Since the cons are always accusing liberals of being politically correct, why is it politically correct to call the soldiers in Iraq "troops"? Aren't they soldiers? I've got friends over there, I don't refer to them as troops. What is this about?
2007-02-25 05:08:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
This uninformed person thanks you all for the good answers
2007-02-26 01:43:03 · update #1
You drank the Kool-Aid. Most Cons are just as PC as most liberals, just on different issues. The whole I'm not PC game, is just a talking point started by conservative talk show hosts to divide their audiences for ratings. It's like saying liberals are big government and cons are small government, obviously if you've been watching the BUsh admin in action you'd know there is no such thing as big or little government...It's all big government, even at the state level.
As for as troops or soldiers call them what you want...we know what you mean, stay away from the Kool-Aid.
2007-02-25 05:14:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Referring to "the troops" is not a derogatory term, but rather refers to an assemblage of military personnel regardless of branch of service. Bob Hope entertained the troops from WWII through Viet Nam with USO tours, which included members of all branches of the servicwe. Soldier generally refers to armed infantry specifically in the Army. The Air Force has Airmen. The Navy has sailors at sea and marines on land. The Coast Guard has sailors. As a child I was a cub scout and member of the pack. I went on to Boy Scouts and became a member of a troop. There is nothing politically incorrect about referring to supporting the troops.
2007-02-25 13:31:19 · answer #2 · answered by rowlfe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Members of the Army are usually called "soldiers". You do not call a Marine "soldier" as it's generally taken as an insult to them.
If you are referring to all the troops protecting freedom in Iraq then you should use the term "troops" since "soldier" only applies to members of the Army.
2007-02-25 13:12:10 · answer #3 · answered by x 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Both are correct. but I think based on your statement that you have confused PC with usage. Lenin originated the phrase Political Correctness and it is used to thwart speech. Conservatives justifiably blame liberals for PC because Liberal institutions force its use. The Duke Rape Case is a prime example of PC at its worst. The Faculty convicted the Boys of the crime BEFORE the fact pattern was established. The Victim So called provided many differing accounts, and Nifong the Prosecutor hid evidence. The Liberals were wrong and No DNA from the boys was IN or ON The Victim.
2007-02-25 13:24:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Military members have their own terms
Navy - Sailors
Airforce - Airmen
Marines - Marines
Army - Soldiers
So most times if you refer to military members from more than one service and use one name for them , you should refer to them as Troops. Marines hate being called soldiers.
2007-02-25 13:58:34 · answer #5 · answered by John B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SIGH!! Another uninformed person....I submit for your approval:
troop (trp)
n.
1. A group or company of people, animals, or things. See Synonyms at band2, flock1.
2.
a. A group of soldiers.
b. troops Military units; soldiers.
c. A unit of cavalry, armored vehicles, or artillery in a European army, corresponding to a platoon in the U.S. Army.
3. A unit of at least five Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts under the guidance of an adult leader.
4. A great many; a lot.
intr.v. trooped, troop·ing, troops
1. To move or go as a throng.
2. To assemble or move in crowds.
3. To consort; associate.
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[French troupe, from Old French trope, probably from Vulgar Latin *troppu-.]
2007-02-25 14:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has nothing to do with the PC B.S. It's just a general term for soldiers as the latter may be construed as meaning only forces who are actually in combat units.
2007-02-25 13:13:24 · answer #7 · answered by infidel-louie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Army = "soldier"
Navy = "sailor"
AirForce = "airman"
Marine Corps = "Marine"
"Troops" = the name for our military men and women, inclusive of all branches.
And yes... Marines are insulted when they are called "soldier". They earned the title of Marine and they like to hear it!
(Coasties.. no offense... Didn't want to leave you out of the above... I'm just not well-versed on your ranking system... sorry!)
2007-02-25 14:31:29 · answer #8 · answered by Amy S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, wow.
Troops and soldiers are synonymous. What is the negative connotation of the word "troops"? I don't think there is one.
2007-02-25 13:11:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may be that troops refer to the "mass" and is more plural whereas solidiers refer to the smaller groups?
2007-02-25 13:11:16 · answer #10 · answered by stellabella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