One of the most disappointing areas of disability awareness that exists is language that identifies us by our disability. We are people first. The mainstream media outlets are some of the worst offenders in this arena. I know some persons with disabilities are not offended by the word "handicapped," but I am one person who rejects that label. Historically, it refers to persons with disabilities begging with their "caps in hand" to support themselves. When I complained to the Virginia Fair Housing Board about their use of the language, their employee stated that it would take a new law to change it. I cannot imagine a government agency being able to institutionalize slurs against, gender, race, or ethnicity. I doubt you would see a slur against any other group plastered on parking placards and signs all over the country.
Some people may say it is only language, it is opportunity and access that matter. I understand, but I also disagree. Language is powerful. It ingrains in our brains perceptions and ways of looking at people. I am a person first! I also happen to have other traits such as disabled, a blogger, environmentally concerned, spiritually driven, and intellectually curious. So why does society box me into one definition of my multi-faceted, complex self?
I understand that no one gets it right all the time, including myself. We all revert back to our ingrained, learned behaviors, but is it too much to ask the mainstream media and our government officials to lead the way?
If you believe language matters and want more information on this issue, click on this link . http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
Other imortant information may be found at:
http://www.etcil.org/etiquett.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0825/is_n2_v60/ai_16514166
http://www.txddc.state.tx.us/resources/publications/pfanguage.asp
http://www.sanantonio.gov/planning/disability_handbook/disability_handbook.asp?res=800&ver=true
3 comments:
Thanks, I was looking that information.
It's interesting that you find the word offensive due to the origin coming from "Cap in Hand". I just did a video on the subject and I discovered that that origin is actually false.... it comes from a different origin.. one that is not so demeaning.
BUT.. knowing that it doesn't come from a begging origin... would you still be offended by the word?
Being a philologist.. these discussions interest me greatly.
Also, thanks for the interesting article!
Marina
Your trusty philologist
I appreciate your post. I understand there is an original use of the word that has evolved over time. I found this link informative for those wanting the historic use of this particular word.
http://www.snopes.com/language/offense/handicap.asp
I do find the word offensive, depite its origin as a word describing an act of courtesy. My reason is that, to a person with a disability, it describes a historic use that is not positive, and its use originated during times of great discrimination for persons with disabilities. I think that it has evolved in the same way the terms "African American" or "European American" have evolved from historically painful words.
As a student of Latin, I understand there are literal uses of words, but there are also perceptive uses. "Handicapped" means to me a pre-Americans with Disabilities Act era when persons with disabilities were seen strictly through a medical model. It assumed without a "cure," we could not have a meaningful life. We were to be pitied. There is one particular national charity that still uses this approach, to the dismay of many in the community of persons with disabilities. Leaving the word "handicapped" behind signifies progress towards full participation in society as people, not a medical or mental condition.
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