At today's GimpGirl support meeting we discussed how we use the term "Gimp". A term that can be demeaning and offensive when used against us. What does it mean to us as women with disabilities? Like the meaning behind our community name "GimpGirl", many choose to reclaim the term to show mutual understanding and pride as disabled people. How can ownership of such terms or labels help to empower us? What do you think?

This comes in response to a new post today on the Facebook group regarding disability terminology. I thought it would be interesting to share my thoughts here as well..............

This is a little late, but I just read Aleja's new post on disability terminology. In addition to the feelings that I shared at that meeting a while ago, this article brings up some interesting stories for me. I've seen both cases, where people use "incorrect" terms, or they are just so scared about it they don't say anything at all. For example, when I was in elementary school, the news did a story on our school play, in which I had one of the lead roles. I thought it was interesting that they used the term "wheelchair-bound" while displaying a scene where I was clearly out of my chair. This term is one of the few that I have a problem with. I don't get offended by it, it just gives people (especially little kids) misconceptions ("well how do you sleep?"). I have also seen the other extreme where people are so terrified that they're going to offend you, that they don't say anything at all. Coincidentally, I was on the news again for another unrelated topic and after the reporter had finished asking me about the project I was doing, she said "so, what...what...." She has this awkward look on her face, and points a faint gesture toward me. "You're trying to ask me what's my disability?" nod, relieved that she didn't have to say anything wrong. So I ended up explaining it to her.

I admit that even I have to be more sensitive to the "correct" terminology. I don't say things that I think would insult other people to their face, or for any bad reason, but I will admit that I am comfortable using the terms "gimp", "cripple", "handicapped" etc. in everyday conversation. (I still call it handicapped parking).I personally take these as a term of endearment, and don't get easily offended by them.

Sometimes, I do realize I need to be more sensitive with how I refer to people. But like the lady in the article said, it's easier to just ask the person or try your best, rather than just guess and end up looking like a moron!

ditto

P.S. i use "quadriplegic" to describe myself. sometimes i'd say that my joints are "crippled," but that's the extent of it.

This has been a controversy, since words were considered derogatory. What was fine 20 years ago is not OK now, and the words we use now will someday become politically incorrect, because some ppl aren't comfortable with being disabled and find the current word to describe it as wrong or insulting.

My take is it's not the word itself, but how you use it. I use crip, gimp midget etc among my friends, who are very comfortable with themselves, like to joke around, think 'why take life so seriously' and aren't uptight about who they are. It's one thing for some stranger to come up to me and say 'hey cripple whats wrong with you?', and its another to say to another disabled buddy 'hey gimpy how are ya today?" lol It's all about context

I run 2 sites (more controversy) that have the word gimp in em. I do get some flack but I find its usually from those who aren't comfortable with themselves, have no sense of humor and/or from the AB's who see us disabled as 'childlike' types that need over protection , should be pitied, or should be put on pedestals as the 'almighty inspiration'...gag me.

That's my take lol

Bonnie

i affiliate with people, not with words. i have never affiliated with words and i doubt that i ever will. i've given a lot of thought to 'acting through words' but it is still not something i am willing to embrace. i am often a silent one--a listener, a witness--and my relationship with words has always been conflicted.

Thank you very much for sharing your blog post Laura! It is interesting to hear different thoughts on this subject. Identity is a personal choice, therefore there are many reasons why we may choose to claim or reject certain terms and labels to describe ourselves whether individually or as a community. Some in society have often thrust such terms or labels upon us. We can redefine these for our own use giving them positive, inclusive and empowering qualities.

Keep your thoughts coming!

Lucy

I actually wrote a blog post on this in November. A friend had asked me why I used gimp to describe myself and this was the response. http://www.leftybydefault.com/2009/11/19/gimp/

Great question!
Laura