I found this a very helpful reference - the best discussion of the term I've
ever encountered. (And thanks to ColRevs for his valuable comments too.)
I used to hear this 'hand in cap menas it's calling us beggars' explanation
a lot in equality training and was always extremely sceptical. It's good to
read such a thorough explanation of a more realistic source.
I would add to all this the point that the word has a double implication.
It carries the sense of 'burden', as discussed here. But it also - and this
is something I have not seen discussed elsewhere - carries the implication
of ' a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in order to make the
chances more equal' ( the primary sense given in my concise Oxford
Dictionary). That puts it in the same sort of category as use of words like
'special' in a disability context, and might account for some of its
popularity as a term.
All the best
Allan Sutherland
----- Original Message -----
From: "kenji kuno" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:18 PM
Subject: Re: Origins of Handicap
> Hi Anna,
>
> This may be useful.
> http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~ronald/HandicapDefinition.htm
>
> Good luck
>
> Kenji Kuno
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
> > [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> > Behalf Of Anna Charles-Jones
> > Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 11:20 AM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Origins of Handicap
> >
> >
> > Dear List,
> >
> > Wondering if anyone can help, I am involved in
> > staff development around disability issues
> > at MMU and part of my presentation discusses
> > medical and social model language. I was
> > wondering if anyone on this list can tell me the
> > origins of the word handicap? I have
> > heard two theories 1) that it is descended from a
> > swedish word 2) that it's literal
> > meaning is 'cap in hand' i.e. beggar and therefore
> > highly offensive.
> >
> > Any clarification greatfully received.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> >
> > Anna
> >
> > Anna Charles - Jones
> > Learning Support Adviser
> > Student Services
> > Manchester Metropolitan University
> > All Saints
> > Manchester M15 6BH
> > Direct Line: 0161 247 3041
> > Appointments: 0161 247 3491
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
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