Words and Insults

Warning - I'm going to use some words here that I know are offensive to some people. I assure you though that they are used in the spirit of learning and teaching and with no malice.

Just the other day, an important labor leader in New York State used some words to insult and call out Governor Andrew Cuomo. The words were tough, insulting, a bit juvenile and disrespectful. Not to the Governor. He's a big boy and I'm sure these words like lots of others that have been tossed around at him and about him, rolled off pretty easily. First the words, a "monkey" and a "moron". An interesting use of terms by an intellegent person in an important leadership position. Here's an article describing the event and the language: Albany Times Union Article

The people who were insulted and disrespected were the many thousands of people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. These individuals have been fighting for many years to get people to stop using offensive language like "retard" and "mental retardation". Their reasoning? These words really hurt when they are directed at you, especially when you had nothing to do with your disability or there's not much you can do about it. As stated above, I'm using the word "retard" and "moron" to make a point. I could refer to the r-word or the m-word but some people wouldn't get it.

Now there are always those who say this is just political correctness. "Yup, another group of people that doesn't want to be offended." If that's your view, so be it. I probably won't change it. But for those of you who are trying to understand, it's really quite simple. There are words that have evolved in our society to the point where they become slang and sometimes people forget or don't think about their true meaning. Take a minute to look up either of these words. You'll find that they are identified immediately as offensive. But here's a different test. Look someone you know in your community who has an intellectual or developmental disability in the eye and call them a "retard" or a "moron". Please don't, but think about it. Think about the reaction you would get from them or the people around them. This is hurtful language and is meant to offend.

I've heard people say in a truly wondering way, "Well what should I call them?" My response is always the same. Let's start with a name or a person with a disability. Build a relationship. Get to know an individual and you'll know what to call him or her.

But there's something more basic about the comments that were made by the labor leader. This person is representing people who support people with developmental disabilities throughout New York State and he's using insulting language about the people supported. Why? Because he's mad at the Governor. Because it makes him feel good to call him names. Because he's trying to get his people worked up. But calling names and trying to be as insulting as possible doesn't solve the problem. Talking to people, building coalitions around common themes and issues, figuring out how to speak for more people then your basic membership are all things that could help in the long run. Get on board with understanding that institutional care is not something people want or need. Walk arm in arm with the people supported by these services. Walk arm in arm with the non profits who are hurting more and more everyday because of cuts. Step up in anyway you can, but don't fall into the old trap of using insulting and hurtful language.