When I initially read your version I didn’t even notice what was different. I think the article makes a lot of good points, and rereading the original and your version, I see the difference.

The mindset that annoys me is people being mean and closed minded, and malevolent ignorance. so why use a bad proxy for like stupid, for the actual behavior and attitude that I have an issue with.

I’ve seen similar arguments for not body shaming people for being toxic trolls, and found it quite compelling.

[–] DessertStorms@kbin.social 2 points 9 months ago

I find that a lot of people just like to feel superior to others, and slinging ableist slurs is an easy way for them to do that because it puts the other person down without them having to actually invest any critical thought in to why.

They also generally already look down at disabled people, so they don't see anything wrong about using these slurs since the people they think they apply to, are, in their minds, already not worth considering as part of society.

You're absolutely right about the similar arguments that extent to other bigotry and toxicity, especially in leftist spaces where you'd hope people would know better. I think this article also does a great job at explaining how the words we use shape the spaces we occupy, and who does and doesn't feel welcome and included in them., but unfortunately as with so much other information, the people who need to hear it most are those who refuse to listen..

[–] LinkOpensChest_wav@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 9 months ago (2 children)

I opened a private window out of morbid curiosity, and every account that took offense at your link is an account that I block, so I feel like I'm on the right track.

I feel like people's reaction to being told certain language is ableist is a good litmus test for how open-minded they are to accepting new ideas.

[–] DessertStorms@kbin.social 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Lol, after posting, I almost instantly started seeing reply numbers go up, but I wasn't seeing any of them, ngl, knowing I'd already blocked them all felt fantastic. I made the mistake of doing what you did, knowing what to expect but not being able to stop my self, and it was as depressing as I thought it would be. Not checked again though, which I'm very proud of!

You're spot on about it being a litmus test, I especially hate it when someone I thought better of fights back, which sadly happens often, but didn't this time, so yay.