• ExLisper@linux.community
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    9 months ago
    1. Invent a new name for an undesirable condition
    2. People start using this name as an insult
    3. Get offended that an insult is used to refer to people with said condition
    4. Go back to 1
    • Blackmist@feddit.uk
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      9 months ago

      In the UK people of a certain age remember Joey being an insult.

      This is because Blue Peter, a popular kids show, had a segment on a heavily disabled man called Joey Deacon. Between him and his friends at the care home, they had written a small book, at a few words a day. This, they thought, would endear the disabled to the nation’s children, who would see that just because somebody cannot speak or move, they could still achieve something.

      The next day, every playground was awash with kids calling each other Joey and grunting at each other.

      Blue Peter really did not know us at all.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldM
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      9 months ago

      Except it is not said condition. Because the condition was a misdiagnosis.

      “Hysteria” was once a diagnosis for overly-emotional women. It was a misdiagnosis too. And now calling people hysterical is often viewed by those people as offensive. Even if they are being overly-emotional.

      • Malfeasant@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        You’ll need to elaborate a little, I get how hysteria is made up bullshit, but some people are developmentally delayed, and what’s another word for delayed?

          • SoleInvictus@lemmy.world
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            9 months ago

            I’m still not getting it. Are you saying intellectual disabilities, formerly known as mental retardation, were previously frequently misdiagnosed? I can’t imagine that’s what you’re suggesting because I don’t see how that makes sense here. I’m confused. Halp.

            • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldM
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              9 months ago

              The diagnosis today of “mental retardation” is a misdiagnosis because it is no longer an accepted medical term.

                • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldM
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                  9 months ago

                  Yes, and ‘hysteria’ was once a diagnosis too. That was not the point that was made. The point was that it is somehow still a valid one today, just not a valid term. It is not a valid diagnosis. It’s not just about word choice.

                  1. Invent a new name for an undesirable condition

                  2. People start using this name as an insult

                  3. Get offended that an insult is used to refer to people with said condition

                  4. Go back to 1