Reality check - using the words afflicted and suffering

[Guest guest]

When I was a kid someone called me a cripple and I cried for a month. It was

horribly devastating for me, it ruined my summer.

My physical therapists office was called C C S. No big deal until I found out it

stood for CRIPPLE Children's services. I hated the 70's.

When my son Adam was called a cripple by that (insert bad word here) kid at

school I was crushed. I took Adam out of the school. Adam took it in stride. He

hated being called names but it didn't crush him.

My son Spencer said he and Adam were in a gang called the Crip Alls.

So now cripple is something they call each other. Oh my gosh I still hate that

word. I don't know why they think its OK.

[Guest guest]

Gretchen-

Now I think your editor was wrong to use those words. Can you have a

talk with your editor and explain what using those two words does to your

article and more so to the person you are writing about?

As for the use of the word 'condition' instead of 'disease'. I explain to people

that I have a neurological condition. When you say 'disease' people tend to

think contagious and they step away from you. I think of disease meaning a

really bad illness which to me isn't us.(CMTers).It doesn't sound as ominous

saying 'condition'. Am I explaining this right?

Barb

[Guest guest]

I would be upset bythe use of these words. I have CMT but I am a useful

living person who may have some difficulties doing things but I would never call

myself afflicted or suffering. Those words to me imply that I am a useless

person and I am not useless by any means.

Cathleen

[Guest guest]

Do you have an open relationship with your editor or does he/she have the final

word?

If your editor is looking to embellish, perhaps the terms afflicted and

suffering could be substituted with something more positive like " person X,

although affected by CMT, ... "

I don't know. Tried to think of a better adjective than that but I'm afflicted

by middle-age and suffering from CRS...lol.

Sorry for the sense of humor...

[Guest guest]

A co-worker from New Zealand was visiting us in the states and commented that I

was parked in the 'invalid' parking. Mind you, I don't appear outwardly

disabled (I hide it well, no cane just AFOs under the pants). He did say it

thinking that I shouldn't be parked there BUT I did realize later that that is

the terminology that is used for handicapped parking in New Zealand and some

other countries.

[Guest guest]

I don't like disease either. I've usually said 'disorder' but I never liked

that much either. Condition sounds good so I think I'll start using that myself.

My concern there, though, is that some folks may take it more lightly than it

should be taken if you call it condition (i.e., employers evaluating medical

leave).

[Guest guest]

Hi -

After I say I've got a neurological condition; if the person I'm

talking with is interested then I go on to explain in the simplest way that it

usually progressive....blah blah blah. As for needing a medical leave that

wording needs to be strong and as precise as possible.

I just think when people hear the word disease they are expecting the person to

look sick.And I think CMT people look good and not " sick " .

Barb

[Guest guest]

Hi Gretchen:

I would not like the words " afflicted " or " suffering " if it was used to

describe me. Like you I find these words to be archaic, harsh and dramatic.

Don't you just love editors!!!!

Why not use simple words like he/she " has " .

Kindest regards,