Afghan women with mobility impairment consequences of polio participate in a wheelchair basketball friendly match during part of a polio vaccination campaign in Herat on August 23. AFP
Afghan women with mobility impairment consequences of polio participate in a wheelchair basketball friendly match during part of a polio vaccination campaign in Herat on August 23. AFP
Afghan women with mobility impairment consequences of polio participate in a wheelchair basketball friendly match during part of a polio vaccination campaign in Herat on August 23. AFP
Afghan women with mobility impairment consequences of polio participate in a wheelchair basketball friendly match during part of a polio vaccination campaign in Herat on August 23. AFP

Choosing the right words, especially around disability, matters more than we might think


Raya Al Jadir
  • English
  • Arabic

Two years ago, I was awarded the UAE fellowship for the Carter Centre for mental health journalism, of which The National is the UAE organiser. As my topic was the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of disabled people, I set out to interview some of them, but little did I know of what awaited me. To my great shock, no one responded to my request and the more I persisted, the more that I realised there is something deeper behind this. When I asked one disability organisation as to why there is this lack of interest to participate, the answer was simple: distrust of how they might be represented by certain sections of the media.

In reality, it is not just the media; disabled people have often felt misrepresented and even insulted by the language used to describe them, across every field or industry.

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going,” Rita Mae Brown, the American feminist writer, once said. This is precisely why language is so important, and dangerous, if used unwisely, as it can lead society into further ignorance or enlightenment.

Over the years, we have become accustomed to phrases such as he or she "lost" their battle with cancer, as though the person who died didn’t fight strongly enough, or they died as a "loser". It can be argued that such inference can come down to interpretation, but should we not consider how hurtful such phrases must seem to their loved ones?

Recently, there was an article in an English newspaper on a fashion blogger living with multiple sclerosis, portrayed as a victim, with words such as "MS sufferer", rather than "living with MS", "confined to a wheelchair" rather than "wheelchair user", and by describing MS as a "disease" rather than "a condition". These words might seem minor or irrelevant to some, but they carry an underlying message that is often absorbed by the reader and influences the way society addresses or treats disabled people.

One reason discrimination still exists around the globe against disabled people is the language surrounding disability. How can employers hire disabled people when for so long they have read that disabled people are "victims"? Is it any wonder that many mainstream schools reject disabled children because, again, they have been taught or have imbibed the message that disabled children are needy and a burden?

The problem gets amplified when celebrities use callous terminology.

Over the summer, there was backlash from the disabled community after both singers Beyonce and Lizzo recently used the term “spaz” on album tracks. And although both women reacted quickly to the backlash – Lizzo swiftly removing the offensive term after being called out by disability activists – it is baffling how the marketing or media management team behind her could not spot the derogatory term and check offensive language that would have prevented such an episode in the first place.

Lizzo at an awards ceremony on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. AP
Lizzo at an awards ceremony on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. AP

Soon after that incident, social media was ablaze by Beyonce's use of the word “spaz” in the song Heated, from her latest album Renaissance. Just days after its release, a spokesperson for Beyonce released a statement noting that “the word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced".

Like Lizzo, Beyonce listened and swiftly responded to criticism of the lyric. And while it is admirable to admit a mistake and apologise, unfortunately, in this case, the damage was done.

The average person might think, what is the issue, but the slang is derived from the word spastic or spasticity, that describes conditions in which the muscles of the body cannot be controlled, leading to movement that is not co-ordinated. Over the past few decades, the associated terms have entered popular culture as a pejorative to describe someone lacking in physical competence and are particularly hurtful for those living with cerebral palsy – a neurological condition where spasticity is a prominent feature.

Nor is this a one-off incident. Disabled people have been the target of discriminatory language and behaviour for a long time. A few years ago, a British TV show titled It was Alright In the ‘60s gave many music fans a shock, when it aired a segment that featured John Lennon mocking disabled people.

The clip was filmed at one of The Beatles’ performances, and in it Lennon urges the crowd to clap and stamp their feet, while making movements that have been described by one Twitter user as “distasteful learning disabilities impressions”. The Channel 4 programme is designed to highlight the ways in which the entertainment industry, and our ideas of what is acceptable, have changed over the years. This clip has been one of the most shocking yet. When a figure as well-known as John Lennon could mock disability, then people who idolised and still idolise him, may well copy his behaviour and believe it is permissible to do so.

Unfortunately, there are no dearth of examples.

Gal Gadot, the Israeli model and actress, tweeted a tribute to Stephen Hawking, the physicist, writer and cosmologist, when he died, which said, he's now "free of any physical constraints". As though professor Hawking was trapped in a constrained body. Imagine just for a second how someone with a similar disability to him must feel reading this? That regardless of all of professor Hawking’s achievements and education, he was still perceived as "trapped" in an unwanted body. It's just another example of casual ableism – which refers to discrimination in favour of able-bodied people.

Who can forget former US president Donald Trump ridiculing a reporter with a congenital joint condition that limits movement in his arms. "Now, the poor guy – you ought to see the guy: "Uh, I don't know what I said. I don't remember,'" Mr Trump said, as he contorted his arms in an apparent imitation of journalist Serge Kovaleski, who has arthrogryposis. When a president of the most powerful country in the world could be so blase about humiliating a disabled people, then what hope do we have left for the society he represents?

Even a figure loved by many, the comedian Ricky Gervais, is guilty of the same ignorance. A few years ago, Ash Atalla, the producer of The Office, had said that the jokes Gervais made about his disability made him feel “a little bit uncomfortable”. Atalla uses a wheelchair after contracting polio as a child. While accepting a prize for The Office at the British Comedy Awards in 2001, Gervais joked that Atalla was the show’s runner. He also referred to Atalla as “my little wheelchair friend” and quipped that he was “just the same as Stephen Hawking, but without all the clever stuff”.

