October 26, 2001

Terminology for Independent Minds; an Artifact of a Culture in the Making

The noble title of "dissident" must be earned rather than claimed; it connotes sacrifice and risk rather than mere disagreement, and it has been consecrated by many exemplary and courageous men and women. "Radical" is a useful and honorable term.

... Our remaining expressions -- "maverick," "loose cannon," "rebel," "angry young man," "gadfly" -- are all slightly affectionate and diminutive and are, perhaps for that reason, somewhat condescending. It can be understood from them that