I see that several people within the deaf and hard of hearing blogging community often call Mike McConnell's, Candy's, and the Holism's followers or friends "cronies".What are cronies exactly? And why are most people using this term?
Crony is supposed to mean old friends and companions.
From Merriam-Webster online dictionary:
Definition of CRONY
: a close friend especially of long standing : pal
Examples of CRONY
The mayor rewarded his cronies with high-paying jobs after he was elected.
Origin of CRONY
perhaps from Greek chronios long-lasting, from chronos time
First Known Use: 1656
As some of you may be aware, the term crony has changed over time to mean something negative. According to Wise Geek, people began to use crony to describe crooked politicians unfairly awarding their friends with high paying jobs within the government.
From Wise Geek:
In the original sense, “crony” appears to have emerged at Cambridge in the 1660s, and it is believed to be derived from the Greek khronos, or “time,” the same root behind words like “chronology” and “chronometer.” Originally, cronies were simply old and well-established friends who were viewed as pleasant and enjoyable company. In the 1900s, however, the term began to acquire more sinister implications, as politicians set their friends up with lucrative government contracts or positions.
The traditional sense of the word is still retained in some circles, but people more commonly use “cronies” with a sinister bent, suggesting a whiff of corruption and nepotism which goes beyond simple friendship. Cronyism is illegal in many countries, as are other forms of corruption, but it can sometimes be difficult to prove, and politicians may choose to take advantage of this to advance their friends in the political hierarchy.
I just thought it was interesting how many people like to use the word crony to describe people associated with bloggers who are simply voicing their opinions, whether you agree with them or not. I don't see how these bloggers are illegally advancing their friends or followers within the political hierarchy. Are there any other words we can use for people who are friends with these corrupt and evil bloggers running amok on DeafRead? I am just sick of seeing this word. Let's think of something else. It is getting boring.
And please take the time to look up the definition of a word and see how it is being used today before throwing it around carelessly.
(e
E, the people who consider McConnell et al the Axis of Evil love to throw around those words. It has begun to seem like one can never, ever say anything remotely critical about any deaf person, methodology, philosophy, or opinion, even if offered as part of an exchange of ideas or open debate. Some people have remarkably thin skin, take offense at minor issues, misinterpret, and blow them way out of proportion. They use emotional arguments rather than rational thoughts. They try to provoke and instigate negativity rather than state their evidence calmly. These people aren't going to check the dictionary to make sure they're using the right words. I would say they know exactly what they're saying. The best thing to do is just ignore them, but if a response is necessary, focusing on the facts is a good approach.
ReplyDeleteLet's see, the vulgarization of the Deaf culture continues. Is that a good thing or not?
ReplyDeleteHeh.
Cronies = Circle Jerk
ReplyDeleteLet's use Circle Jerk instead?
While "cronies" may have originated from a term meaning "old friends" I am sure you are aware that the term is contemporarily used with the connotation of nefarious closed-room dealings as well as with people of ill-repute who stick together for pleasure or
ReplyDeleteWhile this group you mention are not illegally advancing their friends, this does not invalidate the use of the word within its current connotative sense.
Neo-cons, Bush's Brain (Karl Rove), Cheney, Rush Limbaugh, and others were infamously known as Bush's cronies. No matter how wrong Cheney was, the cronies remained loyal to him.
ReplyDeleteBUT
After Obama was inaugurated, Bush deserted Cheney, and, for the record, Nush has never again been on speaking terms with Cheney.
"Conries," in my vocabulary, means temporary friends during an admiistration -- or during their participation in DeafRead, for that matter. They can abandon or desert one another after the end of an admiistration -- or after the closure of DeafRead, for that matter.
Jean,
ReplyDeleteYou don't have proof whether Bush and Cheney are not talking to each other after the administration. Why should that matter in here? Be careful what you read in Maureen Dowd's website. Unnamed sources and baseless suppositions are not the truths here.
As for DonG, I wonder if he has any "cronies," too?
When I think of cronies, I think of a movie called grumpy old men. They are old pals, but they are stubborn and set on their own way.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students, I know you are concerned about their reading & math scores. I also know that everyone is.
