Restricted Growth Association |
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01733 759458 |
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Small Steps, Big Achievements
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E-Mail: office@restrictedgrowth.co.uk |
We always welcome new members whether you are a mother or father of a child with restricted growth, a professional working with someone who has restricted growth, or you are a person of restricted growth yourself. Visit the 'About the RGA' Section for more information about how we can support you.
Latest Press Release (Click here for archived press realeases)
Issue date:
30 November 2009
RGA calls for end to abusive language
Members of the Restricted Growth Association (RGA) have unanimously voted to campaign for an end to “midget” being used as a descriptive term for any person with restricted growth. The RGA consider this word a slur and will respond to inappropriate use in the media. The RGA are working with media agencies to raise awareness of the offensive nature of this word and ensure it is no longer used in this context.
Stephanie Birch, one of the RGA committee members, explains why this issue has been raised:
“Many of our members are deeply affected by the term ‘midget’, which is used to ridicule and dehumanise people with a disability. People with restricted growth conditions consider this term to be grossly offensive and do not want to be called it anymore.”
Most children with restricted growth are born to parents without a restricted growth condition. One parent described the hurt that this word causes:
“My daughter has been incredibly upset when she has been called this word in the playground. It’s used to bully, demean and ridicule – no one should use this word to describe my daughter or any of her friends within the RGA. It’s a word the children have heard on television, but the media need to realise the offensive nature of this description”.
The RGA campaign follows a similar campaign being led by the Little People of America (LPA). They too want to raise awareness about this issue and how many people of short stature, consider it a slur and a word closely associated with the public objectification of people of short stature.
Dr Tom Shakespeare, a research fellow at Newcastle University said:
"Midget is a term of abuse. It's inaccurate and outdated and should be relegated to the history books. People with restricted growth are entitled to the same respect and dignity as other minority groups."NOTES TO THE EDITOR
- Restricted Growth Association is a registered charity in England and Wales and is the only charity representing all restricted growth conditions in the UK. The RGA provides vital information and support to improve the quality of life for persons of restricted growth, and their families. For further details of the work of the RGA please visit www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk.
- Further media enquiries should be directed to the media officer at media@restrictedgrowth.co.uk.
- Stephanie Birch and Dr Tom Shakespeare are both longstanding members of the RGA and have Achondroplasia. Achondroplasia is one of over 200 genetic conditions causing restricted growth. Restricted growth is defined as having a final height of less than 4’10”.
- The word “midget” is derived from midge, etymologically meaning a tiny fly that bites and may cause disease. The RGA therefore consider it inappropriate to use this word to describe someone of restricted growth.
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