Editorial

Don’t be a bystander

The use of ableist slurs has been an ongoing issue and it needs to end

illustration by Eden Buell

Ableist slurs are used to put down disabled people and make them feel like they are less than. Ableist language and slurs are so normalized within our society and community that many don’t realize the damage they are doing when using them. This kind of language is often displayed on television and social media, therefore, people think it’s okay to use these hurtful and offensive words, when it is absolutely unacceptable. We need to do better about educating the uneducated on this specific issue. The Dry Gulch Gazette Editorial Board believes that there are some who are immature and won’t listen regardless if they are told that using ableist language or slurs are wrong, but it is definitely worth a try.

Unfortunately, there are people who have no idea what ableism is. Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against disabiled people based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. Everyday ableism looks or sounds like asking someone what is “wrong” with another person. Saying, “You do not look disabled,” as if this is a compliment. Viewing a person with a disability as inspirational for doing typical things, like having a career. Assuming a physical disability is because of laziness or lack of exercise.

Although some may argue that they are “just doing it to be funny” or “just messing around”, Ableist slurs, such as the r-slur, are not something to joke about. Ableist slurs cause real harm and make others feel awful about themselves. Anyone who makes these statements are just further fueling the toxicity and ableism at AHS. We do not care if you think it’s funny to say ableist slurs, it’s time to grow up and learn how to listen. Consider how others feel, maybe you’ll learn something.

Students, if you feel safe doing so, please call out your peers who use ableist slurs - if you believe it’s wrong do something about it. When you choose to be a bystander simply because you do not care, you are also part of the problem. Try having a conversation with that certain person, ask, “Hey, did you know what you just said is a slur?”. If they respond with Yes, ask them why they chose to say that word. Let them know how hurtful the slur is to disabled people, and provide them with alternative, non-offensive, words to use. If they respond with No, educate them on the slur and how it’s used against disabled people. Teachers and Staff, if you hear students using ableist slurs do not ignore them. Stop and have a conversation with them if you have to. It’s especially

STAFF EDITORIAL frustrating when teachers and staff are the ones who OPINION OF THE DRY GULCH are bystanders. GAZETTE EDITORIAL BOARD You are the adults, and you have the responsibility of making AHS feel like a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Students are more likely to listen to adults, so use your authority to educate students and make AHS a better place for students to thrive. Teachers can also try implementing a curriculum into their lessons to further inform students about ableist language and slurs. Furthermore, do not be a bystander, it does more harm than good. Follow through and call others out if you really believe using ableist slurs are wrong. SLZUSD, The Dry Gulch Gazette Editorial Board would like to see you implement a school-wide curriculum in order to educate about ableism and the use of ableist slurs, to prevent things like this from happening in the future. Let’s actually put in the work to make AHS a comfortable place and not leave with empty promises. School is an escape for some students, a place where they can feel at home. We don’t want to ruin that for those students. A lot of us are different from each other and we need to accept that, everyone deserves an equal amount of respect.

DGG

Dry Gulch Gazette

Dry Gulch Gazette

is an open forum for students and does not necessarily represent the views of Arroyo High School or of the San Lorenzo Unified School District. We want to provide our readers with entertaining, informational, and relevant stories that will be worth their time. We intend to produce accurate and unbiased reporting, and we will therefore work to correct any significant mistakes. You should contact us at AHSGazette@gmail.com if you can find such a mistake in this publication. You may also email us to submit a letter to the editor, but we reserve the right to edit letters for length or accuracy. Letters will be rejected or published at the discretion of journalism staff.