Glenn,
I agree completely with what you're saying, but people do get bogged down in
trying to find the right words and that's the effect of political
correctness rather than the debate that should go on about how language is
used.
My very simple principle is to look at the intentions behind the language
used. If it's meant to be mean and derogatory I'll have a go at them but if
it's simply about them not knowing the language I prefer but their intention
is decent then I'll talk to them about the language they use and what I
prefer.
In terms of written language I use Disabled Person but often explain that I
will use that term but that I recognise that people see themselves in other
ways, person with a disability, differently able, survivor.......etc.
No-one's complained, yet.
Paul
> ----------
> From: Smith, Glenn[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To: Smith, Glenn
> Sent: 01 February 2002 14:07
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Language and political correctness....
>
> ...Dealing with langauge is not political correctness - which is a very
> dismissive term to avoid having to accept and respect difference, but is
> important in how we see and understand other people.
>
> Words are not just words devoid of politics and cultural constructs. Their
> meaning and inference is culturally and politically shaped and therefore
> our
> understanding of what the word may describe.
>
> It is about getting people who are not affected by the power and politics
> of
> these words to see how much they can affect a person's life.
>
> My doctorate was on looking at the different experiences of those with a
> chronic illness and disability and it was quite clear how these words were
> used in the people's lives had profound impact on how they came to
> understand their condition, sort help and developed a sense of belonging
> in
> the world.
>
> If people have a problem with not knowing what words to use, ask the
> people
> themselves. It was also quite clear from my research that a better and
> more
> politcally informed set of parents and 'experts' would have helped the
> child
> grow up with a different set of feelings about themselves and with a
> higher
> self-esteem.
>
> Calling it like is is is a meaningless statement. I may call anything like
> it is depending on how my own values and experiences...i too come from the
> north of england and although i love the place, it ain't the most
> accommodating place for difference...
>
>
> Glenn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Helen Green [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 01 February 2002 13:04
> To:
> Subject: Language
>
>
> Hear Hear Brendan.
> As a practising health professional there are many times, particularly in
> meetings, I find choosing 'an appropriate' word difficult if not
> impossible,
> without the actual or perceived risk of offending those present.
> When I talk with parents of and children/young people with disability
> which
> may include a learning disability, they "call it like it is, and stop
> plitterin' around." Maybe that's because where I come from, in the north
> of
> England, a shovel is called a shovel.
>
> Helen
>
> ________________End of message______________________
>
> Archives and tools for the Disability-Research Discussion List
> are now located at:
>
> www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html
>
> You can JOIN or LEAVE the list from this web page.
>
> ________________End of message______________________
>
> Archives and tools for the Disability-Research Discussion List
> are now located at:
>
> www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html
>
> You can JOIN or LEAVE the list from this web page.
>
IMPORTANT: This message, together with any associated files or any other material
attached to it, is a confidential communication and is intended only for the use of the
Individual(s) or Body to whom it is addressed. It may be subject to legal privilege or
may contain information which is confidential in nature, is subject to Copyright or
may constitute a Trade Secret. It is intended solely for the person it is addressed.
If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender at:
Luton Borough Council
Town Hall, Luton
LU1 2BQ
England
as soon as possible,
by telephone on Luton (01582) 546000 or
by using the reply facility in your e-mail software
and delete the message from your system.
|