The following is a recent letter I wrote to the Editor in regards to an article featured in a recent magazine. My comments in no way are disparaging to the organization the magazine represents. In fact, it is an organization that I proudly support. My motivation in writing the letter is to simply raise awareness of the language we can easily use without reflecting on the subtle message it can send. Because I do not want to disparage the organization (an organization and fully support), I have withheld their name to kept their anonymity. See my letter below:
To Whom It May Concern,
I would like to draw your attention to your recent edition of **** Magazine that features the story of Emily and her mother. In the story you use the phrase “who suffers from Down Syndrome” to refer to Emily. As an active ****[member of this organization] and as a proud father of a son who happens to have Down Syndrome, this statement deeply troubles me. Those who have Down Syndrome are not in suffering because of it. Emily might have other challenges in her life (that may or may not be related to Down Syndrome) but having Down Syndrome is not something one “suffers” from, no more than one can suffer because of their gender, race or hair color.
I am sure, and am confident, that no disrespect was intended but it is the subte nature of the comment that is a commentary on the subconscious view we can have on those with Down Syndrome. By using the term “suffer” it (although unintentionally) implies that Emily, or my son, is less than because of “who they are” and who have a medical condition that can be treated. Emily and my son, have Down Syndrome which is just as much a gift as it is something that can create challenges.
I am not trying to belabour the point, nor do I assume there was any intended harm, I simply want to raise awareness of the terminology we use and the message(s) it may send.
Sincerely,
Bryce Ashlin-Mayo
*As a follow-up, the magazine emailed me to apologize for their error and the implications it unfortunately sent.
