Era - Dawn of Time until 1940:
Those unable to walk were referred to as ‘cripples’. Since this term was applied only to those who were unable to walk, it was obviously discriminatory and was changed.
Era
1940 until 1975
Those unable to walk were referred to as ‘handicapped’. Since this term was applied only to those who were unable to walk, it was obviously discriminatory and was changed.
Era
1975 until 1989
Those unable to walk were referred to as ‘physically challenged’. Since this term was applied only to those who were unable to walk, it was obviously discriminatory and was changed.
Era
1989 to Present
Those unable to walk are referred to as ‘physically special’. Since this term is applied only to those who are unable to walk, it is obviously discriminatory and will soon be changed.
I would also like to point out that in my 28 years of life, which included working with physically challenged people for several summers…I have never once heard someone called “physically special”.
Big SUV, if you want to use the word cripple, go right ahead…because I think that’s the point you’re trying to make. If I’m wrong, let me know.
First off, i’ve never heard of anyone being referred to as “physically special”. Physically special? FFS.
Secondly, are seriously saying that the only reason different terms have been suggested and adopted/rejected over the years is because they were discriminatory due to referring only to people who are unable to walk? Is that really what you think? Because it’s a ridiculously naive and oversimplified view if it is.
Very little thought went into the original post, so it’s difficult to RE-think it. I’ll try to ratchet up the intellectual level of future posts.
The point of the OP was that people often use words not to communicate, but to actively obscure an idea. However, I seem to have done just that, myself.
Y’know, we always hear of those specially-marked parking spots as “Handicapped parking spaces”… so, in that sense, “handicapped” hasn’t been abandoned.
Background:
I am a person with a disability and just finished taking a course called “disabled in America”, for which I read about and used many modern references regarding terminology for people with disabilities. You’ll note that thus far I’ve said “people with disabilities”- that seems to be the preferred term at this point. The idea is to emphasize the person first, then the disability. For example, not “cripple”, but “person who uses a wheelchair”. Not “hunchback”, but “person with scoliosis”. See how that works? Not “retard”, but “person with mental retardation/intellecutal disability”.
Most people with a disability reject term like “handi-capable” and other touchy feely phrases. They want to be treated like everyone else and be free of labels.
BigSUV, you obviously (and admittedly) did not think this through prior to posting. I’m not being sarcastic when I say that I will glady provide you with more information about this if you are interested. E-mail me at suzette100@yahoo.com
You took the words right outta my hands. I was just about to mention the “handicapped” car tags that I see everywhere, and also the “handicapped” restroom stall signs.
The few people I know that are handicapped use that terminology themselves, so I guess it’s not so out-dated or out of use as some people think.
[sub] God…I can’t believe I just quoted SPOOFE! He’s like, well, one of my heroes…(near swoon)[/sub]