Master, A Word...

COMMENTARY/OPINION:

Recent events have led to many proposed changes, some good; some necessary; some not so good; and some absolutely ridiculous. The major principle involved, a concept really, is that "Change is inevitable." 

One proposed change is the removal and discontinued use of the word, "master." What is the reason, well it's about racism. You see, one of many definitions of the word results in, "a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves." It is readily apparent that the reference and inference to "slaves" makes sense that the word is not necessary in that usage. 

But, the word means much, much more than any inference to slaves, slavery and any bad thoughts of the race that many assume is the sole reciepient of the term, the black peoples sometimes referred to as "African Americans." 

Master means much more tho as can be seen in the following definitions. 

Noun: a man in charge of an organization or group.

Adjective: having or showing very great skill or proficiency; main; principal.

Verb: acquire complete knowledge or skill in (an accomplishment, technique, or art); gain control of; overcome.

You see, in my particular interest and pursuit the term master has meaning nothing to do with racism or racist or the African American and their racist plight. It has to do with one who attains a great skill or proficiency in an Asian discipline, i.e., martial art or karate, etc.

I also believe the best term to describe one who has attained and understood a discipline, be it trade or atheletic or philosophical, is a master of that skill or discipline. 

To remove a term just because it may inflame a sector of society that refuses to acknowledge that its usage and intent differ from one of four or more meanings seems, wasteful. 

Yes, as a martial artist, I find the use of master as a title a bit beyond the intent, culture and philosophy of a martial art discipline and its usage being excessive is also egoistically wasteful but to ban and discontinue its use, as an honorarium to the accomplishments of one or more individuals is - ludicrous and wasteful. 

Indiscriminate use in martial arts is a bad thing but as an honorarium to an individual’s life work and accomplishments just because it may hurt one or more folks personal feelings is like throwing out the baby with the bath water. 

As to society, in general, to take a term because of any of these reasons and discard it when it has socially and philosophical and useful meaning and intent to honor other disciplines, skills and such is just not right. 

When I hear the word master, I don’t have thoughts of anything other than the content, intent and honor the word implies to other worthwhile causes, disciplines and efforts.