----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 9:04
AM
Subject: RC: Please don't use the word
"midget"
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