The word "midget"

[DizBelle]

Exactly my point. That isn't discussion. Discussion is a back and forth sharing opinions and viewpoints and facts. Discussion is not starting a thread on a subject that may be considered controversial by some then sitting back and reading the back and forth between others and not contributing yourself.

dis·cus·sion
dəˈskəSH(ə)n/
noun

1. the action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
   "the proposals are not a blueprint but ideas for discussion"
   • a conversation or debate about a certain topic.
     plural noun: discussions
     "discussions about environmental improvement programs"
     synonyms: conversation, talk, dialogue, discourse, conference, debate, exchange of views, consultation, deliberation; More
     
     
   • a detailed treatment of a particular topic in speech or writing.
     synonyms: examination, exploration, analysis, study; More

Given that there are 60 posts, there has been plenty of discussion. Your slamming me because every other post wasn't mine? If I had something to say or had a question directed to me, I posted. You really don't think this thread has been informative? I certainly did.

I think I just shouldn't participate in the community board any more. It really isn't welcoming here. Truly sad.

 

[Geoff_M]

"Midget" is also the name given to the oldest level of youth hockey by USA Hockey. Their levels, each level normally consists of two ages are (youngest to oldest): Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and then Midget. Is that use "out" too?

 

[gwynne]

"Midget" is also the name given to the oldest level of youth hockey by USA Hockey. Their levels, each level normally consists of two ages are (youngest to oldest): Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and then Midget. Is that use "out" too?

I don't think kids hockey has anything to do with people that are born with a specific disability being discussed on this thread. If USA Hockey uses the term its not "out".

 

[bcla]

I don't think kids hockey has anything to do with people that are born with a specific disability being discussed on this thread. If USA Hockey uses the term its not "out".

But is it insensitive to use a term that may be loaded?

Heck - Disneyland used to have Midget Autopia.

http://duchessofdisneyland.com/park-history/midget-autopia/

 

[gwynne]

But is it insensitive to use a term that may be loaded?

Heck - Disneyland used to have Midget Autopia.

http://duchessofdisneyland.com/park-history/midget-autopia/

Just my opinion-- I think the Little People of America have an easily understood position on the issue of the word midget. It's a serious subject.
http://www.lpaonline.org/the-m-word


It really doesn't have anything to do with a theme park ride name.

 

[Unas]

I'm 49 & have never outside the Dis heard of "Oriental" used in any manner other than to describe race (which "Asian" does not do, BTW). What that has to do with the "acceptance level" of my social circle, I haven't a clue.

I always thought that oriental described floor coverings, not people.
There are lots of words used to describe people that are perceived by those who they apply to as derogatory and/or offensive. Sometimes, seemingly against all odds, we might be unaware of that. I think the important take away is that we stop using that term rather than get hung up on why the heck "they" get upset about it.

 

[bcla]

Just my opinion-- I think the Little People of America have an easily understood position on the issue of the word midget. It's a serious subject.
http://www.lpaonline.org/the-m-word


It really doesn't have anything to do with a theme park ride name.

Understood. I don't think a similar ride name would be chosen today because of loaded the word is. The 50s were a different era.

 

[L&Lfan]

Barbie's best friend is named Midge. Is that short for Midget? Like Gidget?

 

[lizabu]

Barbie's best friend is named Midge. Is that short for Midget? Like Gidget?

I think Midge is short for Margaret

 

[L&Lfan]

Thank you! I had an early '60s Midge with the bubble cut hairdo and l always wondered what her name was short for. She was the only Midge I ever heard of. There was also Madge from the dishwashing liquid ad.

 

[roseaster]

I think that if a fairly large segment of the population is telling you that they consider a term pejorative, derogatory, hurtful, etc. to them I would think that the best course of action would be to try to remove the term from your vocabulary.

Why would anyone want to use a word that they know is hurtful, unless it is to deliberately hurt someone? If little people are telling you that the "M" word his hurtful, just stop using it in any context. It doesn't matter if it was the word you always used. It doesn't matter if you agree or don't agree. Just don't use it. It really isn't that hard. There are so many other descriptors. The linked article from the LPA has given a lot of alternatives.

As for sports teams, none of the youth teams in our area, that I am familiar with use this term any longer. Our teams usually go by age categories, but if there is a need for a "name" there are so many other terms that could be used that would indicate that it is a youth team.

 

[tinatark]

I thought about this thread this week, when I posted, tongue in cheek that high capacity top load washer manufacturers should install fold out steps on their machines (I'm around 5-1).. someone - I WONT MENTION RELATIONSHIPS BUT SHE GAVE BIRTH TO ME - posted, "They don't ask midgets"... I was a little offended!

 

[mom2rtk]

I thought about this thread this week, when I posted, tongue in cheek that high capacity top load washer manufacturers should install fold out steps on their machines (I'm around 5-1).. someone - I WONT MENTION RELATIONSHIPS BUT SHE GAVE BIRTH TO ME - posted, "They don't ask midgets"... I was a little offended!

Maybe you mom isn't even aware that the term "midget" is now considered offensive. Maybe there was no offense intended?

 

[Julie's Haircut]

I never considered the term midget to be pejorative, but since many little people do, it's best to avoid using it.

 

[mefordis]

Not sure why you pointed that out. I didn't disappear. I've been reading the responses.

Yet again someone has a problem with discussion on a discussion board? Which I really don't understand.

ITA. IMO you aren't required to come back and keep posting your opinion. Once you start a thread you are free to just read the responses. Maybe someone wants you to get into a debate?

 

[bcla]

I never considered the term midget to be pejorative, but since many little people do, it's best to avoid using it.

I'll use it in a historic context, but it's not something that enters my normal vocabulary. It's not quite like other words that might get me in trouble here.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Yes-words evolve. The new word is acceptable for a time then begins to be used in a derogatory manner so a new word is required.
examples: cripple, handicapped, physically challenged.
Mental, ********, ...
N word, colored, black, african american.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I heard "Short People" on the radio yesterday. Can you imagine if he wrote that song today!

"They got grubby little fingers...and dirty little minds..."

I was just thinking of that not too long ago. Those lyrics are horrible and that was in the80's-not THAT long ago.

 

[tinatark]

I thought about this thread this week, when I posted, tongue in cheek that high capacity top load washer manufacturers should install fold out steps on their machines (I'm around 5-1).. someone - I WONT MENTION RELATIONSHIPS BUT SHE GAVE BIRTH TO ME - posted, "They don't ask midgets"... I was a little offended!

Maybe you mom isn't even aware that the term "midget" is now considered offensive. Maybe there was no offense intended?

No, she doesn't know ... and she thought she was being funny.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

A while back, a local Gentlemen's Club had a sign out front advertising the appearance of Bridget the Midget.