It would seem to me that the definition of the word isn't as much the problem as the negative connotation that has been applied to it.

In the same way that terms like socialism, capitalism and even communism are elevated to mean things that they are not. This is why we can't even have logical and civilized arguments about things anymore; there is too much baggage attached to the language that we use.

Unfortunately we live in a world where lots of problems can't even be rationally discussed nor worked out because there is no untainted language left to be used to deconstruct the problem without invoking negative emotions in one side or the other of the argument.

Of course maybe my position is too extremist! :)