ReplyDeleteIn the state of California, only 8% of deaf students are reading at grade level. 15% of hard of hearing students in California are reading at grade level.
You would think all of deaf people would be concerned about that. Wrong me!
Mike's, Candy's (aka Gina Sutton), and Barry's dislike for Ella and HER CRONIES are stronger than the educational issue that is being debated as a result of AB2072.
That's what I was suggesting and nothing else.
Mike and Candy congratulated CDNIAS on their AB2072 campaign. As soon as CAA opposed AB2072 for the very same reason we opposed the ORIGINAL AB2072. How ironic that Mike didn't call out the California Academy of Audiologists for their reason that they CANNOT share ALL communication options.
This is a wonderful political twist; and most people do not have the full story of what transpired during the 11th hour interventions.
"Crony" is not a bad term. My dictionary.com said it is:
"a close friend or companion." Arent't they? They go to each other's blogs and leave comments. Very often, their comments are the only comments. Except for an occasional comment from outsiders like myself.
Whenever I express an opinion or try to correct misinformation, I get the kind of responses that you see in their blogs. It was clear to me that they were not particularly interested in getting both sides of the story.
Marla,
ReplyDeleteWell said...
Most of us know that those are the cronies of deaf detractors.
"Mike's, Candy's (aka Gina Sutton), and Barry's dislike for Ella and HER CRONIES are stronger than the educational issue that is being debated as a result of AB2072."
ReplyDeleteThat comment doesn't make any sense. Educational issues vary along with passions and how people view them. Let's not get carried away here by scape-goating if that's in mind.
Lastly, I am the ONLY blogger who went of the way to contact CAA for further clarification on why they were now opposing AB2072. And made that letter PUBLICLY available for all to access and read. Not once did CDNIAS ever contacted CAA to understand their viewpoints since their website did not go into details about that all compared to CNIAS's Oppose2072 website that gets mentioned whenever it gets cycled through Deafread.
Marla, let's knock of the incessant whining and learn from your mistakes, ok? The Deaf organizations clearly, clearly dropped the ball on not keeping watch legislation bills being introduced in the California legislature. Learn from that shortcomings. They can only do better the next time around. If not, then shame on them twice.
As for the CAA's further clarification for their reason(s) that they CANNOT share ALL communication options. That's coming. Mind you.
Oh man, I'm on break and someone had to bring my name up and drag me out of the wonderful world of reality...
ReplyDeleteThis word does not bother me, cronies.. However, this word doesn't fit either... People can say whatever they want to say, it reflects more on them...
As for Ella and her "cronies", I don't "dislike" her. Clearly one could see that the issue of AB2072 was never about Ella. However, Ella was the first one to hint at CA DNIA's statement, so she carries the responsibility for revealing it to the world and I just happen to come across it which was posted at the OPPOSEAB2072 site for all to see. albeit hidden somewhat.
Ella, I think is a passionate person when it comes to cause of deaf issues, especially deaf babies. However, it doesn't mean we all have to follow her, just because we disagree, does not mean we do not like her. It was never about Ella, but Ella probably thinks otherwise.
As for CAA, well, I do have a mind of my own and I had issues with CAA's letter because the way I look at it, they were as close to what CADNIA was at the start. Tough luck, if the law says they have to share all communication and language options, then they have to. They can always say "by law, I have to share all this with you. However, my professional opinion is that this and that options does not apply to you (or, your child is not eligible for this option [ci for example.]" Oh, please don't let this comment create another storm.
heh
Again, It's my opinion and I do respect Mike's even though his view on CAA's stance and mine, MAY be different.
Ciao!
*Headin back to reality*
;)
I thought I was engaging with (e. I was responding to her blog post and would appreciate a response from her.
ReplyDeleteCandy, I apologize for taking you out of your bliss during the last days of summer. Actually, it was (e who did bring up your name, ho ho.
"Dropped the ball?" We never did pick it up, so how can we drop the ball we never even picked up?
