lifeless-muse asked: I am extremely shocked that you use the word 'cripple' so openly. The word is very degrading. Speaking from life experience, it's hurtful being called a cripple. I've been living with my disability since birth and there's only two words I absolutely hate. Cripple and the 'R' word. I do find your blog interesting but your use of the word has resulted in you losing a lot of respect. Sorry.

That’s your choice but I think there is nothing wrong with the word cripple.  I find it more problematic and degrading to be lumped with every kind of disability so the rest of the world can feel happy about my life. I don’t think it’s helpful or meaningful, and I think its ableist to think that a word that describes my situation is degrading.  I’m not ashamed to be crippled and I shouldn’t be ashamed of the word either.  If other people are uncomfortable with that they are the ones with the problem.  I won’t make my life sound all lollipops and rainbows so some person I don’t know can feel better about themselves.  It doesn’t help me to allow people to use language that let’s them ignore me. You’re entitled to your opinion but I personally think your opinion blows, and I’m a bit sad that you feel degraded over a word that might partly describe who you are.  It is not degrading to be yourself.