Can Do No Right

[Mainstay]

We service a small community that has a very large senior citizen population.

We constantly get calls asking if we offer senior's discounts.

Some years we do, some years we don't. I like to help out our elders on fixed incomes and of course some of their situations are really sad and it is difficult to be hard-nosed on fees. We usually stop when someone abuses the program (like the small business owner who said, "oh, I'm not paying for this new workstation and network setup, my SENIOR mother will be paying it with her 15% discount".

I thought I'd give it another shot and fill our calendars.

So today I put out a new promo - Senior's Maintenance Package (it covers a lot of general TLC, provides backup setups and includes a copy of ESET NOD32 with monitoring of outbreaks etc.) for a pretty good price (they save about 30%).

Within minutes of posting on FB I get messages from angry advocacy groups wanting me to change the program to "Older Adults Maintenance Package" because the word "senior" is considered derogatory.

WTF?!

I can't win.

 

[16k_zx81]

Yeah. You can't say that. Its offensive to recent university graduates (and black disabled lesbian midgets)... so not cool. Not cool at all.

If you dont mind me saying, it was bloody insensitive of you...

 

[mraikes]

Nonsense. Don't change a thing.

If someone is too insulted to ask for the "Senior Package" they can pay the non-senior rate. Win-win for you.

 

[glricht]

Another example of some minority group wanting people to be politically-correct -- in THEIR minds!

Here in central Florida where many of the local communities increase in population by 25% (or more) during the winter, there are all kinds of businesses advertising senior specials, senior discounts, seniors-this and seniors-that. Hey, I've earned my "senior" moniker, I'll take whatever discount I can get!

Can't please everybody.

 

[katz]

I believe the correct term should be "Youth Impaired"

 

[Mainstay]

I love the "Youth Impaired"... but then MADD will be giving me a call.

I guess I'm just insensitive.

We actually had a team meeting where this was brought to my attention (I had been out all day putting out fires)... and my reaction was "this is a thing?!"

The tricky bit is one of the people advocating to change my promo package is actually a good client of mine... so it actually is a weird little bit of politicking. I really don't have the time for this, but I guess I'll have to make the time. Good gawd... some days I want to go work for someone else.

 

[katz]

I love the "Youth Impaired"... but then MADD will be giving me a call.

Youth Challenged?

 

[glennd]

Of all the seniors i know, and i know a lot, i've never heard any complain about being called a senior. i suspect those who complain aren't in that group and are part of the "Let's be offended by anything and everything" group.

 

[Martyn]

Of all the seniors i know, and i know a lot, i've never heard any complain about being called a senior. i suspect those who complain aren't in that group and are part of the "Let's be offended by anything and everything" group.

That is so true

 

[HFultzjr]

Laugh it off and go about your day!

Can't please everyone.

 

[jbartlett323]

 

[MichaelBits]

Interesting....

Considering all the "seniors" I know flaunt that title in your face to get stuff hehe. Some even threw a party when they hit the official age to get the title.

 

[Davena]

Wow. I would really make them mad:

http://stowerscomputerservices.com/senior-citizen-computer-training-boardman-oh/

 

[cypress]

LMAO!! I love it!

to the OP, i say screw it! Stick with the Senior Citizen name lol

 

[Mainstay]

We are sticking it out with our original name... just sad to see good efforts and good intentions twisted in an effort to take affront at every single possible thing.

But I love that image =)

 

[CompConfig]

Funny how all labels are derogatory if it doesn't include a steep discount. If I offered a "cheep looser" discount of 40% I would get people lining up to take the discount.

 

[frase]

Seriously, how much has society become to deem this term derogatory.
Political correctness clients, enjoy your day or whatever you name it

 

[JustInspired]

LOL! Nice laugh on this thread. Thanks people.

Here' they're known as OAP's (Old Aged Pensioners) - three derogatory words in a row!

 

[katz]

This is so funny - I was speaking with a client last evening, a lady in her early 70's, and I referred to "her generation" ... she gave me an odd look and I instantly knew I probably should not have said those words...