Comment policy

[oyceter]

I previously have not had an official comment policy, but since I am trying to change my language online to use less ableist terms and it's reflected in my replies to some comments, I felt I should probably have something concrete.

Please don't use [oppression]ist language in comments. This includes racial epithets, misogynist terms ("cunt" or "bitch" as insults for example) and homophobic terms, which I think most commenters here know not to use. But I am now also trying to include ableist terms used such as:

• Dumb


• Idiot


• Retarded


• Blind


• Color blind


• Deaf (i.e. "deaf to nuance")


• Crippled


• Crazy


• Insane


• Lame

I have been fairly bad at my own language use in the past and am trying to change my habits, particularly terms referring to mental illnesses.

There will, of course, be times when people do use questionable language as descriptors or commentary or other purposes. I may end up using terms about mental illness to describe my own (depression). I just ask that you think about usage before commenting.

Thanks!

Comments

[trouble]

If I could make a small suggestion, "colour blind" and "deaf" (as in "deaf to nuance", for example) are also problematic.

Thank you

[tenured_fangirl]

For that matter, as someone who has relied on a cane, "lame" has always kind of bugged me.

[sasha_feather]

Thanks for doing this.

I'm including this post in my mini-link-spam on disabling language!
http://sasha-feather.dreamwidth.org/16946.html

[ginny_t]

"Feeble" also has problematic origins.

[thomasyan]

Removing "crazy" from my idiolect is going to be hard. Ditto "lame".

[(Anonymous)]

Lenora_Rose from LJ:

I hate to say it, but while I agree wholeheartedly with the idea, one of your words has me bemused.

I use idiot to denote a person who is normal, not developmentally delayed or otherwise handicapped, who does something so remarkably thoughtless it has to be noted. To me, the implication inherent in the word is that they *are* normal and choose to act otherwise. And my workplace is pretty strong on not using any term outside the clinical for any disability. Have I been wrong on this one? I think I can *not* use it, because I do my best not to insult people without good cause, but I wanted to inquire.

However, on the converse, 'moron' is a term that seems to have strong ablist conotations.

[ginny_t]

Today I was reminded of "hamstring/strung" as an alternative for "cripple". I really like this for that exemption that some people are demanding for cases where capabilities are purposely limited.

[seitzk.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to do this in general speech. It's good to know you're working on it too...