To all
I agree with Sarah and Johnson about the homogenizing effect of labels. I
also feel that mew terms that make the group sound more palatable, sometimes
even more aesthetically pleasing - 'street person' for homeless is my
favourite - or does that term have another sense?
I also feel that whilst language is important, and there unacceptable words
(although I don't feel that I have any right to spell them out - some people
disabled or otherwise find lame fine, others are ok with handicap) are of
course out there, whatever 'disabled people' call our/themselves it usually
has the same referent as the same referent, whether they are referring to
the 'impairment' , or 'the disability' or social barrier.
I do feel that thee discussions are important for self-determination and
self-identity but I sometimes feel that they take over the debate. I am
reminded of lectures on Wittgenstein's philosophy of language where it was
pointed out that you cannot just invent a new language or use new words to
make the problems of language and the world go away. Does calling my
'disability' 'breen' make it any difference. It is still my disability and
that is that, as Johnson said its not cute and I would add not displeasing
either, it just is.
Thank you for your time
Michael
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