Recently New Mobility received a letter from Rick Grassa, a long-time reader taking us to task for, among other issues, our continued use of naughty insider words like crip and gimp. Here’s a snippet from the letter:

I do not refer to myself or others in my condition as gimps or crips (even in closed groups) as those who write for New Mobility do on a disturbingly regular basis. Neither does anyone I know. It is degrading and not in the least bit amusing. I believe you are doing those of us working in the community to eliminate stereotypes and negative attitudes a disservice. If we have no  respect for ourselves - how can we even hope to gain the respect of others?

I have mixed feelings about those two words. Disability activists and writers use derogatory words like “gimp” and “crip” to try to reclaim them, to assert there’s not a damn thing wrong with having a disability. And yet, although I do jokingly refer to myself as a gimp to people I know very, very well, I don’t use them in my own writing, so obviously I'm not all that comfortable with them. But I support our writers who choose to exercise the disability lexicon by use of those naughty words, depending on the context. Like our column “Ervin,” for example. Mike Ervin’s a mainstay of Chicago activism who glories in barbecuing sacred cows in New Mobility. So if Mike uses crip, hey … it’s Mike, it’s what he does. And I think within our own community he should have that right.

But then I read letters like the one from Grassa and I wonder if it’s possible to ever reclaim crip and gimp, and if it’s even worth trying.

In principle, I support person-first language, as it arose from within our own community -- unlike such euphemistic garbage as “differently-abled” and "special needs." But in practice it’s an impossible construction to maintain ... too many syllables ... so we fall back on “disabled.” Lately I’ve noticed some writers using the acronym PWD, which defeats the whole purpose of first-person lingo. If we use “person with a disability” to force those without disabilities to recognize we’re individuals who just happen to have a disability, kind of like I just happen to have blue eyes, then PWD is the equivalent of a linguistic landmine. But then, to my line of thinking, so is use of the word “consumer,” when it becomes code for “person with a disability who does not work here.”

How about you? What disability-related words or phrases do you think should be off-limits in New Mobility, and why? Which do you prefer? And how about the word “disability” itself? Weigh in by either commenting on this entry or shooting me an e-mail at Josie@newmobility.com.

One of my closest friends has a child with Down Syndrome. She is an advocate, and she does amazing things to ensure that her son has every opportunity that "normal" kids have. I just saw an email where she bashed someone for using the words "mentally retarded." Now let me be clear, I don't think those words are appropriate or OK, and maybe they aren't PC. But it made me think about me. I have been called handicapped, disabled, gimpy, physically challenged, etc, etc. Call it what you will. I am what I am! I understand that everyone isn't as socially sensitive as a person with first hand experience may be. You smile and you educate. I wish people would stop being so offended. Our founding fathers didn't give us the right to be protected from idiots. They gave us the right to free speech. Let's get over this feeling that we need to boycott words and phrases. Let's show people that we, the people with varying levels of ability, can make a difference. Peace.

I wish the public get their heads in the your 2008! I've had Cerebral Palsy since 1972; and I perfer the word "Dis-abled"

How about "handi-capable" or "patient". Oops, I just vomited. Seriously, from a writers standpoint it is a tough call. If something like "PWD" became accepted by the AP Stylebook it would be easier to squeeze into those 250 word columns where the general term is pertinent to the story. I agree with the AP Stylebook when it says, when pertinent, and if possible, address the specific disability such as "wheelchair users" (AP jargon), I like using "wheelers". The words gimp and crip add spice and reality to the story, these words are certainly in the patois of people I roll with, and are badges of acceptance. I admit to a double standard--in my opinion the writer must own a disability to have license to use gimp and crip.

I respect Grassa's position, but I've got a healthy dose of orneriness mixed with some mischievousness that makes using gimp and crip too much fun. My buddies - like you said: those I know real well - don't get offended by it. Hell, if they did, I wouldn't hang with 'em. But, when I'm around an unfamiliar group, no way would I use those monikers. For example, I'll be speaking at a local Lions Club this month on disability awareness - Gimp and crip just don't quite fit the bill. But if somebody wants to use 'em - fine. I think I'd have to weigh in on the aye-side of First Amendment rights.

I'm a partial quad and like everybody, I've been called everything. I just like "crip" and "gimp" because it gives me a laugh! I like to see the expression on people's faces when I use those phrazes. I still can remember how upset it made my ex-wife when I called myself a crip. People have just got to loosen up a bit, for cryin out loud! Call me anything, but don't call me "late" for dinner!

I'm a quad, and I for one see nothing with being called a gimp, crip, disabled, handicapped, or whatever. I'm proud to be disabled! I'm tired of the political crap! Be proud of who & what you are. Words don't define who I am. New Mobility should use whatever words they want under the 1st amendment. If someone has a problem with reading or being called a gimp, crip or whatever then they don't have to read/subscribe to the magazine.

We still see the word "bound" used, as in "wheelchair bound". "Bound for glory" or "bound for the presidency", etc. are fine. I'm pretty sure NM doesn't use "wheelchair bound", but if there is an article on vocabulary, "bound" should be mentioned. :(

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