This explains the reluctance people have to use the term "disabled" for themselves. I've seen that resistance even in myself and been horrified to realize it was there. There's a fear to call myself disabled because of all the negative baggage that goes along with it for people.Of course, as a writer, I'm right there with you in terms of changing the stories!
Stephen, I couldn't agree more. I'm so glad there are so many talented people working to change the stories, and hope, one day, to be a bigger part of that as well.
@Ruth - I'd hoped you'd enjoy it, given your profession :) As for your own reluctance, I hope you feel that withering away and that you'll be more comfortable in future. I know about your disability, but you're also the same as everyone else. Except not everyone writes so nicely :)@NTE - I'm sure that your BADD post has already been a big part of the revolution in thought. Don't underestimate yourself :)
I have physical disabilities, and I've never been afraid to identify myself as having them...I actually prefer saying, "I have disabilities" (but not "I'm disabled") over all the "softened-up" ways of saying it ("physically challenged", " has physical impairments", "differently abled", that sort of thing"). I'm not sure exactly why...I guess I figure that I *do* have disabilities, and I might as well call a spade a spade. I don't see anything particularly negative about the word (although I do understand that it does have have negative connotations attached to it in some circles)...I guess I haven't really cared enough to let it bother me.Thanks for letting me ramble. Off to read your troll story now! Like Ruth, as a writer, I believe that changing the stories is essential...
This explains the reluctance people have to use the term "disabled" for themselves. I've seen that resistance even in myself and been horrified to realize it was there. There's a fear to call myself disabled because of all the negative baggage that goes along with it for people.
ReplyDeleteOf course, as a writer, I'm right there with you in terms of changing the stories!
Stephen, I couldn't agree more. I'm so glad there are so many talented people working to change the stories, and hope, one day, to be a bigger part of that as well.
ReplyDelete@Ruth - I'd hoped you'd enjoy it, given your profession :) As for your own reluctance, I hope you feel that withering away and that you'll be more comfortable in future. I know about your disability, but you're also the same as everyone else. Except not everyone writes so nicely :)
ReplyDelete@NTE - I'm sure that your BADD post has already been a big part of the revolution in thought. Don't underestimate yourself :)
I have physical disabilities, and I've never been afraid to identify myself as having them...I actually prefer saying, "I have disabilities" (but not "I'm disabled") over all the "softened-up" ways of saying it ("physically challenged", " has physical impairments", "differently abled", that sort of thing"). I'm not sure exactly why...I guess I figure that I *do* have disabilities, and I might as well call a spade a spade. I don't see anything particularly negative about the word (although I do understand that it does have have negative connotations attached to it in some circles)...I guess I haven't really cared enough to let it bother me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me ramble. Off to read your troll story now! Like Ruth, as a writer, I believe that changing the stories is essential...