Re: Adopt a Street

["LuJane Nisse" <lujane@lataheagle.com>]

I do not think using the "word" adopt has negative connotation for adopted children. I think adults put this upon them. I have four adopted children and I've never seen any of them become offended at the use of "adopt a street" or "adopt a book" etc. This country has become so "sensitive" it is hard to move or speak in p ublic without fear of being not politically correct in verbage. We move into a shell wondering if what we said MIGHT offend someone even though it was never meant that way.

 

Lois is very knowledgeable about adopted children and works hard at staying up on these things where "adopted" is concerned and I respect her greatly. I just happen to disagree on this one. Children are sensitive creatures but if they are intelligent enough to even link the "adopt-a-" slogans to themselves, they are smart enough to understand the difference between themselves and a street (or a dog).

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Ann McMillan

To: vision2020@moscow.com

Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2000 10:41 AM

Subject: Adopt a Street

The synonyms for adopt are: take on, accept, assume, approve, take up, agree to, espouse, implement, and embrace.  Also we can be "stewards" over a section of road.  Could any of these be used? 

 

Personally I take no offense at the word adopt, even though I was adopted as a child.  But, I am an adult now and I know the different connotations used.  We could either teach our adopted children the different connotations or avoid using the word entirely.  I don't think it hurts children to learn more meanings of words.

 

Ann P. McMillan