I'm not one that feels burdened by the need to use politically correct terms. This isn't to say that I intentionally use derogatory terms to upset people just that I don't always think politically correct terminology really makes that much difference. I've often joked that if I ever get to be in the position anywhere, I want to be chairman of the board . . . not chairperson and not chairwoman. If you disagree with me, that's fine . . . I'll even call you the chairwoman of the board. But, for me, chairman is just easier.
I have, however, become very sensitive to some terms that are often used freely, without thought and with no regard to what their real meaning is. I don't believe that most people intend to offend others around them in using these terms but I'd like us all to be more aware.
Crazy, nuts, mad, insane . . . we all use these terms pretty regularly (including me). I'm not trying to offend someone but we've all associated those terms with unusual thoughts or actions. I'm not suggesting that everyone has to stop using them . . . just be aware of the meaning.
Looney bin . . . I've mentioned this term in an earlier post. Most of us have seen images of a mental hospital on TV or in movies. There is much more to a mental hospital than a room full of people talking to themselves or running around acting completely out of the ordinary (it's hard to describe without using the word crazy . . . but you'll understand what I mean). A mental hospital or the psychiatric ward of a hospital are as important to a patient with mental illness as a cardiac intensive care unit is to someone who has had a severe heart attack.
Having said that, please be aware that more often than not I really do know that the words are not intended to be offensive. Some days I'm more sensitive than others . . . and some days I feel more strongly about awareness than others.
And, while I'm on the subject of words . . . just a reminder about the "r" word that is also used and can be VERY offensive. I've heard it used when talking about someone that makes a mistake. I've heard it abbreviated to 'tard or I've heard people talk about "the short bus." Mental retardation has to do with the ability for someone to learn. The brain of someone who has mental retardation is not able to learn as fast as those who do not. It doesn't make them stupid or any less of a person.
Let's all choose our words carefully. We shouldn't be afraid to speak (it is a free country) but we also should be considerate of those around us.
