me something that is, in concept, the polar opposite of three pre-meditated murders.
So to call these brutal murders "a tragedy", is to assign no responsibility, nor blame on anyone for them. Why does everyone involved here, including the person that shot and killed a 13 year old boy, get a pass? In fact "the Insider" says "he was killed due to gunshot wounds". (And who knows where the bullets came from? Perhaps from outer space!)
It's kind of like the way nice parents treat a clumsy retarded kid when he spills his milk. "It's not your fault" says the nice mom. "That mean old table is crooked!"
Which reminds me, somewhat, of the way some folks approach Barack Obama, the man who may be our next president. It's obvious that the mainstream media (so influential with older Americans) and the entertainment industry (so influential with younger Americans) are intent on treating Obama like a special child who needs to be babied. They refuse to submit him to "embarassing questions" about any of the following:
1. His involvement with Acorn and fraudulent voting.
2. The tens of millions of dollars given to his campaign from donors he won't identify, much of it coming from overseas.
3. His citizenship and whether or not he was born on US soil.
4. His ties to domestic terrorist William Ayers.
5. His ties to at least one Palestinian radical.
6. His 20 year relationship with radical preacher Jeremiah Wright.
7. His college transcript, which he won't release. His wife's writings in college, which he won't release.
8. Why are government agencies in Ohio investigating "Joe the Plumber"?
Obama gets a pass on this and more, and we can assume, if he's elected, he'll get a pass on just about anything and everything, as well. Because he's a special little baby.
And a president who is unaccountable, is dangerous. We're not talking about some dopey celebrity dancing show here, where everyone gets a warm fuzzy when a creaky old broad goes out there and tries to "dance". This is the future of Western Civilization we're talking about. And a lot of Americans seem more interested in getting that warm fuzzy, than ensuring our nation's future.
On the other hand, if 0bama gets elected, it will be a catastrophe.
Hey, Newbie: Your somehow equating Obama with this dispicable act is completely wrongheaded and not the sort of analysis that belongs on Free Republic, IMO. We’re better than that.
Tragedy actually refers to a person agonizing about what they have done. Tragedy does not mean ‘something bad’.
A child getting hit by a car is not a tragedy. However, if the mother wasn’t paying attention, and holding the dead child in her arms she mourns and agonizes about what has occurred, then it is tragic.
9/11 isn’t a tragedy. But the realization that it could have been prevented IS.
tragedy One entry found.
Main Entry: trag·e·dy Pronunciation: \ˈtra-jə-dē\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural trag·e·dies Etymology: Middle English tragedie, from Middle French, from Latin tragoedia, from Greek tragōidia, from tragos goat (akin to Greek trōgein to gnaw) + aeidein to sing — more at troglodyte, ode Date: 14th century
1 a: a medieval narrative poem or tale typically describing the downfall of a great man b: a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror c: the literary genre of tragic dramas
2 a: a disastrous event : calamity b: misfortune
3: tragic quality or element
My dictionary gives calamity as one definition so to those who died in 9/11 the word tragedy would apply.
At least you chose a suitably suggestive name. As for the snide remark about the “clumsy retarded kid”, he’d have far more grace and wit than someone who would call themselves “bloggerrrhea”.
The dictionaries you guys are quoting are nothing more than simply picking up the slang that ‘tragedy’ has been used. For example, the ‘tragic’ plays of Shakespeare are filled with casual slaughters and mass corpses on the stage. People began to associate such horrors with the word ‘tragedy’ itself which is how it entered its slang use.
You would be surprised how much you learn when you realize that dictionaries aren’t a good authority for much. Research more, and you will find this is true.
A ‘lot’ and ‘bit’ have also entered the slang, but that doesn’t stop a ‘lot’ to mean that it is a piece of land and ‘bit’ is something you put in a horse’s mouth.
No again.
I quoted merriam webster, including etymology.
You are using the word incorrectly. Maybe you should
do some research before instructing others.
You may surprised if you learn the difference between etymology and meaning.
We don’t live in 1509 but tragedy has meant something bad since then.
We use the word villain to MEAN the bad guy but the ETYMOLOGY shows it was used of the rustic, the country farm hand type and therefore lower social classes.
A decent dictionary shows etymology and hence is a very good authority.
Anyone who uses “guys” should know that accepted usage conveys meaning in language not etymology.
Now you have something to research.
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