We picked it up where they wished we hadn't. That's one thing for sure.
Mike, are you taking over as (e's responder?
I didn't post comments here or on your, Mike's blog, to get into fights or to engage in hostile communication. All I did was to post my thoughts, and all I got from you, Mike, was disdainful responses.
Sometimes, bloggers are so busy fighting comments they forgot to take a step back and thoughtfully respond.
That's what I would like to point out.
I like Candy's suggestion that she's heading back to reality. Does this mean this is not reality? I should consider returning to reality as well.
Uh oh. Labeling :-)
ReplyDeleteI never felt any "dislike" nor "like", but I have OFTEN noticed at how some people get personal, feeling they are being signaled out, whateva. Cyberspace has a way of amplifying the negative feelings to the point of hatred and obsession :-/.
Cronies, midgets, trolls, etc. ~rolling eyes~ each to his/her own... whatever makes one feel superior in labeling and categorizing.
Have a wonderful day... this week is a HOT week, with high temperatures.
:-D
Oh, dear, my calling people "cronies" made me feel superior? Really? "Cronies" wasn't labeling at all.
ReplyDeleteIf they are not cronies, what are they? Friends, all right. Crony is defined as a "good friend."
Can I apologize for calling you guys "cronies?" I am sorry for labeling Mike, Gina, and Barry "cronies."
Can we now have some fun?
from the first Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteI... rest... my... case!
Marla -> "How ironic that Mike didn't call out the California Academy of Audiologists for their reason that they CANNOT share ALL communication options."
ReplyDeleteI'd say that's a bit pushy, even premature, too. Just be patience. The irony is that I had to go out and get a response from the CAA, of all things.
Yes, dropped the ball. Meaning the whole AB2072 bill was nearly missed in the beginning. It was only noticed because somebody else did. It is not the job of the California Legislature to notify you or your organizations personally on upcoming bills. That responsbility lies within your organization. Any organization that may have a stake in upcoming bills need to learn how this California legislature works.
I am sorry. I did not mean to cause any trouble. So sorry Candy--didn't mean to drag you into this.
ReplyDeleteI was just pointing out the overuse of the word "cronies". I was seeing it everywhere on DeafRead. I think it is an interesting word that I never hear, except only on DeafRead.
As for the use of the word, yes, I suppose it is being used correctly. But, it is certainly being thrown around a lot.
Of course it is used in a negative way--otherwise people would write 'followers' or 'friends' whatever. I have never heard anyone referring me as a "crony" when introducing me, even though the word is supposed to mean an old and close friend.
I did not have time today to respond to all of the comments. I did not see any questions directed at me. If you have any questions let me know.
(e
People can comment on this post as much as they want. No one is taking over my role as the responder. The point of comments is to hear what YOU have to say. If I feel like responding, I will.
ReplyDelete(e
(e, don't apologize, it's not your fault, you didn't drag me into this. It's those that keep obessin' about certain people. Not you. ;) They got nuthin better to do, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Candy. : )
ReplyDelete(e
Cronies is meant as a derogatory term isn't it ? mostly in the deaf sense it means one clique who is up against or disagrees with another. Which is just difference of opinion mostly, and by labelling those who might agree with you 'cronies (sneer:smilie), you hope to devalue their point, in the UK we just call it 'sour grapes' !
ReplyDeleteMarla, I was not talking to you. I was responding to (e's latest posting, sharing my observation of the deaf cyberspace from the last five years.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day, Marla.
K.
I had to chuckle yesterday when I read an editorial column where a writer called someone else, "he and his liberal cronies." Is that necessarily a negative connotation? I didn't think so. It's just a way to describe a group like I did. It is just as well we could call a group, "he and his conservative cronies."
ReplyDelete"Cronies" is definitely used in a negative manner. Especially, when used politically as in "liberal cronies" or "conservative cronies".
ReplyDeleteWhy not use "friends" or "followers" instead of referring to Candy, Barry, or Mike as "cronies"?
ReplyDeleteI doubt you would say in a casual conversation, "These are my cronies." "Oh, meet my mom's cronies."