DayDreamer
Stalwart
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I can understand epileptic is often used in a negative way.
I have had most any neutral or otherwise lovely words being offensive when used in the wrong context, with sarcasm, or if I am feeling very defensive.
Language and its evolution is a weird thing. So many terms that are no longer acceptable mean the same thing that acceptable terms today do, they just do not have the acquired bad baggage they soon will UNLESS SOCIETY CHANGES IT VIEWS UPON THESE TABOOS.
Terms for people of African descent kept changing: nigger, negro, then black. These terms all mean the same if you look at the etymology as do: slow, retarded, mentally challenged, then mentally handicapped. Black became a widely acceptable term as society changed for the most. Society can change its view of conditions/people. Changing the word will not solve the problem.
I can be proud or accepting of "being epileptic/haircolor/nationality/ethnic group/class/whatever adjectival noun" and view a person who uses it in a bad or prejudicial way/ as limited in their perceptions. Maybe they need help with education and many things. The word does not need to change, these people who use it in the wrong way do.
I think this thread is closely related to the need to relieve the stigma associated with epilepsy.
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f36/ultimate-way-promote-forum-22576/
I have had most any neutral or otherwise lovely words being offensive when used in the wrong context, with sarcasm, or if I am feeling very defensive.
Language and its evolution is a weird thing. So many terms that are no longer acceptable mean the same thing that acceptable terms today do, they just do not have the acquired bad baggage they soon will UNLESS SOCIETY CHANGES IT VIEWS UPON THESE TABOOS.
Terms for people of African descent kept changing: nigger, negro, then black. These terms all mean the same if you look at the etymology as do: slow, retarded, mentally challenged, then mentally handicapped. Black became a widely acceptable term as society changed for the most. Society can change its view of conditions/people. Changing the word will not solve the problem.
I can be proud or accepting of "being epileptic/haircolor/nationality/ethnic group/class/whatever adjectival noun" and view a person who uses it in a bad or prejudicial way/ as limited in their perceptions. Maybe they need help with education and many things. The word does not need to change, these people who use it in the wrong way do.
I think this thread is closely related to the need to relieve the stigma associated with epilepsy.
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f36/ultimate-way-promote-forum-22576/