Are We Amateurs -- What's In A Name?

Copyright 2009 - F. Gordon Hubbell, N1OU

Recently, I was asked to make a presentation to a group about the contributions ham radio operators make as “helpers”. After a few lookups to make sure I had my facts straight, I wound up giving them lots of examples, particularly concerning ARES, SKYWARN and MARS. There are plenty more, of course, but these filled my allotted time and I knew the audience could relate to them. The group really enjoyed the presentation and several commented on not realizing what a significant contribution hams make. It was a great opportunity to point out some of the highlights of our hobby.

Later, reflecting on the reaction of that audience and thinking about the way we (amateur radio operators) appear to the rest of the world, I had one of my (rare) deep thoughts: Is the term “Amateur” really appropriate nowadays? The English language has a way of constantly shifting and changing its meanings and applications. There are nuances to many words, some not so flattering.

This “shift” in the underlying meanings or implications of words is natural and normal. It comes from popular, every-day usage. Occasionally, somebody coins a new term or uses an old one in a new way and it catches on. Think about the way you may have seen the following words change meanings over time: Gay, Dude, Turkey, Cracker, Wicked, Crack, Fuzz and Bad. No doubt, you can add several to the list. Actually this could be the basis for a board game, but I'll leave that to Parker Brothers.

Now, think about “Amateur”. Think about it as if you weren't a radio-electronics hobbyist. Apply the term to modify something (as an adjective): “Amateur ______________”. Then, think about it as a noun: “an Amateur is a _____________. Finally, think about some variations on it: “Amateur-ish,” for example.

In my business (and I suspect in a lot of others) we have a saying that's pretty deep: “Perception Is Reality”. This means that what the recipient of a message or reader of a term sees or infers is their interpreted reality and we need to be aware that it can be different from our own meaning or intention. From the comments that I got after that meeting, I'm seeing the term “Amateur” as a different fit to our activities than it was in the days when Hiram Percy Maxim plied the airways.

In those olden times, Amateur came into use as a differentiator. It fit because an Amateur Radio Operator was somebody who didn't make their living from or didn't have “radio electronics” as their main pursuit. In short, a “hobbyist” as opposed to a “professional”. The meaning still fits, of course, because we don't pursue our hobby for profit. But, has the term evolved? I'm not sure it has, but I'm sure it is evolving!

It's very easy to find a current definition of “Amateur”. Here's one from the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary: One who engages in a pursuit, study, science or sport as a pastime rather than a profession. I'll go along with that. It's when we start to look at synonyms (words that mean the same thing or that are close) that I think an issue arises and we see some evolution of the word and its usage. Try these on for size: Dilettante, Dabbler, Tyro, Unskilled. In terms of their connotation (the “perception is reality” thing) only “Tyro” (a “newbie” to use a currently popular term) is kind of neutral. All the others have at least some negative implication.

Here's another grain for the brain-mill from the controversial Wikipedia:

An amateur is generally considered a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science, without formal training or pay.^[1] Conversely, an expert is generally considered a person with extensive knowledge, ability, and/or training in a particular area of study, while a professional is someone who also makes a living from it. Translated from its French origin to the English "lover of", the term "amateur" reflects a voluntary motivation to work as a result of personal passion for a particular activity.

As with any construct, amateurism can be seen in both a negative and positive light. Since amateurs often do not have training, amateur work can sometimes be seen as sub-par. For example, amateur athletes in sports such as basketball or football are not regarded as having the same level of ability as professional athletes

It's the second paragraph above that provokes me. Why? Because many of us are or were electronics professionals and many of us, even if not coming from those ranks, progress and develop “professionalism” in at least some part of our endeavor. Do we want, ultimately, a term applied to us that may be disparaging or degrading? We must realize that we have very little control over the utilization of terms. For instance, the term “ham” (stories differ on where it came from) among meanings other than a chunk of pork can mean a “bad actor”. But, if we wanted to, we could influence usage of terms applied to us - many groups do.

The bottom line is that our basic defining label is changing. That's to be expected. What might we really be in terms of using a more current word or words, or coining a new word to describe us? Turn on your creativity. Put on your thinking cap. Come up with a suggestion. This should be fun!

73

Gordon Hubbell

N1OU

Author's footnote: Sometimes even the slightest, most inconsequential fact, term, practice, or mention will start a mega-thread of responses to articles and posts here on eHam. Often, these odd exchanges are entertaining (my goal here) but occasionally some responses are ill-tempered and mean-spirited, drawing out the worst of the flamers and trolls who hide in the corners. This is a “food for thought” article. Nothing more. It was written because of an incident that made me think about our hobby “outside the box”, so to speak. Please enjoy it in that light.