Let's be politically correct...

So here's the thing.  Around disabilities the topic about political correctness comes up. You know,  the fact that I'm not hearing impaired, I'm hard of hearing... or that someone isn't short, they're vertically challenged (okay maybe not that last one), but it's true that society has become so caught up with being politically correct that they don't realise THAT is not the issue. Mocking, diminishing... those are my gripes. People say "don't take me so seriously" but would they feel the same if the tables are turned? We say, oh they just being politically incorrect but there is a difference between that and just being insulting, insensitive and plain rude.

Asking if I read braille? That's not politically incorrect, that's insulting.

Covering your mouth when you speak to test me? It's not a joke that's rude.

Asking how it was possible that I have a degree with a disability? That's not ignorance, that's being diminishing.

Saying you know sign language and then pulling a rude finger sign? That's not funny it's insulting.

Slowing down and using easier words because I ask you to repeat what you said? That's belittling.

Whispering something and when I ask you to repeat you say never mind? That's hurtful.

Rolling your eyes and sighing when I've asked you to repeat something for the 5th time? That's rude.

Inviting me somewhere extremely noisy and then getting annoyed when I don't join in or leave early? That's insensitive.

Calling me brave and other adjectives because I continue to perform adequately in my everyday life is not a compliment. Am I meant to roll over and give up?

I'm not saying you need to tiptoe around disabilities, because that's not what this is about. I'm happy to chat and explain my problem and share my stories, but I'm not here to be the butt of a joke at a dinner party. It's NOT entertaining to make light or fun of someones problems, so why make fun of mine? Yes, I tell funny stories and share little anecdotes about my life because you need to laugh in life. There is a huge difference between gentle teasing when you know the person well and plain old belittling, mocking and insulting. So think next time before you ask a stupid question or make a joke about someones disability: Would you find it funny if you had to live with that and it was directed towards you?

My worst thing I've ever been told was actually by someone who had no idea how insulting they were being. I guess everyone says things without thinking but the fact that they didn't even realise that it hurt was the hardest thing. I got told that "you not REALLY disabled because like, you are pretty normal and your hearing problem isn't that much of a big deal, people have it far worse". Yeah. I'm well aware that people have worse problems than me. There is ALWAYS someone who has it worse. Does that make it any easier?

I once read a story about a man who had to carry a huge rock up a mountain. He picked it up, and carried it, but it was heavy and he struggled. He continued up, stopping along the way, with each step it felt heavier but he persevered. When he reached the top he found a whole crowd of people who had also carried their rocks up the mountain. Each rock was a different size, a different shape, a different weight, yet every person had struggled along their own journey. That mountain is a bit like life. We all have our own rocks, our own burdens to carry, just because they are different does not make it any easier for that person.My burden is my hearing, and yes, to me, it's a pretty big burden. Maybe to someone else it is small, but they aren't the ones carrying them.