The Media And Hacking Vs. Cracking?

[xwinuser]

The term hacker is used by the media because they feel and are probably correct that the common

reader or less technically minded reader cannot and will not discern it from the less favorable practice of

cracking. The terms are generally only used by those people who work in or with the Information

Technology (IT) or Information Systems (IS) industries in describing two unique practices. To the rest of

the world the terms are interchangeable.

 

Also, by a sort of natural selection, the public has accepted the word “hacker” over “cracker”. They have

gravitated to what is more comfortable for them to use in everyday conversation. This is similar to the

process by which slang words are sometimes accepted into formal languages.

 

The media gravitates as well not only to words they think the public would more likely use but to what

sounds more sensational. Cracker is not really a unique word. It often describes a type of bland food.

This may sound silly at first but the media is in the business of getting their message out to the masses

and using bland wording does not sell stories. The word “hacker” is unique to the electronics and

computer industries. You won’t hear a florist, doctor or even a lumber jack being described as a hacker

and you definitely will not mistake a hacker for a type of food. - John L. Carlisle

[Krydos]

It might also have something to do with cracker being a slang derogatory term for a Caucasian.

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cracker

 

4. ( initial capital letter ) Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive . a native or inhabitant of Georgia (used as a nickname).

5. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive . a poor white person living in some rural parts of the southeastern U.S.

 

With the recent decade or so of hyper-political-correctness it makes sense to me that it would have naturally steered itself away from anything that could be construed as racist.

[xwinuser]

No doubt, man! No one wants to be called a racist and PC is out of control. Thanks!

 

 

It might also have something to do with cracker being a slang derogatory term for a Caucasian.

 

http://dictionary.re.../browse/cracker

 

4. ( initial capital letter ) Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive . a native or inhabitant of Georgia (used as a nickname).

5. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive . a poor white person living in some rural parts of the southeastern U.S.

 

With the recent decade or so of hyper-political-correctness it makes sense to me that it would have naturally steered itself away from anything that could be construed as racist.