Dear all,
Firstly, please forgive me if you think this is an inappropriate place
for this discussion: it's not exactly scholarly, but it's relevant to my
work, and I'm sure yours, too, in many cases.
For some time, now I've been railing against the systemic use of the
word "vulnerable" by Social Services. I'm sure it's used all over the
country, not just here.
I'm commenting on a consultation which is to be held, soon, and I've
said the following - which, I have to admit, may be a bit pompous, but
I'm trying to make a point:
"I'm going to be picky. As a disabled person, I hate, with every fibre
of my being, being described as "vulnerable".
EVERYONE is vulnerable, to one extent or another; you stand in front of
a moving bus going at speed and tell me otherwise! We're all flesh and
blood, and all "vulnerable" to the "thousand natural shocks that flesh
is heir to". Good old Hamlet!
The 'v' word is throughout the document, and unless there is some big
objection I think it should be substituted for another, less contentious
one. However, try as I might, I can't find an alternative.
As you can see from this link, "vulnerable" could be construed as
offensive: http://freethesaurus.net/s.php?q=vulnerable "
I just cannot find a better word.
So, has anyone else decided to tackle this head on? If so, what were
the results?
Yours ever hopefully,
Helen
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