THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 31, 1994 TAG: 9408310011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
The Muscular Dystrophy Association's refusal to support Barbara Brabham's book ``My Mom is Handicapped'' on the ground that the word ``handicapped'' is not to MDA's liking is a sad commentary on the broad effects of political correctness (```Handicapped': One word cost support for book, author says,'' news, Aug. 24). People embracing PC to the extent that they try to apply it to every facet of speech do a disservice to the special-interest area they are trying to protect or define.
The handicapped have accepted a lie by believing that the word is ugly because of its roots. According to Webster's Word Histories and other references, ``handicap'' came not from soldiers begging in the streets with their caps, as stated in your article, but from ``hand in cap,'' shortened to ``handicap.'' ``Handicap'' was a form of barter where two men each placed a hand in a hat containing money. This game was described as early as the late 14th century, well before the end of the 100 Years War which was referenced in your article as the time after which the term was coined.
Many handicapped people have been convinced that the word ``handicapped'' is in itself a handicap. By fighting to change a word, they are sapping energy, losing focus and alienating allies in their real goal to gain more freedom, respect and understanding. The handicapped are not alone in losing when they embrace PC.
K. T. SANGER
Virginia Beach, Aug. 24, 1994 by CNB