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REVOLUTIONARY COMMON SENSE LIBRARY
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The DUH! Factor
Public Images vs.
Personal Self-Esteem
Revolutionary Common Sense by Kathie Snow
www.disabilityisnatural.com
There are “Duh!” moments every day in the Disability World. An informational brochure from a particular disability organization evoked a “Duh!” from my lips recently. (I’ll call the disability described in the brochure the “XYZ syndrome.”)
The organization’s brochure described the XYZ syndrome as “one
of the most devastating of all birth defects.” A menu of the “damaging” effects
of the XYZ syndrome included: “problems” with learning, language
development, social and emotional abilities, and more. Secondary consequences
included certain physical “problems,” as well as “depression
and social and sexual issues.”
This laundry-list of “problems” was followed by the recommendation
that attention should be paid to the “psychological and social development” of
people with this condition because many have “low self-esteem.” Duh! Why wouldn’t people with this condition feel badly about themselves,
since the organization that “represents” them promotes such negative
perspectives?
Many disability organizations do very good work on behalf of people with
disabilities and their families. But how do we weigh their good works
against the “ain’t
it awful” approach they commonly use to raise money?
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A few days ago (in May, 2001), I watched a TV interview with Jerry Lewis.
The reporter focused on his longevity in show business. Then she gently
brought up the criticism Lewis has received for promoting negative,
stereotypical imagery during his annual telethon (including the paternalistic
practice of referring to people of all ages who have muscular dystrophy
as “Jerry’s Kids.”)
He said he used pity because “it works,” and added, “OK,
so you’re a cripple in a wheelchair and you don’t want to be pitied—then
stay in your house!”
Millions of Americans saw this network television interview. Were they
horrified by the words of Lewis, or did some think, “Well, he’s got a point
. . .”? While Lewis receives criticism from many advocates, is his “pity
approach” significantly different from the methods used by other disability
organizations?
Children and adults with disabilities are in a daily battle with
their greatest enemy: old attitudes and perceptions that marginalize
and degrade them. When will we acknowledge that negative images of
people with disabilities are often generated and maintained by the
very organizations that purport to represent their interests—and what will we do to stop this soul-crushing practice?
©2001-06 Kathie Snow, www.disabilityisnatural.com. Clip art from Adobe In-Design. Permission is granted for non-commercial use of this article: you may print this web page and photocopy it to share with others. Click here to download the PDF handout version of the article. As a courtesy, please tell me (kathie@disabilityisnatural.com) how/when you use it. Do not violate copyright laws: request permission before reprinting or republishing in newsletters, on websites, or in other media
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Our words reflect the way we think, so let's get rid of descriptors like "handicapped, physically disabled, mentally retarded, learning disabled" and other words that focus on the condition instead of the person. People First Language promotes dignity and respect for all!
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