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Stop Using These Words and Phrases
By Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar
Try this thought experiment: You’re sitting at your desk when your friend texts you an article about a topic you’re passionate about. You read it and ask her what she thinks. To your surprise, her opinion is the complete opposite of yours. This obviously upsets you. Later that evening, as you explain what happened to your partner, how do you describe your friend’s point of view?
If you said it was “stupid,” “insane,” “crazy,” “lame,” or “dumb,” you have (unknowingly or not) participated in spreading ableist language.
You may be surprised to learn that your response was a form of discrimination. People use ableist words and phrases every day without realizing the harm they do. ...
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