Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!137!219.0!Gene.Zeak
From: Gene.Zeak@p0.f219.n137.z1.fidonet.org (Gene Zeak)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Terminology, cont.
Message-ID: <13638@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 21 Aug 90 14:42:41 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: Gene.Zeak@p0.f219.n137.z1.fidonet.org
Distribution: misc
Organization: FidoNet node 1:137/219.0 - Crystal Visions 2, Bradenton FL
Lines: 43
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 9931

 AB> What else can you do?  If you see or hear reporters use 
 AB> incorrect terminology (even to save space in a headline or time 
 AB> on the air), call them or send them this page so they can be 
 AB> aware of the appropriate words to use.  Tell them it matters to 
 AB> you and to people with disabilities.
 AB>                     
 AB> Any comments anybody?
 AB>  
 AB> Take it easy....but take it!
 AB>     
 AB> Adrienne
 AB>  

Hi Adrienne...

I agree with much of that, in general.  Thanks for sharing it.

My concern (presently and long lasting) is, and has been, that we as 
a group (those that "have a disability") are far too often far too 
sensitive to semantics.  Quite often I have seen a really well 
meaning person put down for using a particular chioce of words.  In my
opinion the intention of the heart is a lot more important than the 
choice of words.

With that in mind let me say that I *DO* think it important to be as 
specifically correct as possible, but the speaker (writer) needs to be
corrected in light of their intent, not just their choice of words.

I've seen both sides...the wimpy response of, "Oh well, let them 
be...they mean well." and, "Get 'em, they used to wrong words!"  To me
the appropriate response lies somewhere in the middle, and that is 
what I'm promoting.

You may think this message is directed at you...it isn't.  It's just a
cry in the wilderness for the application of reason...

Later, Gene...

--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!137!219.0!Gene.Zeak
Internet: Gene.Zeak@p0.f219.n137.z1.fidonet.org