Hi Pam/ all,
I've been thinking about the relationship of language and action myself since this debate began.
I have found it interesting that no-one has really responded to Brendan's question about what the outcomes of the discussion about
'language' can have said to have been.
Is this because language and action are so interlinked that it is hard always to point to a linear and tangible cause and effect, sometimes
language works as Pam describes, and sometimes it is cleverly used to mask action or inaction as Victoria's comments on language, hidden
thought and New Labour suggest.
I understand that frustrating feeling you describe Brendan when you say "So many words have been written by so many people, but to what
end."
I think my answer is a sort of naive one and perhaps stating the obvious. For me the debate was worthwhile because it is through this sort
of discussion and disagreement that we are challenged about concepts or assumptions and it is by reflecting on these that we can be inspired
to take action, or act differently (or become even more convinced of our initial stance).
Madeleine
-----Original Message-----
From: Pam Thomas [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 07 February 2002 15:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: language
Language is important because it influences how we act.
If we act as if "disability" is within certain people as a result of the way
their bodies, minds or senses work then the term "person with a disability"
makes sense. We can then try to solve the issues of disability by focussing
on the individual. This is an individual model of disability.
If we act as if "disability" is what results from the social and economic
exclusion of certain people because of the way their mind, bodies or senses
work the term "disabled people" makes sense because it means those people
who are disabled by society. There are issues relating to the way our minds,
bodies and senses work but these should not be confused with the social and
economic exclusion. Then we can try to solve the problem of disability by
finding ways to stop that exclusion. This is the social model of disability.
I prefer and use the social model of disability and use the term "disabled
people". This way of thinking about disability is becoming better known and
used, but not everyone knows about it or uses it.
Pam.
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