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Posted on: Sat, Feb 16 2008 5:53 AM

Posted by: Daisies1 Posts: 0

I don't think much of those politically correct terms, or worse, word constructions. It's just another way of making people uncomfortable around handicaps.

There are disableds who don't want to be called "handicapped", there are those who don't want to be called "disabled", then there are those who call themselves "cripple", but flip their lid if somebody calls them "disabled" or whatever.

And everybody is so surprised that ablebodied folks tense up completely when they happen over somebody with a handicap.

The whole discussion shows to me that actually the disableds are not so very content with being treated just like anybody else. Because everybody gets tagged in one way or the other. That's normal. That's how we work. And I sure am glad to have the tag "Disabled", or maybe "Wheelchair user". Everybody knows exactly what I mean when I'm giving out that hint, even strangers on the phone.

That's good.

Imposing word constructs on unsuspecting people will do no good. We shouold start teaching simple common politeness again.

Because I noticed that those word constructs can sound as derisive as any offense, when said in the right - or rather wrong tone.

Words are so important, for sure. And they are powerful. But so is the tone, and things like intention. People who unwittingly step on my toes and are mortified by their blunder just can't hurt me. Before I say anything to correct them I first see that I console them, and make them feel comfortable around me.

I certainly don't want to have anybody needing to attend kind of a seminar to learn how to interact with me. 

Daisies

P.S.: I also think that calling disabled children "special" is pretty much a slap in the face of every other child.

Posted on: Wed, Feb 20 2008 3:17 PM

Posted by: IamwhatIam Posts: 70

Great posts, Jessie and Daisy.  I don't care what you call me, but don't pussyfoot around trying to be PC.  I refer to myself as a gimp, and if that bothers someone, so sorry.  Don't talk down to me, just talk TO ME.  I may not be able to speak in the normal way, but I can still think. 

Posted on: Wed, Feb 20 2008 4:24 PM

Posted by: Debbie Posts: 3,865

pick one, it does not bother me in the least bit!

Posted on: Wed, Feb 20 2008 6:47 PM

Posted by: REL Posts: 14

I'm not a big fan of it. It sounds stilted and takes too much thought. I'm autistic (I didn't read all the responses yet but I did see a comment  about the autistic community hating people first language and I'd have to agree) and it bugs me to no end when people go on about "people with autism or what have you. Sometimes the so-called people first langauge isn't a big deal - girl with CP and such - but sometimes it's just annoying. I don't do a lot of politically correct language about anything, and this is no exception.

Posted on: Wed, Feb 20 2008 7:26 PM

Posted by: cudachaser Posts: 1,485

 Kara,

That is  a great article

Joe 

Posted on: Fri, Feb 22 2008 7:47 PM

Posted by: joshuaTBIawareness Posts: 8

What is People First Language?   I am new to disaboom.  My name is Josh.

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 10:47 PM

Posted by: nikinster Posts: 12

I don't care about people first language. It's is important that we live well.  If we talk about Bill Gate,  we can image the rich. If we live better than the people with abiity, it doesn't matter.