A phrase I intend to stop using

[sonia]

A few times lately, I've said my phone is a "dumb phone," or a "stupid phone," to distinguish it from "smart phones" that can send email. I heard myself saying it today, and it sounded jarringly inappropriate. If I need to say my phone doesn't send email, I'll say my phone doesn't send email.

When I use a phrase that describes a disability to denigrate an object or say it is less capable, then I am contributing to ableism. I intend to stop.

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

Good goal, I've shared your conviction and been stunned at how hard it is to revise my speech programs.

"Basic phone" has worked for me. (And it really has! $15/month that's all!)

[sonia]

I like "basic phone." Betcha some people think basic includes email already, though.

(Yay, the Seal Approves!)