Watch Your Tongue
Caitlin Carter
February 16, 2010
Filed under Features, News
An issue previously covered by the TYJ staff is racist language and ethnic groups reclaiming formerly derogatory words used against them.
Racism still exists, and the issue receives a great deal of attention. In contrast, the prejudice of ableism lacks the same coverage. It refers to discrimination against disabled persons.
“Disability” is a condition that is difficult to define because it encompasses a wealth of disorders. It describes physical problems, mental illness, and serious health issues that interfere with a person’s life. A large amount of modern words have roots in an offensive usage against this group of people.
“Lame.” Today this word is used to mean several things. This includes “weak,” “flimsy,” “inadequate,” or simply “bad.” Anything that a speaker deems unlikeable can be referred to as “lame.”
That is the word’s current connotation. Its purest denotation, however, means a person that has difficulty walking. This establishes a connection between physical disability and dissatisfaction.
“Idiot.” The connotation of this word is much closer to its original meaning. While derived from Greek terms meaning “ignorant” or “uneducated,” its recent use in English means a person with a mental handicap. Its connotation means “a stupid person.” This term is also problematic in that its current usage is accusatory, blaming those that have mental disability.
It is clear that these words have a history steeped in prejudice. However, the appropriate method in using these words is unclear. Some contend that policing the usage of these words restricts freedom of speech. Another opinion is that definitions change over time and that individual context is more important than history. Ashlyn Kelly justifies the use of the word “lame” by saying, “I think that it’s fine as long as you aren’t actually referring to someone that is disabled. Most people probably don’t know the literal definition; I know that I didn’t. If this definition of the term was widely known, or actually considered, I think that it would become more offensive.”
Courtney Bowen rejects the opinion that being politically correct means forsaking freedom of speech. “You’re essentially saying the same thing, without being offensive. If what you’re saying is important, it will have an impact either way.”
The conclusion is this: words have power. Be sure to use them wisely.