Gervais was one the first to defend Chris Rock, a fellow comedian, who earlier this year at the Oscars mocked the actor Jada Pinkett Smith for her alopecia, which is an auto-immune disorder that causes excessive hair fall. Rock was slapped by her husband Will Smith for his "joke". Yet Gervais failed to see the gravity of Rock’s words, in a live Twitter session, Gervais said: “Someone said it was joking about her disability. “Well I’m going a bit thin, so I’m disabled. That means I can park right up next to Tescos now.” He added: "And I’m fat. That’s a disease, isn’t it?" Gervais then joked how he should be able to apply for benefits due to his “disability”.

Denzel Washington and Jada Pinkett Smith (L) speak with Will Smith after he hit Chris Rock (top R) on stage, during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 27. Reuters
Denzel Washington and Jada Pinkett Smith (L) speak with Will Smith after he hit Chris Rock (top R) on stage, during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 27. Reuters

The question again rises: how can celebrities not realise their error? Surely there is a team of publicists that can direct them to what is wrong and right, even though it should be common knowledge? Would they have been so oblivious to such offence if it was aimed at other marginalised communities? Or is it that disabled people are an easier target?

Now some segment of society will fail to understand the effect of such words and behaviour on disabled people. They might say, "Oh, it's just a joke" or "You are being too sensitive" or too "woke". But how would they feel if it was directed at them? Or if other minorities were at the receiving end of such attitudes? Imagine being mocked, attacked or portrayed as a helpless burden. How can disabled people progress, develop and be respected if this is how they are treated and referred to by celebrities with large fan followings?

This must stop. Apologies are not enough. Claiming unawareness is not an excuse in today's digital world. The disabled community must be respected, just as every other community should be and it is the language we use that shows the respect we give people – or take away from them.

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm

One in four Americans don't plan to retire

Nearly a quarter of Americans say they never plan to retire, according to a poll that suggests a disconnection between individuals' retirement plans and the realities of ageing in the workforce.

Experts say illness, injury, layoffs and caregiving responsibilities often force older workers to leave their jobs sooner than they'd like.

According to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, 23 per cent of workers, including nearly two in 10 of those over 50, don't expect to stop working. Roughly another quarter of Americans say they will continue working beyond their 65th birthday.

According to government data, about one in five people 65 and older was working or actively looking for a job in June. The study surveyed 1,423 adults in February this year.

For many, money has a lot to do with the decision to keep working.

"The average retirement age that we see in the data has gone up a little bit, but it hasn't gone up that much," says Anqi Chen, assistant director of savings research at the Centre for Retirement Research at Boston College. "So people have to live in retirement much longer, and they may not have enough assets to support themselves in retirement."

When asked how financially comfortable they feel about retirement, 14 per cent of Americans under the age of 50 and 29 per cent over 50 say they feel extremely or very prepared, according to the poll. About another four in 10 older adults say they do feel somewhat prepared, while just about one-third feel unprepared. 

"One of the things about thinking about never retiring is that you didn't save a whole lot of money," says Ronni Bennett, 78, who was pushed out of her job as a New York City-based website editor at 63.

She searched for work in the immediate aftermath of her layoff, a process she describes as akin to "banging my head against a wall." Finding Manhattan too expensive without a steady stream of income, she eventually moved to Portland, Maine. A few years later, she moved again, to Lake Oswego, Oregon. "Sometimes I fantasise that if I win the lottery, I'd go back to New York," says Ms Bennett.

 

LIVING IN...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

While you're here
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The biog

Name: Mariam Ketait

Emirate: Dubai

Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language

Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown

Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures

Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Tips for entertaining with ease

·         Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.

·         As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.

·         Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.

·         Have some background music on to help create a bit of ambience and fill any initial lulls in conversations.

·         The meal certainly doesn’t need to be ready the moment your guests step through the door, but if there’s a nibble or two that can be passed around it will ward off hunger pangs and buy you a bit more time in the kitchen.

·         You absolutely don’t have to make every element of the brunch from scratch. Take inspiration from our ideas for ready-made extras and by all means pick up a store-bought dessert.

 

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ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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Bullet%20Train
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

Jordan cabinet changes

In

  • Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
  • Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
  • Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
  • Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
  • Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth

Out

  • Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
  • Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
  • Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
  • Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
  • Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
  • Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
  • Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
  • Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
  • Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture

Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania ​​​​​​​
Verdict: 4 Stars

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Fighting with My Family

Director: Stephen Merchant 

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell        

Four stars

The five new places of worship

Church of South Indian Parish

St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch

St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch

St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais

Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais

 

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Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

The specs: 2018 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Price, base / as tested: Dh283,080 / Dh318,465

Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 295hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 400Nm @ 1,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.2L / 100km

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Business Insights
  • Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
  • The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
  • US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Analysis

Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.

The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement. 

We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment. 

 

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Six large-scale objects on show
  • Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
  • The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
  • A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
  • A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
  • Torrijos Palace dome
KINGDOM%20OF%20THE%20PLANET%20OF%20THE%20APES
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Five%20calorie-packed%20Ramadan%20drinks
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERooh%20Afza%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20contains%20414%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETang%20orange%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECarob%20beverage%20mix%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20about%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQamar%20Al%20Din%20apricot%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20saving%20contains%2061%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVimto%20fruit%20squash%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%2030%20calories%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: April 23, 2025, 9:01 AM`