[tensenki]

As a handicapped individual, I hate all this stupid word play. I'm a cripple. Unless calling me something different is going to somehow make me run, climb, or dance again, then it really doesn't matter how you refer to me. Call me whatever you want, but don't refer to me by any of this flowery language, I find that far more offensive.

[peterashford]

I'm the father of a child with autism and I agree with your sentiment. It's context and emphasis rather than just words that tell you whether someone is trying to be offensive. And trying to find offense where none is intended is asinine. On the other hand, being ignorant of the fact the some people find certain terms offensive is also fairly poor.

[plaguuuuuu]

Most neurological conditions are far less clear cut than physical disabilities. At some point there's a very grey area between what constitutes a 'disorder' and what is deemed to be merely an aspect of one's personality. In the end, some imbalances of neurotransmitters or differences in brain development have DSM criteria and others are written off as individual quirks.

Obviously I respect that you'd like to be referred to matter-of-factly but 'disabled' or whatever is a wider demographic than just the wheelchair-bound.

[chillingeffect]

The above two comments, taken together, indicate SO MUCH. For example, they show why feminism is so problematic:

Members of the same identified group do not by necessity agree on how they wish to be treated. There is no monolithic, "correct" feminism and there is no monolithic, "correct" "handicapped person."

Brilliant. Thank you for not just sitting there and keep quiet, tensenki. Good luck with your coding, etc.

[kefka]

I think you're on to something there.

From my observations, feminism seems to place the woman as "damaged" or "in a state of victimhood". That viewpoint seems.. wrong. Why would I see myself as lesser and try to lower others around me so I look better?