I never got a big boost from the 'someone is worse off' phrase, but it
always struck me with a totaly different spin than the one you describe.
(gloating?). I agree that would be a pretty morally bankrupt way to prop
up your feelings. The phrase always struck me as 'someone else has more
burdens (whatever they might be) than I and they don't give up, so how
dare I consider wimping out.' Anyway that's the way I took it.
Harold
M.G.Peckitt wrote:
>
> To all
>
> The e-mail reply list was making the letter rather long so
> I started a fresh one. I agree entirely It is such
> terminology I like to look at when I examine language and
> disability. I never liked the phrase "remember that there
> is always someone worse off then you".
>
> While this is true, nor as cutting as the numerous other
> phrases I could think of, it never "did the trick" for me.
> In a small way I felt ot negated my own disability and then
> I am forced to envisage that there is indeed someone worse
> off then me and that this is meant to make me feel better.
> Firstly, even at the age of 14, I find taking solace in the
> knowledge that some people had greater physical hardships
> then I belittling and ethically questionable.
>
> Apologises the length of this e-mail.
> ----------------------
> M.G.Peckitt
> [log in to unmask]
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