Considering that I, myself, am mentally ill, I would say no, I'm not giving any particular weight to one terminology or another. As far as I'm concerned, they are merely descriptors.
In the disabled forums I frequent, there are always people who educate others as to the proper terminology to be used for their particular disability. For example, I've read where those who are born deaf do not consider themselves disabled, but those who lose their hearing later in life do. Not deaf, don't know any deaf people, so I'll take their word for it. I've learned the words "ableist" and "disableist" there.
It's all just terminology to me, people striving to gain some sort of respect through proper semantics. I usually rebel against overly-PC fussing, but I'm cool with that. Words are important.
I think this addresses what you meant to say, if I'm off base, please forgive. But no, I don't give any "weight" to either term, one way or the other.
no subject
Date: 13 Jun 2010 02:33 pm (UTC)In the disabled forums I frequent, there are always people who educate others as to the proper terminology to be used for their particular disability. For example, I've read where those who are born deaf do not consider themselves disabled, but those who lose their hearing later in life do. Not deaf, don't know any deaf people, so I'll take their word for it. I've learned the words "ableist" and "disableist" there.
It's all just terminology to me, people striving to gain some sort of respect through proper semantics. I usually rebel against overly-PC fussing, but I'm cool with that. Words are important.
I think this addresses what you meant to say, if I'm off base, please forgive. But no, I don't give any "weight" to either term, one way or the other.