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

[ginny_t]

I just happen to be reading Rebecca, which does indeed use "idiot" as a descriptor for someone who has some sort of developmental or mental disability (it's not at all specific).

In those cases, maybe the word "fool" (caveat: I've known people who would freak out about having that word used on them because of its connotations; however, I don't think it has ableist connotations--more "you should've known better" connotations, which seem to be what you're looking for)?

[(Anonymous)]

Fool does indeed have "You should've known better' conotations, which would be ideal, if I didn't keep hearing it with a mad scientist laugh.

[(Anonymous)]

Oop. That was Lenora_Rose.

[ginny_t]

Wait, that's a downside? I thought mad scientist was a bonus! ^_~

[sasha_feather]

I really like "fool", because it's basically occupational. Being foolish, acting the fool is something someone does. Occupation, not ability or identity.