Everything has labels
Crip.
I am a crip.
Actually, no I'm not.
I'm a unique individual that will not be assimilated and who's probably watched too much Star Trek. I like saying dissABLED more than can't. I was born into it, so I don't miss it. Frankly, I spend more time ranting about able bodied people who waste their life because I can do ten times more than they can and they can walk! Who gets screwed? Moi.
The very word "crip" makes me recoil, and I'm utterly confused why the majority of the people listed on the Ragged Edge Magazine website refer to themselves as something that's so negative. Is it a play on words, a designation, or just a "here I am, crippled, now stop staring and back off?"
It sucks to live in a world where the minute I step outside I'm the first thing everyone will notice whether they want to or not because I'm different. It happens to all of us. I just happen to make sure that my scooter is a nifty shade of hunter green bearing a heart on the basket (in reality I'm a speed demon and everyone always wants to know how fast it can go), and if I get stares, I'll either invite conversation with a smile or stick my tongue out. There's no circus act here, but if you're nice enough to me I will sing for you.
Crip. I just can't accept that one though I am curious as to why many in the disABLED blog community do use it. What's the purpose behind it?
And here's another good one courtesy of a nice bus driver, handycapable. I might use that one.
