What's in a name?

Do you at least attempt to be politically correct in your everyday life?  As far as job titles are concerned, would you consider secretary to be past its expiration date?  Prior to being referred to as one on a regular basis, I used to think that the term secretary went out of style with beehives and cat eye glasses as seen in 9 to 5.  My other personal favorite being the '80s classic Working Girl, which I think anyone could appreciate for the "rooting for the underdog" theme. 

I couldn't be more wrong.  It's possible that I'm overly sensitive to the word itself, and that it's usage isn't meant to be offensive.  It's also just as possible that my feminist (which funnily enough, I don't find THAT word to be insulting at all even when it's intended to be) way of thinking is to blame. 

There are many things about my current job that I loathe beyond belief, and it's a fact that a pep talk is required to not walk out on a daily basis.  I suppose in the grand scheme of things, being called "just a secretary" in that all too familiar southern Missouri drawl is not the major issue of my work life.  It just feels as if it degrades all that I do in my office that I can guarantee others simply could not handle.  If there is one single thing that you take away from this post, remember to retire the word: Secretary.  Assistant is not only more politically correct, but it's more accurate as well.