In our efforts to be courteous, we often tread a fine line between politeness and inadvertent insensitivity towards individuals with disabilities. This delicate balance is frequently mishandled, leading to social exclusion for those with disabilities. While we're conditioned to avoid staring, this can result in completely overlooking the presence of someone with a disability, rendering them invisible in social contexts. It's crucial to recognize that true politeness encompasses respect, inclusion, and the recognition of each person's dignity.
From a young age, we're instructed that it's impolite to stare at someone who appears different, including those with disabilities. This lesson, while well-intentioned, can instill a fear of engaging with people with disabilities, leading to avoidance rather than respectful interaction.
Children, with their innate curiosity, often point and ask questions about individuals with disabilities. The typical adult reaction is to silence the child with a hushed "shhhh," which can instill a sense of fear or shame around the topic. Instead, we should embrace these teachable moments, providing children with straightforward explanations that foster understanding and empathy. For instance, explaining that someone uses a wheelchair due to weakened legs or a condition like cerebral palsy can demystify the situation for a child.
Many people fear making a mistake when interacting with someone with a disability, which can lead to inaction and further isolation for the individual. Here are some guidelines to improve the quality of our interactions:
Language shapes our perceptions and attitudes. It's essential to prioritize the individual over the disability in our speech. Here's a guide to respectful terminology:
| Outdated or Offensive | Acceptable and Appropriate | | --------------------- | -------------------------- | | Disabled, Handicapped | Person with a disability | | Retarded, Mentally ill | Person with a developmental or cognitive disability | | Hearing impaired | Person who is deaf or hard of hearing | | Visually impaired | Person who is blind or partially sighted | | Confined to a wheelchair, Crippled | Wheelchair user, person who uses a wheelchair | | Midget | Little person, person of short stature | | Normal | Person without a disability, non-disabled |
According to the CDC, 26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability. It's important to note that many disabilities are not immediately apparent, so our words and actions can have a significant impact on a larger portion of the population than we might realize.
While most people have good intentions and aim to avoid causing harm, our actions can sometimes have the opposite effect. What we consider polite behavior may lead to making many people feel overlooked or marginalized. The challenge lies in ensuring that our efforts to be nice do not inadvertently contribute to the invisibility of individuals with disabilities.
In conclusion, it's not just about avoiding causing offense; it's about actively fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is acknowledged and respected. By educating ourselves and adjusting our behaviors, we can create a more welcoming society for all.
The Impact of Body Size on Social Perception and Discrimination
In a society that often equates physical appearance with worth, the dimensions of one's body can have profound implications. From the boardroom to the classroom, individuals are frequently judged based on their size, leading to discrimination that can affect their emotional well-being, social interactions, economic opportunities, and overall health. This article delves into the nuances of size discrimination, exploring the terminology used to describe body size, the prevalence of prejudice based on weight and height, and the societal and legislative responses to such biases.
Is Affirmative Action Reverse Discrimination?
Claims of reverse discrimination have been around for a while; however, recent events have brought it back into the forefront. With the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the New Haven, CT white firefighters reverse discrimination case, the election of President Obama and the nomination of Sonia Sotomayo, the first Latina to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court, some are claiming white men are being discriminated against despite the fact that seven of the nine justices are white men.
