The UK's Minister of Justice has directed prison officers NOT to refer to their charges as "inmates" - because it might offend them.In a move being branded "nonsense", the MoJ has insisted that the term is not consistent with respect and dignity, and advised them to use the term "prisoner" instead.
Now, the "preferred term" is the thing that gets to me. How they can seriously expect people to prefer being called Prisoner to Inmate is beyond me. "Prisoner" is a continual reminder that they can't leave and are held against their will. "Inmate" carries a far more acceptable connotation - that they are simply in a place, alongside other people. In the same way that "flatmate", "housemate" and "workmate" are used.
I know which term I'd prefer!
~ Elisa
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