Essay on Nancy Mair's "I Am a Cripple"

Society uses euphemisms to avoid dealing with harsh reality thus establishing the term "politically correct." In an essay that totally defies the normal, Nancy Mairs establishes herself as the antithesis of modern society, a truthful person, by using words that society is conditioned to avoid. In order to examine herself, Mairs selects "cripple" to define her. In her essay, Mairs presents a proud woman with her blunt attitude and by defining words that do not represent her.

Mairs demonstrates she is proud by employing succinct language, not lengthy explanations which hide her behind a veil of words. Beginning bluntly with "I am a cripple," Mairs musters the courage to admit her faults. Therefore, she demonstrates her pride by confessing the truth. Furthermore, by neither hiding nor watering down her faults, she proclaims, "I swagger." The very definition of swagger is to walk with poise and dignity. Only those who truly have something to be proud of can swagger. Along with this, she says, "I want them to see me as a tough customer, one to who the fates/gods/viruses have not been kind, but who can face the brutal truth of her existence squarely." She is clearly not looking for pity. Those kinds of people are proud and almost arrogant. Mairs also concisely states that what she wants is not to be pitied, exhibiting her blunt attitude. Finally, she truthfully states, "whatever

Mairs' pride does not allow her to suffer words that don't describe her actual condition. Defining the term "handicapped," Mairs explains why she would not apply it to herself. By admitting she is "crippled," she is merely recognizing her limitations, not accepting defeat. However, by denying that she is "handicapped," Mairs is proudly spurning the idea she is at a disadvantage. In fact, she has accomplished more than many of those who aren't "crippled." She chooses to disprove being "disabled" next. The ambiguity of the word "disabled" strikes Mairs as unfavorable. Contrasting with this word, she establishes her own certainty. This level of certainty can only be attained by those who have accepted and are proud of who they are. Finally, Mairs arrives at "differently abled." She dislikes this term the most since it is "verbal garbage." Choosing to abstain from using this word, Mairs exhibits a sense of standards not to stoop to a low level as to use "garbage." These standards prove her pride in herself.

In this era, it is frowned upon to use terms that possess a negative connotation towards any group of people. However, by using alternate words, one is not, in fact, being correct, but rather hiding the truth. By not only refusing to use euphemisms to describe herself but also to be proud of who she is, Mairs highlights the epitome of modern society's problem: sugar-coating virtually everything. Through her essay, Mairs has exposed the irony behind the term "politically correct." An accurate portrayal is never found when choosing to use words that are politically correct. The truth will never be found if everyone is too afraid to hurt each other's feelings. Furthermore, she has provided what society is not ready to face, along with "death, war, sex, sweat, or wrinkles." What she has proved is that the world is no less and no better, no matter what words are chosen to portray it.

Quotes taken from Nancy Mair's paper entitled "I Am a Cripple" which can be found at http://nedge.blogspot.com/2006/10/on-being-cripple.html