Dwarfism Fact : Many people who have not had the opportunity to know
someone with dwarfism may not realize that the term “midget” was
declared inappropriate and offensive on July 2009. This word has been
used to degrade and objectify people with dwarfism for many years. Most
of the people that use this word do so without any malice and just don’t
realize the negativity that surrounds it. Use of this word is similar
to the use of racial slurs. It's not okay to make jokes with this word,
or to refer to anyone with this word. It is extremely offensive. There’s been a lot of discussion over the
years about the proper way to refer to someone with dwarfism. Many
people who have the condition prefer the term “little person” or “person
of short stature.” For some, “dwarf” is acceptable. For most, “midget”
definitely is not and is considered extremely offensive.
But here’s an idea everyone can agree on: Why not simply call a person with dwarfism by his or her name?
Being of short stature is only one of the characteristics that make a
little person who he or she is. If you’re the parent or loved one of a
little person, you know this to be true.
I copied those words from various posting from the past two weeks. I never realized before I had Mr. C just what the word meant to LP's (Little People). We use the term average height to describe taller people...not normal height. I never thought of the "M" word as a negative word. Mr. C doesn't know or realize the connotations that go with that word. Maybe some day he will. As the years have gone by, I've noticed the word...Mr. C's baseball association uses it and even Tupperware uses it to describe it's little containers. When I hear it it stands out. I take a deep breath. I don't ever want my son to feel degraded with the use of that word. So if I can inform my family and friends that it is not considered as a way to address a LP then I will. Spread the word. Mr. C prefers to be called Connor!
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