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acitivist, advocacy, crazy, Facebook, image, intelligent, lunatic, make a difference, mental health, mental illness, mentally ill, psycho, social media, speech, stigma, vocabulary, writing
Even though the words crazy, lunatic, insane, nut-job, nut-case, psycho, etc. are derogatory terms used against the mentally ill, I have learned something lately as I have watched people use them over and over again on social media and heard them used over and over again in speech. The words are used by people who are lazy in their speech and in their writing, or who have a limited vocabulary.
There is nothing descriptive about using the word crazy. It is often used like this, “That was a crazy night”, or “That shirt looks crazy”, or “That was some crazy stuff right there.” It is the like using the word awesome. It has been so overused that it has become a filler word with little to no meaning. If you are a writer and using those words in any place but dialogue, I would be careful. The writing will be seen as bland (like I said crazy is not really a descriptive word, no one can really tell you what a “crazy” shirt looks like, or what happened on a “crazy” night).
I haven’t really made a difference in the usage of those words by telling people they are offensive to the mentally ill just like using racist and homophobic words are offensive to people of color or gay people. But maybe if people realize they sound less intelligent and less creative by using those words it will make a difference.
I know when I am reading an essay or even a status update on Facebook when the author writes, “His shirt was blue with penguins on it,” I find it to be far more colorful, creative, and overall better writing than to say, “It was a crazy shirt.” In the first example, you can imagine the shirt in your mind which is what good creative writing is all about – creating a picture.
We are a long way from people being sensitive to the mentally ill in their writing and in their speech, but I know on social media that people like to create an image of their lives that shows them at their very best all of the time. They like to take pictures and Photoshop the pictures, they like to have pictures taken when they have had their hair styled, or when they are on vacation. It is all about perception and image. People also like to come across as funny, witty, creative and smart.
No one sounds funny, witty, creative or smart when they use an adjective that is so overused it means nothing (but is offensive to a group of people). If you really want to be creative find a thesaurus and come up with some descriptive words to describe what you are trying to say or write.
If you give up using those words, you’ll be a better writer/speaker and you will be a better ally to a group that experiences discrimination and stigma every single day.
I had thought about this use of adjectives as I see it (as a teacher) and hear it all the time. Reading your posts has opened my eyes to this and made me think much more about our use of words and how hurtful they can be. Thanks for this.
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Yes, words are powerful tools.
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I have tried to take that approach with our kids re: cursing.
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Does it ever work?
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I think so. I kind of convinced them it was boring to say the same dumb things all the time. I told them it made them sound like they had no imagination, etc. They never really got into foul language–whether it was due to my influence or not, I am not sure. The truth is that I grew up with a lot of locker room talk and sometimes they catch me slipping a word or expression in somewhere and tell me how trashy it sounds and how embarrassed THEY feel!
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I laughed about your kid’s response to your language. That is funny.
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You are so right. One doesn’t have to be an English major to write well. Using words correctly is more important than using flowery language.
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I agree!
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Good post, and use of the English language!
Living in Aus one has to be careful because Australians are notoriously bad at creating their own dialect, shortening words, cutting off sentences, coming up with their own words, etc.
All the best with your quest!
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I have to admit, I have become the type person you are talking about. I just don’t do it intentionally.
I have been trying not to use the word crazy.
I never really thought of it as hurtful . I call myself crazy at times and it has nothing to do with my depression.
This is one of those times, I really wish I could write like I did before the migraines stole my parts of my brain.
When I would use clear descriptive words and have the reader able to SEE what I was writing about.
When I was able to paint a picture from the word I wrote.
I am unable to come up with all of those wonderful words in any more.
I use words like “Stuff” a lot because Again, the words for something just won’t come
I am thankful to spell check and still use a dictionary at times. Not as much as I should.
I agree what you wrote. I really do.
I also agree that a number of people use certain words because they have gotten “Lazy”.
Just remember , there are a few of us, Who have trouble “Thinking of ANY word to Use….Let alone the right word.
I have a MASTER’S Degree In English Lit. I taught school for 17 Years before having to quit permanently because of my disabilities. I could no longer hide them.
Then I had an in home Preschool/ Daycare/ After School Program for another 10 years.
I pray that I don’t sound angry or upset here because I’m not.
I enjoyed this post.
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I know what it is like to lose language. I lost the ability to write when I was on certain medications. I’m so sorry to hear this, I know how hard it is and how sad it is. I realize there are other reasons for using those words besides the reasons I mentioned. Thank you for your comments 🙂
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Another thing I do without thinking is to post WITHOUT proofreading. I have tried and tried Not to do it.
I usually catch myself RIGHT AFTER I hit Post. Sorry.
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I do that all the time!!!!
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