Comments for diane shipley

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by diane

diane — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:17:56 +0000

Hi Pam, thanks for commenting. Yes, I think a lot of ableist language use is just unthinking. Of course, ideally people wouldn’t have to experience something to be more aware of what they’re saying.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by Pam

Pam — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:09:30 +0000

Until one struggles with something, they cannot know the hurt feelings associated with others using a term associated with their struggle in a casual, frivolous or self-indulgent way. For example, person who is uniquely-abled in terms of sight may be going about their day, not thinking about what they must contend with in a world minimally accommodating to differing abilities; but hearing such a term as “blind to the consequences of her actions” is an unnecessary reminder of the (possibly inadvertent, but nonetheless) insensitivity people often have to the challenges of others.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by diane

diane — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:33:28 +0000

I wasn’t sure which was the right one to use; I think my adventures in Google found “learning disability” more in use in the UK than “developmental disability”, although the latter may be the more progressive or accurate term. Anyway, thank you.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by SJF

SJF — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:48:32 +0000

Excellent post, though “mental retardation” is actually a developmental disability, not a learning disability.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by Toni

Toni — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:52:27 +0000

When people describe themselves as “a bit OCD”, I do tend to have a bit of a sense of humour failure. I also struggle with how often people describe themselves as “depressed”, when in reality, they’re just a bit down.

Of course, I’m now thinking back and wondering which of those I’ve used. I’ve definitely used “crazy”. If someone were to directly call me crazy for having OCD, I’d be offended, so… I really need to watch that one. Very thought-provoking.

(And I’m so late with this, but my Google Reader has only just decided to inform me that you’re updating again after its little hiatus!)

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by diane

diane — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:31:27 +0000

Thanks Sue! At least you’re willing to think about it, which is all I can ask about anything I’ve written.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by diane

diane — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:34:05 +0000

Hi Linda, thanks for commenting. Ugh, I’m sorry to hear that people are still using “lame” and “crippled” (ick) in that way. Would be great to just dump those words altogether.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by Linda

Linda — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:24:19 +0000

Hey Diane, people do still use ‘lame’ for disabled and ‘crippled’ too – I find it hurtful and it’s not me they’re talking about but I’ve had it said to me about someone I care about very much.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by Sue Hepworth

Sue Hepworth — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:44:54 +0000

You argue persuasively, Diane. I am not wholly convinced, but I will think think about it some more.

Comment on lame, retarded, schizophrenic… what the hell are we saying? by diane

diane — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:02:20 +0000

You are a *bit* biased…
Yes, temporary disability certainly allows people to experience the kind of treatment many PWD live with daily. There is a real lack of tolerance for slow movement, but at times I’ve felt it myself… I’m sure we could all be a bit more compassionate.