A song released by Lizzo recently included a harmful term that caused outrage in the disability community. While the use of the word is well known to be offensive, it wasn't something Lizzo knew.
It is fair to say that we all make mistakes, some of us more than others. It is how we handle mistakes that determines how people remember it.
In this situation, Lizzo listened to the outcry and took action to correct it. She changed the song on all streaming services and removed the original from circulation. She also admitted that she made a mistake, it wasn't deliberate and apologised for it. Lizzo owned the mistake, corrected it, and apologised quickly.
Language isn't easy to get right, especially around disability, but please don't let it stop you talking about it. Someone may call you out for the misuse of language, be humble and learn from it. Having the conversation is the only way we can improve the awareness and language around disability.
For more information on Language read these articles:
- Let's Talk About Language - Lucy Webster
“It has been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song Grrrls. Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language,” she wrote. “As a fat black woman in America, I have had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally, or in my case, unintentionally.)” Lizzo
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