"And at a time when folks are struggling with the rising price of everything from gas to groceries, I'll provide working women with immediate relief." -Obama, Albuquerque, June 23
"Even in tough times for our economy, when folks are struggling to pay for gas and groceries, tax relief just isn't change he can believe in." -McCain, Houston, June 17
Since when did "people" become "folks"? Is it even possible for a "person" to be a "folk"? Snarky rhetorical questions aside, the point remains. I hear the word "folks" as a perjorative, as a diminutive and almost elitist descriptor of the masses from people in lofty public office. I understand that it's warm and colloquial, but it diminishes the overall message. It's people who struggle to pay the bills and who sacrifice for their families. It's people who find warmth and nourishment in their family and friends and faith. It's people who are layered and complicated, but fundamentally decent. Folks is the word Porky Pig stutters after every episode of Looney Tunes.
