Should People with Disabilities Refer to Themselves as "Cripples?"
In a recent editorial meeting, the staff at GCDD discussed differing perspectives on People First Language, a debate that resurfaces within the disability community from time to time. It was brought to our attention that some individuals are referring to themselves as ‘cripples” or "crips." Others are concerned that embracing such an attitude will move us in the wrong direction. It seems that it was not too long ago that we were working diligently to convince the public to stop using what were considered to be demeaning words and phrases that placed undue emphasis on the disability rather than on the person. We've moved away from using the word "handicapped" to refer to people, and we've eliminated official use of the "R" word label. But even when certain words are used by someone with a disability, there are those who may respond with disappointment or frustration. Some may take offense and get angry. At GCDD, we adhere to the guidelines set forth in People First Language and discourage the tendency to define individuals by their disabilities. In fact, we regularly present these guidelines to journalists across the State and freely distribute them upon request. However, we have heard that the individuals are using the term as one of empowerment and authenticity, so we became very interested in the dynamics of the argument. We want to address the issue here by requesting that people write comments to share their perspectives for or against it. So we ask, do you think it is it okay for individuals living with disabilities to refer to themselves as cripples, or by any other term that may be interpreted as derogatory by the standards of today's disability movement? Tell us your thoughts.
