Schizophrenia usage wrong
Re: No silver bullets - Sept. 29 - Oct. 5
Brian Kieran says the “premier’s job plan ignores such factors as our embedded political schizophrenia regarding resource extraction.” If he is referring to two opposite extremes — then it is important to remind readers that even though “schizo” derives from the Greek word meaning “to split,” sufferers of schizophrenia do not have split personalities. If Mr. Kieran is suggesting there are numerous conflicting ideas about resource extraction, schizophrenia is still not the best word to use. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects fully one percent of the population. With treatment, public education and understanding, many people with schizophrenia can lead pleasant and productive lives. Widely read publications such as yours best serve everybody if the word is used correctly.
Paul Austin,Victoria