In this blog post, I will do a close examination of the word “deaf” and explain why you should not be using it for any other reason than for identification.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Cripple” Edition
The issue with “cripple” becomes painfully obvious once you place its original definition next to the ones that we, as a society, have crafted above. Stemming from the Old English words “crypel,” meaning to creep (ie. limp) and “creopere,” or someone that creeps (ie. limps), you can see that the word originated as a pure identifier/descriptor.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Crazy” Edition
Similarly to Bonkers, crazy has a long, historic connection with mental illness. Crazy is frequently used to discredit others and essentially gaslight them into thinking that they are burdensome in some way. Regardless of intention, anytime you use the word crazy to describe another human being you are attempting to diagnose that person, which is inherently ableist. This action feeds into the stigmatization of mental illness and further isolates those who do have severe mental health conditions.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Confined To A Wheelchair” Edition
When you talk about a group of people as being confined, you assess that they are not in control of themselves or their lives. You take away their voice and their worth. Essentially, you equate them to an object. Something that cannot think or motivate itself in any capacity.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Blind” Edition
Raise your hand if you have heard or said any one of the following sentences in the past week.
“My friend set me up on a blind date this afternoon.”
“Are you blind? The remote is right in front of you!”
“Ugh, I swear I am blind without my glasses!”
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Bonkers” Edition
Ableist language perpetuates the inferiority of people with disabilities. At its core, it is oppressive, derogatory, and hurtful, no matter the intention behind its usage.
I guarantee that you use ableist language every single day without even realizing it. It rolls off the tongue naturally because it’s hardly ever questioned.
Here on The Rolling Explorer, I am going to start questioning it.