Amateur is NOT a dirty word.

Natasha Fondren — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:37:04 +0000

This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. I’ve blogged about it at least four times. In fact, I’ll start my rant with a quote of my post, Celebrating Words & Passing It On:

Amateurs are the best gift an art has. They are the biggest supporters, the most enthusiastic in the world of their art. They buy the most, they thank the artist, they encourage the artist.

They make the community. They are the foot soldiers. We would be NOWHERE without amateurs.

Back in the day, amateur was a noble word. Professionals were not regarded quite as nobly, because they took money for their art, while amateurs pursued their passions out of love. Remember when the Olympics were strictly amateur-only?

Remember how strict the Olympics used to be about an athlete accepting any money? The Olympics used to glorify amateurs, because being an amateur IS a noble thing to be glorified!

What has happened to the word, “amateur?”

The third definition is: a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity.

I find that sad. It didn’t used to be that way.

I know and embrace that words evolve, but until we get another word that honors and respects the amateur as a noble thing again, let’s not lose the best of this word—or group.

Amateurs are the best of the best, the backbone and foundation of any art. They are the most enthusiastic, the best word-of-mouth-ers, and the greatest consumers.

Derogatory remarks about amateurs is biting the hand that feeds you. I mean, it’s like someone offers you CHOCOLATE for FREE, and you not only turn it down, but insult the gift-giver!

It’s also a back-handed put-down. We don’t need to boost ourselves up by proclaiming that X is the difference between amateurs and professionals, and thus prove that we are better than “them.”

Why is it that humans are always trying to find a “them” they are “better than,” as if that proves they are “in the right?”

Can we please evolve a little? Yes, I’ve been guilty of this, too. *hangs head in shame*

The next time we use the word “amateur,” let’s please consider whether we’re respecting someone or dissing someone.

What think you?

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Amateur is NOT a dirty word.