Here's why the term is problematic:
* Dehumanizing: It reduces individuals to their perceived intellectual limitations and strips them of their individuality and dignity.
* Stigmatizing: It reinforces negative stereotypes and prejudices about people with intellectual disabilities, leading to discrimination and exclusion.
* Inaccurate: The term is based on a flawed understanding of intellectual disability and fails to acknowledge the diverse abilities and strengths of individuals.
Instead of using "feeble-minded," here are more appropriate and respectful terms:
* Person with an intellectual disability: This phrase emphasizes the person first and acknowledges their disability as a part of their identity, not their defining characteristic.
* Individual with developmental disabilities: This term is broad and encompasses a range of disabilities that affect cognitive, physical, and social development.
* People with intellectual differences: This term focuses on the unique ways in which individuals think and learn, rather than labeling them as "deficient."
It is important to remember that people with intellectual disabilities are individuals with their own unique abilities, experiences, and aspirations. Using respectful language is essential for creating an inclusive and equitable society.