Why did people used to have weaknesses, but now they have "areas for improvement"? When did this shift in the language occur?
by 
Someguy
ANSWERS: 7
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people learned that problems really are opportunities in disguise
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You can probably consider it a PC thing. Kinda like physically-challenged instead of handicapped or disabled. It makes people feel better about themselves when non-negative words are used to describe them..
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it's more politically correct. it makes people feel better about themselves to say they have things they could improve rather than they have areas they are lacking in. :)
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Maybe someone's feelings got hurt or something.... Maybe they decided to sue :P
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I'm thinking that euphimisms became so popular in American culture because the fear of being sued and of not "covering one's bases" has become a prevalent feeling. One can not speak the way it was, years ago. There are laws and consequences. Many phrases, expressions, etc. have been transformed to highlight something positive rather than focus on whatever the deficiency may be. Sensitivity and oversensitivity are neighbors, after all...
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Late 80s early 90s
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I'm not sure when the new reference occured but weakness is a negative comment where improvement is positive.
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