Talk:Handicapped

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Explanation of changes (definition meaning disability):

I moved the usage meaning "disability" to the top, because it's the most common.

I removed the references to the words "cripple" and "retard" because they have nothing to do with porn!This article as a diambiguation page (it seems to be someone's POV, to equate the word "handicapped" with terms normally considered much more derogatory).

I removed "partially disabled or unable to us a limb or limbs." I don't know why anyone is defining it as a partial disability, or referring specifically to limbs, since the term can refer to any disability.

It was linked twice to the disability article, so I removed one of the links.

I changed "The use of this term is considered offensive" to "some people consider the use of this term to be offensive." There is a difference between "retard," which is used deliberately as an offensive term, and "handicapped," which is not used deliberately in an offensive fashion. The idea that it might be offensive is based purely on some people's theoretical framework, on conclusions they have drawn about the term's "meaning." Not everyone accepts these conclusions. I consider the term "mentally handicapped" to be completely neutral, and preferable to what seems to be continual euphemizing: "special needs," "developmentally disabled," "mentally challenged," and so on. If a person understands my meaning, they will not be offended; if they "are offended" (sometimes a passive euphemism for "react"), I believe it likely stems from either their pre-judgement of me or their power needs. However, I have found that it is not so much people with disabilities themselves who react to the term, but rather their more politically-charged "advocates." I think these people should try to develop a greater tolerance for different peoples' use of language, rather than trying to get others to conform to their ideology.24.64.223.203 11:23, 26 November 2005 (UTC)

Overall, you've vastly improved this page. Well done. I disagree that the disability definition is used anywhere near as often as the sporting meanings, but agree it can be first as it's (now) much shorter and simpler. --Scott Davis ^Talk 14:06, 26 November 2005 (UTC)