What's in a name? I've been pondering over "e-cigarette vs personal vaporizer". When people ask me what I am puffing on, I tell them it's a personal vaporizer. I really don't want to make an association with a cigarette, that's why I don't tell people it's an e-cigarette. As an ex smoker (thx to PV's), there is allot of backlash to smoking. People who don't smoke or vape seem to be more receptive to the words "personal vaporizer". At least that's my thought. Any other opinions out there on this?
I tend to agree with you. It's a lot like the use of the words "weapon" versus "firearm" when we talkabout handguns carried for self-defense, or semi-automatic rifles used in competition here in the US. The word "weapon" carries with it a lot of emotional baggage with many people--they associate "weapons" with offensive action, warfare and attacks.
"Firearms" on the other hand, has a much more academic or historical sound to it, and for many people, the connotations are much less emotionally charged.
The same goes for e-cigs. The words we use are VERY important. The propaganda being spewed by the "Antis" is specifically engineered to evoke emotional, visceral, negative responses, and they tie the word "cigarette" with ugly, disgusting, repulsive and offensive emotions.
The term "personal vaporizer", much like the term "firearm" has an academic sound to it. Vaporizers come in all sorts of forms--and most of them are actually healthy--medical devices for people with asthma or COPD, humidifiers for our children, and other such healthful devices.
By envoking this association with healthful devices, we open the doors of perception to non-vapers and non-smokers, and allow them to examine what it is that we are really all about. Instead of having to fight against the negative brainwashing they have been subjected to by the antis about cigarettes, we enter into the conversation "ahead of the curve" when we use the term "PV", because their subconscious mind associates the term "vaporizer" with something healthful or therapeutic, and NOT something that causes cancer, stinks, and litters the streets...
Words have meaning--very powerful meaning. The can be used to vilify or glorify, to entrap or liberate, to enslave or to uplift. And by understanding how people process words, and how certain words bring up emotions, memories or even propaganda-based programming, we can do an end-run around the brainwashing that people live under, and show them the wonders, joys, fun, and healthfulness of Vaping without having to struggle against the associations with decades of negative anti-smoking vitriol.
Choose your words wisely. Making converts (or simply avoiding a confrontation) is ALL about perception, and if the person you are talking to perceives your activity as lawful, healthful, responsible and beneficial, they will be MUCH more willing to investigate--and eventually accept--your position.