Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 4, 1 April 1998 — ʻLʻ WORD [ARTICLE]

ʻLʻ WORD

Please refrain from using the word "leper." It embarrasses, insults and shames us. It may be the most repugnant image in language. It hurts. Actually, just like there is no such thing as a "measler," there is no such thing as a "leper." There are only people who onee had leprosy. You will always be safe if you "put people first," before the disease or eondition. Please say instead a person who had Hanson's disease. It is not only kinder. it is really a more aeeu-

rate. Thank you for trying. Thankyou very mueh. Ann Malo Honolulu