AIBU to get annoyed when I hear the word "illegitimate" bandied about on Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives??

[Liffey]

I never read it or hear it on GB/Irish newspapers TV shows. To my ear it sounds shockingly dated. I think it's quite a nasty little word.

Both times I heard the word on US tv shows, it was used quite disparagingly. By Lynette Scavo (not MN LS!) to describe her husband's child prior to their marriage, and on Ugly Betty, to describe Daniel Meade's son who he knew nothing about.

In some ways the Americans are so careful with their choice of words. They call a babysitter a childcare provider.

But the scriptwriters obviously know what's acceptable in US society, and this is deemed OK. I am absolutely shocked. Even in holy catholic Ireland this would be perceived as being a nasty dig at children who can't control whether or not their parents were married or not.

OK. I'll try and calm down a bit now. Maybe I should watch fewer American TV shows and read a good book.

I've seen some really pointless stuff on AIBU? but this is something that is very offensive.

It's a tv show which reflects the attitudes of about 280 million people, that's the point.

And if what they can say in America on TV is so restricted, then it shocks me even more, and upsets me even more that illegitimate is thrown about with regularity.

And....... I'm not incapable of enjoying a good tv show. I still like those shows, but everybody objects to something now and then, and this, with good reason I think, is my thing that I object to.

It's pointlessly nasty and horribly outdated.

Well that too of course

'It's a tv show which reflects the attitudes of about 280 million people, that's the point. '

No, Liffey, it reflext the attitudes of the producers, writers and directors and makes the network money. That's why it's still on.

It's offensive, pointless, nasty and outdated to you and to those who share that opinion.

Some, however, see nothing offensive in it as a term, or don't notice it, or don't care one way or another.

anyway, they're not having a pp at the kid, thy're having a pop at the parents...

Did a bit of googling. The term has been removed from the Irish Constitution. That's why it took me by surprise. I@m not used to hearing it.

motion to remove the term illegitimate

no-one else HORRIFIED by the scavos' treatment of young Kayla, then?

it's Alexis' son, anyhow.

I think you're wrong Expat. Programmes are created, written and tailored to meet an audience. IF the term illegitimate is used it's because the American population haven't got a problem with hearing it. They think, as you do, that it's just a word.

apart from FM, of course.

Expat, some people would argue that mong or spaz weren't offensive.

VERY good expat!

I agreed with you further down Aitch. I said to DH "if someone started an AIBU thread about that situation..."

anyway, maybe the irish feel particularly bad about it because of what they used to do to fallen women and their babies?

'They think, as you do, that it's just a word.'

Because in N. America, it is, as Stewie pointed out. It's a legal term with no negative connotation attached to it!

FGS, Liffey, if you get this wound up about shite TV shows from other countries, here's a big glass of wine.

I mean, I hate how Susan treats Rachel in Neighbours, it's so fake, but, erm, it's an Aussie TV show that I don't have to watch.

noted, FM.

and Aitch, i'm sooo with you on the Kayla front.

if i were lynette, i'd have thrown tom out instead of kayla

People get upset about things that are personal to them. I bet if you're children were born outside of a marriage you'd agree that is is more than just a word.

"fgs"

Jesus.

Some of the fucking shite I've seen people whinge about on this board. I don't get wound up over nothing. This isn't even on my own selfish behalf I'm getting 'wound up'.
People should be able to challenge what's considered acceptable and push back the boundaries anyway.

Well, I'm not getting worked up on my own behalf.

yes, but your subject line asked if you were being unreasonable to get annoyed to see the word on a tv programme Said By Characters who were Saying It precisely to have a pop, so your anger is misplaced.

STEWIE'S ILLEGITIMATE!!!

TheFallenMadonna, it would bother me less if it were me than my daughter.

Anyway, good night.