What does "Traditional" mean?

[Unvoiced_Apollo]

[Gendo]

While the point this is making is a good one; I also think that it is too harsh on tradition. Traditions are like everything else: some are good and some are bad. I don't think it's right to categorize all traditional things as "should be replaced when we find something better". There's plenty of good cultural traditions such as stuff that people do at Christmas time: lights, trees, presents, etc. Then there's family traditions which can be a good thing; giving your son something passed down from your father, etc.

Anyway, I know that these aren't at all the sorts of things that this comic is talking about. But since those things are also called "traditional", I think it's important to make a distinction between those sorts of traditions and the "tradition" of equestrian transportation.

[Gypsy-Vanner]

I'm not sure I agree with you Gendo. I feel like conservatives and their use of that term have pretty much turned it as negative nomenclature to the general public. When I hear that word I think of things like "marriage is only between 1 man and 1 woman" and other such conservative ideals and principles. It seems that word is always being thrown as a defense against social progress and as such I don't think such a distinction between good and bad is even relevant anymore?

[Islandmur]

THe last thing I think about when I hear traditional is marriage lol (cultural differences lol) I think mostly of family traditions or cultural traditions. Like it's tradition to have sunday brunch with the family, or it's tradition to go to the beach for 1/2 november (in haiti). Things like that. I certainly don't think about stuff like it's tradition to ride in a car.

[Gendo]

I suppose it's just a nomenclature thing, but when I hear "traditional" I tend to think like Tara, the conservative crap idea of traditional. But when I hear "tradition" I think of happy family moments like Mur. But they do supposedly mean the same thing, and just because conservatives have repeatedly used the word in a bad way doesn't mean that the good version isn't still a thing.

[Gypsy-Vanner]

I'm not sure we can come back from it though? It has been in such rotten defenses by conservatives that I just don't think trying to stem the tide of negative connotations associated with it is worth of energy?

[Gendo]

What would you suggest we do with those other, positive things, if we want to avoid calling them "traditional"? Should we be using a different word? I mean, "does your family have any Christmas traditions?" is a pretty common question, and I don't think there's danger of it getting mixed up with the other thing.

[Dr_Liszt]

Traditions can change for the better too. I think you guys are putting too much emphasis on the word.

[BruceSmith78]

How about this happy fucking horseshit.

[youtube]https://youtube.com/watch?v=gRdfX7ut8gw[/youtube]