There are times when Lou Dobbs really gets on my nerves. He insists on calling American citizens, victims of government ineptitude and a horrible natural disaster, "
refugees". Yes, the word is a complex one -- as is our language. But once someone complains about using a word, you should look into the definitions.
Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry: ref·u·gee
Pronunciation: "re-fyu-'jE
Function: noun
: an individual seeking refuge or asylum; especially : an individual who has left his or her native country and is unwilling or unable to return to it because of persecution or fear of persecution (as because of race, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion)
Can any of you see that the term is offensive, insensitive and, well... Perhaps worse. Cross-posted on my blog