The word game
Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor at http://www.sterlingcreations.ca.
It's the first weekend of October and it's shaping up to be a very nice one indeed.
Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
I hope you find it interesting reading and I wish you a great weekend.
It's the first weekend of October and it's shaping up to be a very nice one indeed.
Today, I am pleased to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
I hope you find it interesting reading and I wish you a great weekend.
+++++++++++++++
The word game
There are certain words and terms in our vocabulary that often take on an interesting connotation. I guess that as a rule of thumb, it can not be helped but I often wonder what we can do to change some of these meanings? How can we influence society to rethink their opinions of these meanings and if somehow we were able to do so, would it make for better attitudes among us all? Would it help to build healthier attitudes and happier relationships? Here are just a few words and terms for you to ponder.
First I'll give you the word or term followed by what much of society deems it to be and then I'll give you my personal meaning. Remember now, the first meaning comes from generalities as seen by society, and the second meaning is my own personal opinion. Here goes.
There are certain words and terms in our vocabulary that often take on an interesting connotation. I guess that as a rule of thumb, it can not be helped but I often wonder what we can do to change some of these meanings? How can we influence society to rethink their opinions of these meanings and if somehow we were able to do so, would it make for better attitudes among us all? Would it help to build healthier attitudes and happier relationships? Here are just a few words and terms for you to ponder.
First I'll give you the word or term followed by what much of society deems it to be and then I'll give you my personal meaning. Remember now, the first meaning comes from generalities as seen by society, and the second meaning is my own personal opinion. Here goes.
Senior: Society says that this word is used to describe someone over the age of 65, someone who is retired, and someone who needs additional health care in order to deal with the challenges of getting older.
My meaning: A senior is someone who has helped to make the world a better one because of the skills, experience, and expertise that they have given to us. A senior is the person who in more instances than not, has unselfishly passed on much to us and now we need to take care of their needs as they grow older.
Blind person: Much of our society thinks of a blind person who is not really able to make a meaningful contribution to our society and to our economy because of their inability to use their eyes to perform important functions. A blind person is someone who is often thought of as one who needs to be taken care of rather than someone who can take care of others.
My meaning: A blind person is someone who is often under estimated both for their abilities and their capabilities. A blind person is someone who if given an equal opportunity can use special or access technology to help them live normal and independent lives. A blind person is someone who is more than able to be a contributing member both to our society as well as to our economy.
The homeless: Society often thinks of this group of people as ones who live on the streets because they are either unable to afford to live in their own homes or they choose to live on the streets.
My meaning: When I hear the word homeless, I think of persons that we have failed to help. Persons who somehow have managed to fall through the cracks in our system and now we need to help them back up. Persons who have turned to the streets out of pure frustration. They have nowhere to go because we as a society will not allow them to go anywhere.
The Poor: Much of Society thinks of the poor or poor persons as a group of people who live below the poverty line; that is, they are just too poor to live independently. They need socially assistance in order to get by.
My meaning: I do agree with much of the above but I'll add the following: The poor are often ignored by much of society. They are often looked upon in a negative way but they are Human Beings too and they need help to survive.
Disabled persons: Much of society apply this term to those who for various reasons are not mainstream. That is, they are afflicted with such things as physical, mental, or learning diseases. The blind and the sight impaired are also often included in this group. They are persons who are unable to live and work in a mainstream world because of their disability and they are also seen as being a drain on both the health and economic systems.
My meaning: Yes, disabled persons are classified as those types of persons listed above but they are also the ones who can easily be described as the untapped labour force. Those persons who want to work but are often not given a chance to work because much of society judge them by their disability rather than by their ability.
My meaning: A senior is someone who has helped to make the world a better one because of the skills, experience, and expertise that they have given to us. A senior is the person who in more instances than not, has unselfishly passed on much to us and now we need to take care of their needs as they grow older.
Blind person: Much of our society thinks of a blind person who is not really able to make a meaningful contribution to our society and to our economy because of their inability to use their eyes to perform important functions. A blind person is someone who is often thought of as one who needs to be taken care of rather than someone who can take care of others.
My meaning: A blind person is someone who is often under estimated both for their abilities and their capabilities. A blind person is someone who if given an equal opportunity can use special or access technology to help them live normal and independent lives. A blind person is someone who is more than able to be a contributing member both to our society as well as to our economy.
The homeless: Society often thinks of this group of people as ones who live on the streets because they are either unable to afford to live in their own homes or they choose to live on the streets.
My meaning: When I hear the word homeless, I think of persons that we have failed to help. Persons who somehow have managed to fall through the cracks in our system and now we need to help them back up. Persons who have turned to the streets out of pure frustration. They have nowhere to go because we as a society will not allow them to go anywhere.
The Poor: Much of Society thinks of the poor or poor persons as a group of people who live below the poverty line; that is, they are just too poor to live independently. They need socially assistance in order to get by.
My meaning: I do agree with much of the above but I'll add the following: The poor are often ignored by much of society. They are often looked upon in a negative way but they are Human Beings too and they need help to survive.
Disabled persons: Much of society apply this term to those who for various reasons are not mainstream. That is, they are afflicted with such things as physical, mental, or learning diseases. The blind and the sight impaired are also often included in this group. They are persons who are unable to live and work in a mainstream world because of their disability and they are also seen as being a drain on both the health and economic systems.
My meaning: Yes, disabled persons are classified as those types of persons listed above but they are also the ones who can easily be described as the untapped labour force. Those persons who want to work but are often not given a chance to work because much of society judge them by their disability rather than by their ability.
I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreationsca.blogspot.com
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
posted by Editor at
3:04 AM
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