The word 'brainstorming' is not offensive to the vast majority of people with epilepsy, according to a survey carried out by the National Society for Epilepsy in 2005.
The word has been used since the 1940s to describe the method of problem-solving or generating ideas where all present at a meeting make spontaneous suggestions. In the last year, it has been reported in the press that both the Welsh Development Agency and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Belfast have deemed the word brainstorming to be politically incorrect, with 'thought-showers' suggested as a suitable replacement.
However, in the survey, 93 per cent of people with epilepsy did not find the term derogatory or offensive in any way and many felt that this sort of political correctness singled out people with epilepsy as being easily offended.
In separate research, we asked for the views of people with epilepsy on the matter. One commented:
"I have no objection whatsoever to the term brainstorming. I am sure the public do not, in any way, associate this with epilepsy so why should we?"
Our view is that it depends upon the context: if the word is being used to describe a meeting where participants are suggesting ideas, then its use is not offensive to people with epilepsy. However, it should not be used to describe a seizure or the electrical activity within the brain during a seizure.
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Comments: read the 8 comments or add yours
Comments
Thank you for clarifying this point. I am a primary school teacher, and on several occasions in the past (both in a school context, and in my previous life as a business analyst) I have been told that the term brainstorm should not be used because it is offensive. To have categorical confirmation that it is not is very reassuring, especially considering the alternative 'thought shower' sounds wishy washy and patronising :¬)
Cheers,
Matt
I recently found out that "Brainstorming" is considered offensive to those with epilepsy.
As someone who is epileptic, I find it offensive NOT to use the phrase "Brainstorming". Initially I didn't even make the link between the "storm" and a seizure, I assumed the person who told me thought I had an inability to think and take part in a group discussion.
Personally I think Brainstorming is quite a fun way to think of a seizure. How someone can be offended by it is beyond me.
I really wish I could meet the person who decided that this is offensive to me.
I was diagnosed grand mal epileptic in 1981, epileptic/alcohol dependent in 199?, and again more recently as primary generalized epileptic. In the USA i would be diagnosed Idiopathic primary generalized epileptic. This is because the Americans afford their patients a little bit more respect and don't treat epileptics as idiots. "Idiopathic meaning i don't know".
The fact is epilepsy according to the ILAE is merely a classification of seizure types and not a etiological or causal diagnoses. With out a causal diagnoses there is no clear direction for science to advance, which in turn leaves us without a diagnoses or future for improvement in seizure care.
I personally think those within the medical profession should stop debating what the cause for seizures are and make it a matter of national priority. Perhaps they should try brainstorming, or at least set up one think tank or cloud!
The fact that we remain undiagnosed with know clear direction in where we are going is the major cause for premature deaths in seizure sufferers.
The term "brain shower" suggests the ideas are generated only come from one narrow direction. I would suggest that this may suit those who are similarly narrow minded and raise unnecessary barriers/ideas under the guise of political correctness.
"Brainstorming" on the other hand suggests ideas coming from all directions with some energy and enthusiasm.
I am encouraged by this research. In my experience, very few people set out to cause offence. It's right that we question custom and practice from time to time. I suspect those suggesting "brainstorming" might be offensive are simply trying to gain an advantage (in seeking to catch others out) at the expense of perfectly decent and kind people. This is conduct that causes me offence.
I've been delivering training for ages and always tip-toed around the term brainstorming.
I tended to treat the subject lightly and suggest that the term could be perceived as offensive for those involved with epilepsy, and that we were therefore going to have either a 'thought-shower' or a 'board-blast'. People could choose which way to approach it depending on how 'butch' or 'camp' they were feeling. I frequently felt a sudden urge to celebrate campness, but stressed that is others were feeling more butch then they were free to treat the activity as a board-blast.
I was aware I was flirting with other political correctness bear-pits, but it was always treated in the spirit is was intended - which was 'by hook or by crook we will come up with some ideas!'
It's nice to know that we can now properly celebrate brainstorming, with the blessing of epilepsy action!!
Common sense is such a wonderful liberator from the fear of offending people.
As a person who has always had epilepsy I can't help but think that again we have another example of political correctness taking undos away from where they are needed most. Money was spent on something that really, we already knew the answer to. I would love to read that PC surveys are being ditched and the money is going on clinical trials or research.
I discovered today about brainstorming being politically incorrect now as it offends epileptic people. As an epileptic myself, I have never associated the word brainstorm with seizures and do not find it the least bit offensive at all so was rather surprised to hear this is being deemed the case. Yet again this is an example of the world going mad over stupid 'political correctness'.
Oh at last! You wouldn't believe how many universities ban this word. I do weekend TEFL training courses, and I deliberately use this word occasionally to be addressed by someone working at a university where misplaced politically correct policies rule. I am epileptic, and I will continue to use this word, as it is a wonderful word in the English language-how is it insulting, please would someone explain? Policy makers, take note.