People don’t realize when they say the word “lame” it is super offensive. The definition of lame is, “disabled or impaired in any way; weak, infirm; paralyzed; unable to move.”
The creation of the word lame
The word lame originated from the Benedictine abbot and scholar Aelfric. since the 1300’s, but the word became more popular in the 1800’s. when people started using it more to be offensive to people with leg disabilities.
Should the word lame be a slur?
The word lame is offensive to people with leg disabilities and can make people upset with you, but to be honest. Most people don’t know the real meaning of the word lame or don’t care about being respectful. so the word lame should be a slur because it can hurt people.
How to deal with people using slurs
Most people don’t know how to confront people that use inappropriate slurs. This is one way to do it which is the best way to do it. First, confront the person, second say what they did wrong, then tell them what it means.
Why do people use slurs?
People usually use slurs because they’re mad, they don’t know better, or they want to look cool but that’s bull crap. If you want to use slurs to look cool that is mean, rude and it’s bad practice for the real world.
Using slurs is worse than bullying
Using slurs is a form of bullying. but using slurs exposing someone or making fun of someone. For example if you use the r-word with someone that is autistic that would be rude. I’m not saying that less extreme bullying does not matter, I’m trying to say these people using slurs is not okay.
Not using the word lame could set you up for a better future
If you don’t use the word lame or other words that people use for bullying. For example slurs, you open yourself up to many kinds of different people. and you can offend people less often. If you practice not saying slurs. and do your research you can become esoteric to words and teach people what they are saying.
Is the word lame that bad?
I have told you the old definition of lame. but nowadays people think the word lame means you’re not cool and if you use it for that purpose is that, that bad? If you use the word lame for not being cool, that is a form of bullying. If you say an inanimate object is lame I guess that is still rude to the person that made that object.
It’s not the word lame
I know that I have made this article talking about the word lame. but it’s not the word lame there. are other words people say or not that are rude to the disabled community. for example the R-word or the words stupid, dumb, idiot. One of those words I have put out people use to bully . but it is not okay to say those words to point out someone’s disability.
Change how you talk
It is hard to change people’s thoughts and ideas because that is their bias. that’s what they believe in so if you can’t change anyone be the example of change. or if you are using these words, change up your language. clean it up a bit because if you stop you can be a more opening and welcoming person to other communities.
Credits
I will like to give credit to
https://www.grammerphobia.com and
https://www.learningforjustice.org and
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