Some people argue about the meaning of language but as Alice in
wonderland learned, words are what we want them to be. Some of us, maybe
those with "impairments" too do not think that Disabled is a bad word,
neither do we think Deaf is a bad word. Some of us do not even think
Queer is a bad word. You see, school yard taunts of cripple, retard, and
faggot, are just that- teasing. When we grow up we can claim our own
identities and define what we want our language to mean. If you do not
want to use disabled because it implies defective, then do not use it.
Some of us find impairment offensive in the same way. I personally, like
to think that my claiming of Disability makes it (constructs it) as a
apositive and bounces all the negative energy away. If I allow others to
decide and define how I should feel about being disabled, or living with
differences, then I am injured and feel powerless. I think, and I have
been known to be wrong, especially recently, that we all have free will
and can use whichever words we choose, and likewise choose their meanings.
I hope this helps answer your question. I think we all want to get along
and no one is being purposefully offensive (but remember I have been known
to be wrong). Tanis
--------0----> :-)
This is Tanis Doe- Real name- Please send any documents with
attachments to another email address Tanis_Doe@bc.sympatico.ca...
Also check out my temporary web site for a conference on the i
nternet and women at
www3.bc.sympatico.ca/inclusion/workshop.html Inclusion Works!
On Wed, 10 Mar 1999, mark ryan wrote:
> I'm somewhat new to this list and speaking as someone with an 'impairment'
> could somebody please explain why everybody keeps using the term
> 'disabled'? I find it highly offensive. It implies I am somehow
> defective, not quite right and not normal. I would like to think that
> these terms are merely socially constructed and the only the uniformed
> opinions of lesser 'able' mortals.
>
> Mark Ryan
> Social Work Student
> Melbourne
> Australia.
>
>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|