Two comments respond to an R. P. Hastings article on labeling of individuals with mental retardation. The first comment notes that diagnoses should not be used as labels but as identifications of disorders a person has. The second comment calls for people to come forth with synonyms for "mental retardation" that will not immediately be stigmatic.…

The adjective "brown" is more accurately descriptive and less emotionally laden than "black." Americans should adopt "brown" for use as a racial referent to people of African descent. (KH)

Ten brief biographical case studies of famous men who were considered learning handicapped as children are presented to make the point that labels are often erroneously applied. (KC)

Highlights some of the achievements of the process of drafting "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV) and attempts to evaluate accomplishments of DSM-IV process as function of the major goals established for it. Describes development of DSM-IV, criteria for changes, and definitions of mental disorders. (NB)

The way we use words to discuss complex phenomena such as writing for scholarly publication matters greatly, particularly if we are distinguishing between EAL writers and English L1 gatekeepers. In this response to Flowerdew, I argue that using Goffman's concept of stigma to discuss possible discrimination against EAL writers serves only to…

Focuses on three misconceptions about mentally retarded persons commonly held by the general public: mentally handicapped persons have little awareness or understanding of their handicaps; are indifferent to the language used to refer to them or their handicaps; and are largely unaware of and unaffected by stigma-promoting practices of society.…

Points out factors that often work against good communication with those who are disabled. (PD)

A retired education professor recalls being called a Communist sympathizer during the McCarthy era and finds a similarity in the label of "secular humanist," which is considered un-American by many today. He sees a real danger inherent in allowing anyone to label another person without proof that the appellation is appropriate. (MLF)

Discusses controversies concerning the use of generalizations in history. Generalizations lead to national stereotypes and confusion over definitions. Concludes, however, that historical understanding requires criteria to determine what in general may be of importance to the human condition. Classificatory or labeling generalizations are…

Discusses labels, literacy, and education; defining truth; and the role of identity in literacy practices. (SG)

Discusses a historical pattern of disagreement among experts about the way to label children who have reading difficulties. Suggests that this lack of agreement has resulted in difficulties for students who end up being labeled as well as those who do not get help because they do not fit a label. (RS)

On various campuses, including the author's, "safe space" stickers are used to designate offices supposedly free of homophobia. The author critiques this practice, pointing out that it still privileges the white heterosexual subject while also obscuring connections between sexuality, gender, and race. (Contains 10 notes.)

Language researchers should avoid using such terms as "language-defective", "linguistically deviant", "normal", or "healthy" when describing children with or without language problems, because these terms suggest that the children are nothing but their disability. The use of "children with" (or without) plus description of the condition is more…

The recent literature on labeling in mental retardation is reviewed and a conceptual scheme based on T. Scheff's model is presented for future study of the labeling problem. The issue of the medicalization or demedicalization of mental retardation is discussed in light of P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (Author)

The classroom teacher and the special education teacher should work together to provide individual instruction for the learning disabled student in the mainstreamed classroom. (CMJ)