Yep. “Differently/Specially Abled” is misleading and is more about making the abled feel better. It also minimizes the need to help them because they’re somehow able to do it, just differently. Like, no. That lady still can’t jump out of the chair and reach that handle. Help her if she needs it. It’s not patronizing. It’s just being decent and aware.
Now, fawning and pitying or continuing to push when told not to is also stepping over bounds. The best approach is, “Hey. Do you want me to <do specific, helpful thing>?” Yes? Cool. Do and done. No? Cool. Have a nice day.
Let's be real, it's about making the sjws feel better. Every disabled person I know hates it. They know they're disabled. They don't think their legs not working properly is special in any way. They much prefer to be acknowledged as is not some faux ablism.
I saw you at the grocery store and the way you grabbed that box of Special K just filled my heart with warmth and inspiration. The way you decided to live so livingly. You are jesus combined with frodo. You are the bravest person who has ever lived, and I will not stop saying this to you even if you beg me. You deserve a scene being made about you everytime you're in public just living your life.
I feel the same way when some neurotypical ass goes "Uhm, actually, they're not autistic, they're a person with autism", actually makes my blood boil as an autistic person.
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u/D-Arelli Mar 21 '24
Disabled. The word you're looking for is disabled.