I agree with David here, but wonder: how is a newspaper reporter
supposed to know that "handicapped" is offensive in many (if not all)
circumstances while "crip" may be used by some but not others as a term
of pride?
Years ago, someone asked a rhetorical question of me, which I haven't
yet been able to answer --
"Why is it that we cannot (in polite society) refer to "colored people"
anymore, but "people of color" is all right?"
I would like some help on this, since I think we risk confusing and
potentially alienating people who aren't evil or bigoted, but just don't
know any better. Don't get me wrong: I am not Pollyannish about
society's role in perpetuating disability, and people need to be told
that some terms are offensive and why.
Best,
TL
David Pfeiffer wrote:
>
> I must make a comment about so-called politically correct language.
> Handicapped, challenged, disabled, and special are just as offensive to me
> (to hell with correctness) as nigger, boy, colored, chick, babe, faggot,
> oriental, and the list could go on.....David
>
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> David Pfeiffer, Ph.D.
> Resident Scholar
> Center on Disability Studies
> University of Hawai`i at Manoa
> [log in to unmask]
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Center on Disability Studies....maximizing individual
> potential by encouraging independence, self-determination,
> and full participation in the community.
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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