When did they change refuge to avacuee??

[Noah]

I have been away a few days, im glad they did that.. It was quite an error in the news coverage.

[mf_dolphin]

Actually refugee is appropriate although it's usually applied to people fleeing from one country to another. In these days of political correctness evacuee seems to frazzle less people's nerves.

[Terrell]

I have to agree that refugee is the apropriate term, as these people are seeking refuge from a disaster. Many people, inclucing bush have objected to calling those displaced by Katrina's wrath refugees.

[Indystorm]

A refugee is a person without a country. An evacuee is someone displaced because of a storm or emergency.

[southerngale]

Refugee isn't a negative word. It's amazing to me that anyone would make a fuss about it.

[orchid]

Refugee isn't a negative word. It's amazing to me that anyone would make a fuss about it.

I agree. And don't we seek refuge?

[stormie_skies]

The reason people are uncomfortable with the term has little to do with the word's most basic dictionary definition (one who takes refuge). Its about connotation and historical context. The term "refugee" has most commonly been associated with a group of people who have fled their country due to persecution of some kind (racial, religious etc.), and have no true "homeland." Even if the dictionary does not define "refugee" as such (some do, some don't), it still brings a certain image to mind... and that is what people are objecting to.

Think of it this way: I can think of several racial slurs that, according to their dictionary definitions, should be completely harmless. Does that mean I should feel free to use them? Absolutely not.