Liss Says Stuff #2: Disablist Language

[Content Note: Disablist language specifically related to mental illness.]

This is just a quick one that I tried to keep as succinct as possible for people who need something on hand to address the use of disablist language during the shutdown, and what makes for an easy alternative. (With special guest star Sophie the Cat.)


So, one of the things I was asked to address during this video series was getting rid of disalbist language from our vocabularies. And this is relevant once again, ahh, because during the shutdown the Republicans are being described as "crazy," "insane," and all sorts of variations thereof, which is pretty common in political discourse.

And, um, I have a pretty simple solution for getting rid of this sort of language, which is: Say what you mean. If you mean that the Republicans, or whomever, are being dishonest, say that they're being dishonest. And, if you mean that they're indecent, say that they're indecent.

There are lots of words that we can use, um, that aren't specific, too, if that's the case—contemptible, reprehensible, um, awful, terrible! Any word that doesn't demonize, ahh, mental illness, or attribute to mental illness what is clearly emanating from some other place, um, is a good word to use.

[Sophie the Cat crawls behind me on the stairs.]

But, specifically saying what you mean, um, addresses the root of the problem. You know, if Republicans are being dishonest and you call them "crazy," the solution is not really the same to "cure mental illness," um, as it is to address dishonesty. So there's a use, um, in addition to not demonizing mental illness for saying what you mean.

[Sophie hops up on my shoulder.]

And that's really—hi, Sophs *air kiss*—that's really the easiest way to get rid of this language from your vocabulary.