| Comment | The last point is interesting because a good example of this was when a Labour MP complained about nitrous oxide being recreationally used, in the context of the silver cannisters rather than the drug use itself.
Much of the "undesirable" behaviour (whether it be antisocial or acting out) has its roots in a lack of trust in society or its institutions (criminal justice, health, others), on top of a self destructive attitude when there's no obvious light at the end of the tunnel or an alternative way of living.
I don't dispute your point but it does get generalised. There's certain words about race that were initially used to describe specific nationalities but have generalised to a race. The higher functioning individuals still worry about being considered "like a junkie/alchie/jakey".
Whether it describes a behaviour rather than a person, it still has the effect of hindering access to services and perpetuating a certain stigma to people who may behave in a way that could be described as such.
Language can certainly be complicated! |
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