Hating or holding prejudiced views against people with disabilities is unfortunately still a problem in many parts of the world today. Disability hatred and prejudice, also known as ableism, can manifest in many forms from overt discrimination and abuse to more subtle or unintentional bias against people with disabilities. There are a few different terms that can be used to describe someone who harbors these types of harmful attitudes.
Ableist
One of the most common terms used is “ableist.” An ableist is someone who discriminates against or holds prejudices towards people with disabilities. The word ableism stems from the root word “able” and the -ist suffix denoting a person who practices something.
Ableism involves beliefs that people with disabilities are inferior to able-bodied people. Ableists may see disabilities as defects, weaknesses or abnormalities rather than as differences or variations in human experiences. They often harbor misconceptions that people with disabilities are less capable, less intelligent or dependent.
Some examples of ableist attitudes include:
- Assuming people with disabilities are unable to have relationships, careers or participate fully in society
- Using offensive slurs to describe people with disabilities
- Believing accommodations for people with disabilities give them unfair advantages
- Feeling disgusted, uncomfortable or fearful around people with disabilities
- Avoiding interacting with or ignoring people with disabilities
Ableism can manifest in interpersonal interactions, institutional policies and societal norms that limit opportunities for people with disabilities. Even well-meaning people can unknowingly express ableist attitudes through microaggressions or patronizing language. Calling out ableism when it occurs is an important step in promoting disability inclusion and justice.
Disablist
Another term with very similar meaning is “disablist.” Like ableism, disablism refers to prejudice against people with disabilities. The term places emphasis on disability rather than ability, so some people prefer using disablist over ableist.
Disablism may be overt or covert. Overt disablism includes direct discrimination, verbal abuse and hate crimes. Covert disablism describes more subtle biases that marginalize people with disabilities. This can include things like:
- Low expectations and assumptions about capabilities
- Lack of accessibility in buildings, transportation etc
- Belief that disabilities need to be “cured” or eliminated
- Portrayals of disabilities as defects rather than differences
Disablism deprives people with disabilities of dignity, opportunity and human rights. Calling out disablism when it occurs helps reinforce that people with disabilities deserve full inclusion and participation in society. Like racism or sexism, disablism stems from ignorance, fear and lack of empathy for marginalized groups.
Anti-Disables
Some disability advocates also use the term “anti-disables” to describe people who hate and discriminate against individuals with disabilities. This term frames the issue as anti-disability attitudes, comparable to other forms of bigotry like anti-LGBTQ or anti-immigrant sentiments.
Anti-disables see people with disabilities as less worthy of basic human rights. They may support discriminatory practices or even violent extremism targeting disabled people. Using the “anti-disables” phrasing highlights the hateful ableism motivating such individuals’ beliefs and actions.
Sanism
Within the realm of mental health issues specifically, the term “sanism” refers to prejudice against people with mental disabilities. Sanism marginalizes and oppresses people with mental health disabilities.
Sanist attitudes include beliefs like:
- People with mental illness are dangerous and unstable
- Mental health disabilities make someone incompetent
- Mental illness is shameful and needs to remain hidden
- Mental disabilities are less legitimate than physical ones
These attitudes perpetuate stigma and discrimination against people with psychiatric, intellectual, developmental or other mental disabilities. Advocacy organizations work to challenge sanism in areas like healthcare, law enforcement and employment contexts.
Other Related Terms
Some other terms that also capture hatred or prejudice against disabled people include:
- Handicappist – Prejudice against people with mobility, sensory or limb differences
- Audist – Bias against deaf people and deaf culture
- Mentalism – Prejudice against neurodiverse conditions like autism
- Cripphobia – Fear of people with disabilities
Using and recognizing these terms helps reinforce that hatred or discrimination targeting people with disabilities is never acceptable. Disability inclusion benefits all of society by allowing diverse perspectives and experiences to be valued.
Why Does Ableism Occur?
Understanding the roots of prejudiced attitudes can help address and prevent disability hatred. Some factors that contribute to ableism include:
Fear and Discomfort with Disability
Disabilities are often associated with illness, injury, weakness and vulnerability. For some able-bodied people, being around visible disabilities causes fear or unease since it reminds them of their own fragility. Avoiding contact with disabled people provides a false sense of security.
Lack of Exposure to Disability
Segregation and lack of contact between disabled and non-disabled people contributes to ignorance. Without personal relationships, non-disabled people rely on flawed assumptions or stereotypes about disabilities. Increased integrated experiences reduce prejudice.
Focus on Productivity
Societal emphasis on speed, efficiency and productivity leads to bias against those perceived as slow or less efficient. People with disabilities face assumptions they cannot adequately perform work duties.
Medicalization of Disability
Viewing disability as solely a medical condition leads to the perception that disabilities need to be cured or rehabilitated. This overlooks social barriers and external disabling factors.
Belief in Just World
Some people fall victim to the just world fallacy that good things happen to good people. Those with disabilities may be seen as somehow deserving misfortune.
Media Representations
Negative, stereotypical portrayals of disabilities in media, literature and popular culture perpetuate stigma and prejudice. Disabled people are often depicted as pitiable victims or villains rather than multifaceted individuals.
Factor | Contribution to Ableism |
---|---|
Fear and discomfort | Avoidance and rejection of disability due to anxiety |
Lack of exposure | Reliance on stereotypes due to lack of relationships |
Productivity focus | Bias against those viewed as inefficient or unproductive |
Medicalization | Belief disabilities are defects needing elimination |
Belief in a just world | Blaming disabled people for misfortune |
Media representations | Reinforcing stereotypes and stigma of disability |
How to Challenge Ableism
Promoting equality and dignity for disabled people requires actively confronting ableism. Strategies for reducing prejudice include:
Education
School curriculum and diversity training should cover ableism and disability rights. Accurate information combats stereotypes.
Protesting Inequality
Activism makes issues visible and pressures change. Things like inaccessible buildings, discriminatory laws and harmful media portrayals should be called out.
Fostering Contact
Integrated schools, workplaces and community spaces allow non-disabled people to know people with disabilities as individuals.
Advocating for Representation
Demand fair representation of disabled people in leadership roles, media and popular culture. Nothing about us without us.
Enforcing Accountability
People engaging in discrimination or hate crimes must face consequences. Anti-discrimination and hate crime laws aid this.
Universal Design
Inclusion and accessibility should be built into public spaces, architecture, transportation etc from the start. Access benefits all.
Affirming Disability Pride
The disability community embracing pride and identity challenges shame. Movements like the Disability Pride Parade increase visibility.
Words and Actions Matter
Language plays a powerful role in reinforcing or combating prejudice. Using terms like ableism brings awareness to the issue. Avoiding words with negative connotations like “crippled,” “defective” or “suffering from” shows respect. Most importantly, calling out discrimination while promoting the dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities moves us towards a more just society. Small steps by individuals add up to large scale change.
Conclusion
Ableism remains an ongoing problem requiring continuous effort to address. While terminology like ableism, disablism and sanism help name the issue, action is required to end the marginalization of people with disabilities. Only through education, advocacy, policy reform and changes in social attitudes can we build a truly inclusive world where differences are valued. Everyone benefits when diverse abilities, experiences and perspectives are embraced.