I think it makes sense to think about terms and concepts as having potentially two different sets of definitions: those you and your kinfolk understand and prefer, and those that the average person on the street would be familiar with. They each have their uses.
The former are good for identity, understanding, and conversation with like-minded people. The latter are good when miscommunication needs to be minimized and/or when dealing with people who see things differently than we do.
If you only recognize one set of definitions, you risk misunderstanding your self OR others misunderstanding you.
“Can you please define what you mean by X” is often a useful question.
Your second statement doesn’t follow from the first. If words change meaning by people of other groups using it to describe themselves, how does that make me part of that group? Right-wing “Christian” fanatics aren’t part of my group regardless of what they call themselves. Hell, that’s the entire point of the meme.
Just like how words change meaning with popular use so do definitions like Christian.
You are a part of their group and not the other way around.
I think it makes sense to think about terms and concepts as having potentially two different sets of definitions: those you and your kinfolk understand and prefer, and those that the average person on the street would be familiar with. They each have their uses.
The former are good for identity, understanding, and conversation with like-minded people. The latter are good when miscommunication needs to be minimized and/or when dealing with people who see things differently than we do.
If you only recognize one set of definitions, you risk misunderstanding your self OR others misunderstanding you.
“Can you please define what you mean by X” is often a useful question.
Your second statement doesn’t follow from the first. If words change meaning by people of other groups using it to describe themselves, how does that make me part of that group? Right-wing “Christian” fanatics aren’t part of my group regardless of what they call themselves. Hell, that’s the entire point of the meme.