Labels are for Jelly Jars - Not People

Ever since the inception of the Word Ability Federation, bringing attention to the limits placed by a (mis)use of language has been core to our mission.  We have often been quoted-and sometimes maligned-for our insistence that there are no disabilities.  Period.  The concept of having a 'dis-ability' is both useless and dangerous. 

‘Dis' is the absence or lack of a thing.  Is it relevant to assess us by an attribute or ability that we do not possess?  It has been our contention that trying to understand something by what it lacks is like calling an ocean a ‘dis-dry' or the color of white snow as ‘disblack.'  Nobody would argue that such language makes much sense.  Why then does it make sense to discuss an individual by a perceived ‘dis-ability?'  Perhaps we do it merely by convention or from habit...or worse, with the hope of attaining the lofty accolade of 'political correctness' (whatever that is).  Such a reference is dis-functional, and long overdue for dis-carding.  I am not the un-tall guy who can't pitch a 98 mph fastball and who can't dance a ballet nor fly.  I am an individual made up of countless abilities.  Look at your resume.  How much of what you can't do is recorded there?  Would it have value?

Similarly, trying to describe a person by what they can't do-regardless of our convention, habits or generally accepted ‘political correctness'-is equally foolish.  It tells you nothing about what they can do or who they actually are as an individual.  People-all people-are a miraculous collection of abilities for which the whole is far greater than the sum of the parts. 

Andrea Bocelli is a gifted operatic performer who happens to see differently than most of us.  Stephen Hawking is perhaps the most brilliant theoretical physicist of all time who coincidently lives with ALS.  And, our beloved friend, the late Kim Peek whose uniqueness was the inspiration for the acclaimed movie Rain Man, was a beautiful and brilliant individual who brought wonder, inspiration and love to millions of people around the world.

Each of us has the responsibility to be open and considerate of all people regardless of their individual circumstance or uniqueness.  To do otherwise, creates boundaries and limitations where none truly exist.  Such labeling sows the seeds for bigotry and hatred.  At a time when the world is rife with disharmony, discontent and distrust, and hate and terror abound, let's be vigilant about our language.  Monitor carefully how we speak and how we refer to people-individually or as a group. 

A very wise friend once told me ‘Labels are for jelly jars.'  Remember that.  Let's be careful not to use 'labeling language' to describe anyone.  Let's make sure that we don't inadvertently contribute to the dis's that sicken and sadden our world and create artificial boundaries and limitations for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world.  Let's strike ‘dis' from describing anyone and let's take the time to learn enough about them as unique individuals to see and praise them for their abilities.  Or, let's not speak at all.

Following is a link to a great little You Tube video clip where two of the actors from the movie ‘The Ringer' describe another perspective on the outcomes of ‘labeling-language'.  Enjoy, but remember...Labels are for jelly jars--not people! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfMlrTV_5vY