On Apr 3, 2005 10:02 PM, Robert Brockway <rbrockway(a)opentrend.net> wrote:
On Sun, 3 Apr 2005, Robert Brockway wrote:
I think the term "Minutemen
(vigilantes)" is POV as the term vigilantes
has negative overtones in English. I think it would be better to list the
article under the title "The MinuteMan Project".
Excuse me following up to myself.
dictionary.com gives the following definitions for vigilante:
1. One who takes or advocates the taking of law enforcement into one's own
hands.
2. A member of a vigilance committee.
I don't see how the MinuteMan Project members could qualify as vigilantes
since all they are doing, as directed by the group, is to observe and
advise legitimate authorities. In this regard the group is acting in a
manner similar to a Neighbourhood Watch.
This is not to say that individuals in the group could not act as
vigilantes but I don't see any evidence the group is advocating this.
Thoughts, comments, flames, rebuttal?
Rob
I suppose if we allow definition 2 above, then members of a
Neighborhood Watch group would be vigilantes. However, I've never
heard the word used that way. Of course, that's just me, and maybe
others have heard the other usage. Still, I think the name change is
in order. Make sure we disambiguate Minutemen as appropriate.
-- Rich Holton
en.wikipedia:User:Rholton