In a message dated 4/16/99 3:48:04 AM US Mountain Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I'm hoping that there's enough room in the foxhole for two.
As far as I am concerned I am a Disabled Person. I was disabled long before
I
became aware of myself as a person. I am seen by the world as disabled (the
crutches give it away) and my experiences of life are defined by my having a
disability in a society controled by people who don't have a disability. To
put the disability second is to dilute it's importance.I use PWD in the
course of my work and studies because it is what is expected because of the
need to be seen to be politically correct.
My friends call me all sort of things depending on the mood and
circumstances. It is the intention of the language that people use that
offends me more than the words.
Paul
>>
Yes, and is this foxhole accessible, because I'm driving in too...
I agree with Paul's statements. Several years ago, I was a relentless user of
"person with a disability" despite the literary challenges, because it does
emphasize personhood and is pc. A friend of mine, then found herself in an
argument regarding diversity and language (with some African-American faculty
who proudly call themselves "black women"). The debate was specifically about
discussing an absent colleague or introducing them at an event. These women
asserted that including their race in any description of themselves presented
a clearer picture of who they are personally and professionally. They would
not have preferred the softer "woman who is black." My friend (adding
diversity to the debate) assumed I would not want to be discussed in my
absence as a "disabled person" because of my choice of language, and that I
would prefer simply to show up and let people see for themselves.
I found, after much thought and discussion with my friend, that I agree with
the black women above and do prefer "disabled person" (despite the
definitional problems, Mairian, I think either way suits me here). It's
upfront, it's political, and presents a proud? face. It's an identity in a
way that "person with a disability" isn't for me. As for my disability being
discussed in my absence, it means I don't have to hear the rather silly
remarks that come up first from so many. And should I get to be faculty
someday, it will indeed be relevant professionally.
Okay. That's all.
Kay Olson
Tempe, AZ, USA
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