When I grew up in the '50s, people were called…
“When I grew up in the '50s, people were called 'hearing-impaired.' And then the consciousness of the community shifted: 'I'm not hearing-impaired. I'm deaf. Call me what I am.'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Identity language evolves; people prefer terms that reflect their experience rather than deficits.
In simple terms: People choose self‑identifying labels.
Respect preferred terminology.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- community meetings
- policy drafting
- education curricula
- media representation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape perception of disability?
- What impact does self‑labeling have on empowerment?
Changing language may meet resistance from legacy institutions.