real sensitivity training

11.10: psy/real sensitivity training:

. I've often been perplexed at attempts by policy

to replace terms like "(the retarded)

with "(the learning challenged);

that change might have less sour memories

than anything like "(retard)

but, it is still pointing at the same class

using a different name;

ie, after a while, they will just have to

change that name too

as soon as "(the learning challenged) learn to

associate that name

with the way staff treats them or points at them .

. one real difference that policy could make

is to refer to people by their effect on others:

eg, the real issue with referring to "(the retarded)

is that the enclosing situation is sensitive to

those who are irrational, violent, protection-needy,

unsociable, or uncooperative;

and, accident-prone, or future-blind, etc .

. these are the important differences

that characterize class we are pointing at,

yet they all traits that

the clients could equally say of staff;

and, these terms of affect

place a healthy emphasis on

where you are

rather than how you got there .

11.15: pol/mongoloids, and nobody even cared:

. recalled being informed that the term "(hispanic)

is like "(mongoloid):

you don't refer to people by where they're from

because that's a baseless discriminant

since you can't draw any relevant conclusions

from just knowing where someone's ancestors were from .

. yes, and now it seems funny using mongoloid as a

euphamism for downs syndrome

since the notable feature of that disorder

is not appearing to be from mongolia

but being prone to irrational or even violent acts .

. actually the ancestors of mongolia were indeed known for

unparalleled ferocious acts of violence .

. now I see the satire of that 1980's song

with the urgent rock beat, and these lyrics:

"(

. mongoloid, he was mongoloid, and nobody even cared!

)

. the whole world is based on so much irrationality

but is backing it up with ferocious acts of violence,

and nobody gives it a second thought !

[ . to give myself as example,

I'm a livid advocate of pro-choice and death-with-dignity

but my real problem is not having more control over

reproductive machinery,

assignment of careprovider responsibilities,

and drugs that make pain worth living .

] .