Please don't use the word "midget"

[Lari Shea <larishea@horse-vacation.com>]

Hi folks,

As the sister of a man who was born with severe dwarfism, I'm sensitive
to the connotative meaning of words used to describe this
condition.  Some words carry a derogatory additional meaning. 
A dwarf is an animal or person whose adult size will be much smaller than
normal; there are many causes for and degrees of dwarfism.  (The
accepted opposite term is "giantism")  In the past, some
dwarfs were displayed in circus "freak" shows.....and were
invariably termed "midgets".   Now, I know absolutely
that none of you folks using the term "midget" to refer to
small horses meant to use a derogatory term.   But when I
glance down the list of subjects on the past few day's digests, my
stomach does a little cringe as I keep reading this word.

I'm reminded of the time I was riding in Utah with a great gang of young
cowboys.   When I complimented one on his saddle, he proudly
told me he'd really jew'd the guy down he'd bought it from.  I knew
exactly what he meant.  I also knew he hadn't meant to offend
me.  So, because I liked him, I taught him that he had
offended me....that I'm Jewish, and that the term "jew'd him
down" has negative connotations.   He felt terrible....he
sure hadn't meant to hurt my feelings.   He was glad I had
taught him the concept,  and explained the connotative meaning of
this term, so that in the future, he could communicate without
offending.  Thankfully, there aren't many dwarfs around,
particularly since the advent of synthetic pituitary growth hormone, so I
thought probably most folks weren't aware of the different meanings of
these two terms, and would want to know.

Happy holidays to all...

Lari

Lari Shea's Ricochet Ridge Ranch
www.horse-vacation.com