Language used by CMs

[tobikaye]

If alone, then I would expect the question to be asked with “you” as the question would be addressed directly to the lone individual.

In a group, I think “we” works fine as the question is asked of all and the necessary person can answer. Most of the time it will probably be the individual using the device, but occasionally it might be someone else in the group. I dislike when people ask me directly instead my my sister because they think she cannot answer for herself. There are times she asks me to speak for her, but she does prefer that questions be directed to either her first or to both of us in general.

Also for some, the transfer may take an extra person or two to make the transfer happen. In which case, the “you” may not be able to transfer alone, but the “we” can make the transfer possible.

 

[jpakstis]

I think using "you" creates some distance between the service provider and the guest. I'm not too enamored with the usage of "we" in the service industry either (saying "are we ready to order" really irks me) but at a gut level it eliminates that distance. I am a criminal prosecutor and there are schools of thought on how to incorporate those sorts of concepts using language, especially during opening statements and closing arguments, during trials. The "we" approach, i.e the Gerry Spence/Country lawyer, suggests that the attorney and the jury are about to go on a journey of discovery together. Ultimately I think this works well for a defense attorney (because he/she wants to humanize the defendant) or in a civil context (because the attorney doesn't want to make it seem about money, i.e. the Gerry Spence/country lawyer). The second is the "you" where the prosecutor has to tell the jury how the facts will be and how to decide the case. It can be harsh, but we want to make it be harsh, since the important thing is that a crime occurred and someone needs to be punished. It also de-humanizes the defendant.

I have no dog in this fight (to use a euphemism that my kids hate), but I find it language and linguistics to be fascinating. I can see how the CM's use of "we" could have really turned you off but I also can see why they are trained to use that language.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

Most people won’t even notice because they are not looking for things to be offended by.

Do most people notice that this is a veiled insult?

As for the OP, I did not notice that verbiage being used. However, if you did, my guess is maybe they have been trained to use it. Either way, you have a right to be bothered by it and ask your question.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

You are taking time to post a thread about the use of a personal pronoun while on vacation.
And then responding to comments about that personal pronoun while on vacation.

The CMs are saying nothing inappropriate.
If you feel the word "we" is condescending, then that is your hangup. Don't place blame on the CMs for your sensitivity.

Try to enjoy your vacation....

I find this reply condescending.

Again. People get scared to post, and the forum itself becomes less then, when replies become like this. I myself posted recently about people actually using vulgar language to hurl insults at me all because I was using a scooter. At one point even the scooter was parked against the side of the building and could in no way, shape or form be bothering anyone. I got a few replies where people implied I was letting it bother me, or that they aren’t looking for trouble at Disney (as I guess they felt I was by “hearing” the remarks). It makes no sense to me when people reply here and become in essence a bully themselves. As for myself, it’s a bit hard not to realize that someone is calling you names if they are within such close proximity you can touch them while they call you a fat, lazy b**** because you’re on a scooter. At Disney. At Christmas time. Horrible. Yet when I posted about it here, some of the replies made me feel like I was right back there being insulted again by people I don’t even know.
If this poster was upset and wanted to discuss the problem with people they felt were like minded individuals, don’t become a bully about it. People should not have to sugar coat things just because they are talking Disney on this forum. Disney is not a perfect wonderland no matter how much we want it to be. I think some people literally don’t want to hear anything that might be negative about Disney, and to me that’s being over sensitive.
Lastly, so the poor OP took time to be on the disboards while on vacation. OP - don’t worry about it. Don’t let someone make you feel bad for being on social media. I think most people here are helpful.

 

[RaySharpton]

From my last December 2018 trip, I can only remember the phrase "...can you transfer...?" I'm not even sure if they said "you". I can only recall "...can you transfer...?

They may have said we or you. I just don't remember the pronoun or complete sentence that was used.

Speaking only for myself, I was never offended by whatever they asked me.

Almost all of the guests and cast members and strangers always greeted me with a smile and a hello. It was a very nice experience during the busy season.

 

[jo-jo]

Don't remember what they said, but I love it when a CM bends down to eye level to ask DH if is is able to whatever. Doesn't happen often though.

 

[J'aime Paris]

People should not have to sugar coat things just because they are talking Disney on this forum. .

