Angry? Do Something!

I wasn't going to speak about The Letter Everyone Is Talking About because I didn't want to give my time, brain power, or energy to something so negative. Other than offer my support to the family through Tweets: #Love4Maxwell, I didn't want any more attention to go to the letter writer.

However, there's a petition started now to help change the law so that people who write or say heinous things can be prosecuted. Under current law, the writer can't be prosecuted because people with disabilities don't fall under an "identifiable group," the way homosexuals or ethnic people do. Basically, you can tell a blind person you wish them dead and harass them and it's perfectly acceptable. If you were to tell them that to a gay or black person though, there would be a court case. Lovely.

So here's the petition: http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/crown-attorney-office-canada-and-prime-minister-stephen-harper-include-people-with-disabilities-as-identifiable-group-in-criminal-code

Please sign it and share it with your friends.

How To Stop Using The R-Word

I've written about why I've chosen to stop using the R-word, but I realized I didn't offer any tips to help others stop. So here are mine and I hope you join me in solidarity.

1) Understand that it hurts people.

Understand that even if you think it's funny or no big deal, it can hurt a lot of people - even people you don't see as having disabilities. Not only are some disabilities "invisible" or less obvious, but you never know if you're talking to a relative or friend of someone who may take your words to heart.

2) Catch yourself saying it

Sometimes our habits are so ingrained, we don't even realize how often certain words come out of our mouth. Engage your friends and family to help keep you on track and get them to point out every time you say it.

3) Come up with other words to use in its place

Do you use it when something is "stupid" or "ridiculous"? Use those words instead, in moderation. Improve your vocabulary so you have more words to say.


4) Start to become aware

You can use this exercise with other derogatory or dismissive words that may be in common use.  Start to build an awareness of how you may be contributing to the oppression of other people with your words. Analyse your vocabulary and take out useless and hurtful words in general. Be a better person :)