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Abelist assumptions and comments are not only an issue in outdated language in hymns and Bible translations; they are pervasive in even the most common of idioms and remarks. Describing circumstances as "crazy," fear as "paralyzing," or a politician as "turning a blind eye" to an issue can all strike a chord with someone who suffers from mental illness, mobility issues or blindness. What follows are a series of suggestions for alternatives to those abelist idioms. These suggestions were compiled generously by Hannah Johnsrud, and are shared here with her consent.
in everyday language
in everyday language
Current Language:
"Blind to…”
“Turn a blind eye to…”
“Blinded by (hate/rage/prejudice)”
“Our eyes were opened to…”
"Open your eyes..."
Alternatives:
“Ignorant of”
“Turning their back on”
“Overcome by prejudice”
“Unaware of”
"Pay attention"
Current Language:
“Crippled by”
“Paralyzed by”
Alternatives:
“Crippled by”
“Paralyzed by”
“Frozen by”
“Stopped by”
“Completely stuck”
Current Language:
“Deaf to…”
“Fell on deaf ears…”
“Our ears were opened to…”
Alternatives:
“willfully or deliberately ignorant”
“turned their back on”
“refused to listen” / “feigned ignorance” / "Never noticed..."
"We realized..."
Current Language:
“crazy”
“psycho”
“nuts”
“insane”
Alternatives:
"wild"
"unreal"
"mind blowing"
"incredible"
"unheard of"
Current Language:
"lame"
Alternatives:
"boring"
"uninteresting"
"unfortunate"
Current Language:
"Handicapped"
Alternatives:
Always use "person first" language, or ASK if you are unsure!
"Person with a disability”
"Differently abled"
Regarding things or places that can are accessible to persons with disabilities, do not call the parking space (for example) "handicapped," but rather "Accessible."
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