Exactly!! Just what I did!

Maybe we shouldn't blame our feelings, insecurities, or hangups on others. The CMs were just doing their job...

 

[mgrayar]

Do most people notice that this is a veiled insult?

As for the OP, I did not notice that verbiage being used. However, if you did, my guess is maybe they have been trained to use it. Either way, you have a right to be bothered by it and ask your question.

Only those looking to find innocuous things insulting. Hope that helps.

 

[DisneyOma]

Why would an English speaker, non native or not, be offended by the word “you” when English provides no distinction? They would be aware of that. I don’t follow your logic.

Are you sure you are a linguistics specialist? Because I really think this is pretty obvious, as I explained earlier, that other cultures have the two forms of you, and we don't, so we is used to be more formal.

Well this thread exists because you don’t like when a CM uses “we.” It’s not too hard to assume there are people who don’t like when a CM uses “you,” either.

Good point!

I fail to see how the use of "we" is either less blunt or more gentle, especially in this situation.

When you have to use a personal mobility device on a daily basis, you encounter a great deal more of this type of de-humanizing behavior than the average bi-pedal human is ever aware of. While you are most likely correct that it isn't "personal" in nature and the "we" is being used as a "friendlier" substitute, by simply changing the phrase to "Will there be a transfer?" the question feels more appropriate. (obviously, I can't speak for the OP) "Will there be a transfer" takes away any hint of condescension or pity. It allows the appropriate person to answer the question without assuming anything further about the mobility user other than the question of transfer accommodation. "We" is only appropriate if the CM in question is also using a mobility device, and riding with the Guest as well.

@geek+nerd: is "able-splaining" a thing? I think it should be...

Using we as more formal instead of you as informal. It's showing respect. And no, "Able-splaining" should not be a thing - there are so many levels and variations of disabilities, and people get all jacked up about being more disabled, or whatnot above someone else. This would just add to the nonsense, IMO. What I have found is that people get a certain image in their heads about how a certain situation should be, and then get all pissy when others have a different image. In public, we all have to use that public space, and no one person is more special than another in the use of that public space. There's no condescension or pity in using we, unless you want it. It's a term for formality.

 

[EveDallas]

I find this reply condescending.

Again. People get scared to post, and the forum itself becomes less then, when replies become like this. I myself posted recently about people actually using vulgar language to hurl insults at me all because I was using a scooter. At one point even the scooter was parked against the side of the building and could in no way, shape or form be bothering anyone. I got a few replies where people implied I was letting it bother me, or that they aren’t looking for trouble at Disney (as I guess they felt I was by “hearing” the remarks). It makes no sense to me when people reply here and become in essence a bully themselves. As for myself, it’s a bit hard not to realize that someone is calling you names if they are within such close proximity you can touch them while they call you a fat, lazy b**** because you’re on a scooter. At Disney. At Christmas time. Horrible. Yet when I posted about it here, some of the replies made me feel like I was right back there being insulted again by people I don’t even know.
If this poster was upset and wanted to discuss the problem with people they felt were like minded individuals, don’t become a bully about it. People should not have to sugar coat things just because they are talking Disney on this forum. Disney is not a perfect wonderland no matter how much we want it to be. I think some people literally don’t want to hear anything that might be negative about Disney, and to me that’s being over sensitive.
Lastly, so the poor OP took time to be on the disboards while on vacation. OP - don’t worry about it. Don’t let someone make you feel bad for being on social media. I think most people here are helpful.

Sorry, but stating an opinion is not "bullying". People overuse that word to the point it loses all meaning.

 

[Allison]

Thanks for the critique of my username. Your comment was so helpful to the discussion.

I just thougnt it was kind of amusing that you chose this username but are upset about the use of the word we.

 

[kaytieeldr]

"You" sounds accusatory.
”We" sounds inclusive.

 

[geek+nerd]

"You" sounds accusatory.
”We" sounds inclusive.

So, in the question, “Are you able to transfer?” what exactly am i being accused of? Of being disabled? Guess what-I am. And that is nothing to be ashamed of.

 

[Haimia]

Oy!

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, in the question, “Are you able to transfer?” what exactly am i being accused of? Of being disabled? Guess what-I am. And that is nothing to be ashamed of.

Got it. You don't like being referred to as we.