Since the field of Biological Psychology presents a strong evolutionist view of man, it is very important that you are also exposed to a biblical understanding of the nature of man.   Therefore, thi

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Maxine Espalin

The issue is the use of the word "alien" to refer to immigrants or those who are not dwelling in their home of origin. The author's claim is that changes in language can be an influencing factor in social change and the attitudes towards immigrants based on what words we choose to refer to them, if anything other than "human beings" (Shannon 199). Shannon builds ethos by quoting a former linguistics professor from the University of Santa Barbara by the name of Susanna Cumming. The examples she gives about euphemisms "making something sound better" and dysphemisms "making something sound worse" is credible as it comes from a reliable and professional source. Moreover, Cummings is quoted saying "terms give us ways of talking about the evaluative content of language. . . [that] expresses the speaker's attitudes towards it" (198). Something as simple as a term that was used for a long period of time can carry more power than people are aware, and finding alternative words that are less damaging can benefit society. This was convincing and supported her stance that the term alien carries a negative connotation and we should "stop calling non-citizens aliens" (200).

Hendrik Deuning

The author of this essay "Stop Calling People Aliens," writes about the legal term "alien," which is a citizen of one country residing without proper documentation in another country. The paper discusses how this term dehumanizes people with imagery of otherworldly creatures from space. This can have the effect of preventing immigrants from being fully accepted into and feeling marginalized in the society in which they live. Another consequence is that the "other" is frequently blamed for problems caused by those in positions of power who will use the weak and vulnerable as scapegoats.The author uses logical proofs as she appeals to reason, understanding, and common sense regarding the use of the term "alien." After all, we're talking about fellow human beings here! She cites an example from a personal experience in which she was called "ET" while living in Japan. Other examples of logical proof are the fact that terms have been used in other countries that are similar to "alien" such as "gaijin" and "Eskimo."  The author uses many compelling examples, but I feel that those from personal experience are the most effective as it furthers her credibility to discuss this issue.