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71% of Americans say the US should spend more on "assistance to the poor". But if you use the word "welfare" that number drops to 30% (lemmynsfw.com)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Words matter.

You aren't writing an academic paper. Always use simple direct language.

Help the poor
Healthcare for everyone
Good treatment at work.

Don't use complex words.

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[–] [email protected] 45 points 2 days ago (8 children)

They got me! I have to admit, "welfare" leaves a bad taste in my mouth where "helping the poor" sounds fair enough. I grew up under Reagan, heard the bullshit, know it's bullshit, I get it.

And you know damned well what those words really mean. Welfare = black, poor people = whites. (That's from a GenX perspective.)

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 days ago (1 children)

So weird. As a Scandinavian, "welfare" to me means schools, healthcare, elderly care, sick pay, paid parental leave etc., paid for by the shared burden of taxes for the benefit of everyone.

It is a word with entirely positive connotations for me.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

Our famous and revered constitution actually says in its thesis statement that one of the purposes of our government is to provide for the general welfare

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