4 ms·
Well, being deliberate with words is definitely a great attribute. However, I came here to say that, as a blind person, I cringe whenever someone calls me "vis
by lynx23 2y ago
Well, being deliberate with words is definitely a great attribute. However, I came here to say that, as a blind person, I cringe whenever someone calls me "visually challenged" or in any other way tries to crawl around the seemingly bad word and does all sorts of linguistic hoops to avoid calling me what I am.
This tendency is totally counterproductive, since it creates yet another barrier between the disabled and "normal" people.
I am blind. If you dont like that, stay away. But it is even more hurtful if I can feel your uncomfortableness through the language.
- Cthulhu_ 2y agoOne of the big issues, I think, is that people outside of the group decide what people inside the group should be called; I believe that's called virtue signaling. But since it's people outside of the group making up the words, they are effectively excluding the people involved. Speaking over them, if you will.
- lynx23 2y agoThat. My partner (blind) recently met a teacher on a train ride. After a bit of awkward conversation, she told my partner that she is currently trying to find a new word for disabled, together with her class. When my partner answered that she thinks there is no need for that, the teacher totally ignored her opinion and continued to press on. This pretty much confirms your post. Mind you, no disabled people involved. Just a teacher that decided she needs to play language police. Thats systemic patronisation. And the worst thing is, she wouldn't listen to the opinion of a disabled person. She just stubbornly continued on her path of patronisation.