Writing with difficulties

Ashley Elkins

9/21/09

Using correct language and being respectful to those of different communities can be a challenge. As a writer I would not want to say that someone “suffers” from some type of disease or that a person is “confined” to a wheel chair, but what would I say instead?

When I interview people from diverse communities it would probably be appropriate to ask the person how they would prefer I refer to them in the story. Sensitivity is important because I do not want to be critical or harsh.

I want to give people a fair chance in my writing giving a good image to those I interview.