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

[thomasyan]

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

[oyceter]

Well, you don't have to do it everywhere. These are just for my own DW right now. I'm also catching myself a lot, and it's been easier for me to start with text than it is with speech, but I'm hoping I will get into the habit for everything eventually.

[torachan]

Crazy/insane is the hardest for me, because I have real trouble thinking of a substitute.

[softestbullet]

My go-to word is "ridiculous." (Hmm, there was a post with a lot of substitutions for ableist words but I can't find it!)

[ginny_t]

Irrational? Illogical? (I'm working on it, too.)

[kate_nepveu]

I am doing this myself and yes, "crazy/insane/mad" is _hard_. (I never used "lame" so that's one I don't have to work at.) But in the long run my language will be more precise as well as less hurtful, so I count it a good thing.