I'd Like to Talk About this Owlturd Comic

Panels in Verbal Chronological Order:

1. A square, finding a circular hole, says "Oh no! The hole is a circle, but I am a square."
2. The square, in dismay, says "How will I ever fit in?"
3. One circle suggests "You could just go in sideways."
4. The square says "You could just shut up and let me be special."

This comic was deemed "ableist" by several people, causing the creator to remove the comic and say the following:

I think I fucked up. Usually I can tell these things when there are a bunch of people (quietly) telling me I fucked up, and also when they are a bunch of people using my comics to justify judging others, which they’re never meant for.

My intent with the last comic, like usual, was self-deprecation. I’m supposed to be the square. I often romanticize being an outcast in society, so when the circle essentially points out “you can still fit in, you’re not such an outcast,” I respond by saying “SHUT UP, YES I AM.” Because, y’know, I romanticize it.

This was the intent, but looking at it now, mistakes were made. For many people, the thing that I romanticize is not a choice. I’m going to take this one down, and might not have another one to put up today.

I’m sorry.

Have a great rest of your day, peeps.

Given that I am a huge Owlturd fan, I was sorely disappointed that the artist had to remove one of his comics due to audience pressure. Owlturd is a brilliant comic series that revolves around somewhat dark, self-deprecating humor. My favorite comics are the Type A/Type B comics. The comic above is another one of my favorites from Owlturd. The creator claimed the comic was a jab at himself for romanticizing his status as an outcast.

Frankly, I don't see anything ableist about this comic. The square and circles could represent any two different groups trying to cooperate and do things together. The reality is that some people do act like this regardless of disability status. Although the creator intended this comic to be self-deprecation, I interpreted the comic as a satire on social justice warrior extremism. Social justice warrior extremists are often seen demonizing "privileged" groups, pitting levels of "oppression" against each other, and censoring others because they are supposedly a certain kind of "-ist". These actions do not help anyone and detract from other, more important issues. Moreover, these people will never be satisfied or listen to input from outside parties as is seen with the square.

In the comic itself, the circle proposed a solution to the square's problem. It may not have been the best solution possible, but every solution starts somewhere. The square did not (1) try the proposed solution or (2) propose a different, better solution (e.g. "Cut the hole into a shape of a square"). Instead, the square insisted on being mad and not bothering with a possible solution. The creator said people were using his comics to "justify judging others." Seeing as how people will do horrible things to anything nowadays, I don't agree with the creator's decision as a person, but respect his course of action as a performing artist.

What do you think of this comic? Do you think it was ableist or just an overreaction on the audience's part?

"Success" and Disability

Everyone wants to succeed, right? It's why we go to school, work, and carry out the course of our lives: to achieve success. The universal images of success include an athlete scoring points for their team, a CEO at the top of a company flaunting wealth, an A or equivalent score on a test, and rising from nothing to make it to the top. I have been threatened with working at a fast food establishment if I do not do well in school many times.

And what does success look like with disability? It doesn't look all that that different apart from celebrating smaller-scale victories more often and slightly more liberties within the aforementioned images of success. I thought I would be successful according to these definitions. The last time I tried to be, it didn't end up too well. It was then that I realized that academic success wasn't for me. I moved on thinking about "success" more and more now that I am at a time in my life when a failure to prove myself worthy will seal my fate.

At first, others defined success for me. If I met their standards, I was good to go. Even if I put in no honest effort, if I made the grade, I was proud of myself. I shouldn't have been, because, even if my work was high-quality in the eyes of others, it was sloppy and halfhearted in my eyes. That, to me, is unacceptable. Then came a time when, even when I was working honestly, I didn't yield any reward. I blamed myself for my lack of success. I thought I lacked the character to get through, but it turned out that I just wasn't what they were looking for. No matter how hard I tried to be that, I never fit the form they sought. Respecting these preferences, I moved on instead of demanding an apology.

It was then that I realized that success is something that I have to define for myself. One of my best grades last year was in Algebra II. That is something I am ashamed of because I wasted my time and energy on something that only made me hate myself instead of directing my energies towards my passion for art and language. I spiraled into a time of depression that robbed me of pleasure, so much so that even music couldn't lift me out of the hole I was in.

I thought success with a disability looked like a Paralympic athlete crossing the finish line in a race, someone with a mental illness graduating with a 4.0 GPA despite being dragged into hades, or an autistic person discovering a source of clean, infinite, and controlled energy. I then realized that such goals are not for me. These definitions of success are not compatible with the way I think. I think like an artist. I think in quality, not in quantity. Color, consistency, composition, clarity, intention, focal point, tempo, intonation, timbre, and emotion are how I measure my successes. Subjectivity picks up where objectivity leaves off.

Success is subjective. I wish I had known that years ago.

Disability and Cognitive Functions: Judging Functions

The DiSCability official symbol* (Design: FlutistPride)

So, did you guys enjoy my little post on perceiving functions? Well, here come the judging functions! The judging functions influence decisions we make based on what makes sense to us (thinking) and our values (feeling). In a dominant or auxiliary position, our judging functions make up the predominant basis of our judgments. Like perceiving functions, these can be introverted (self-directed) or extroverted (outer world-directed).

Extroverted Feeling (Fe) (  FJ)
Fe takes "I feel your pain" to the next level. Fe users are empathetic and may even seem/be empathic in some cases. (Any type can be empathic; it is more likely for Fe users.) Fe users are adept at saying the right thing at the right time to suit your emotional needs, even if those things do not make much sense. Especially with dominant Fe, Fe users tend to have a sense of authority as in: "I know what's best for you". In the disability community, Fe is easily one of the most, if not the most, powerful functions. For better or worse, Fe unites people by appealing to their emotions. This can lead to the strongest bonds and the deepest rifts. It is common for autistic Fe users, especially Fe doms, to go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Fe validates the struggles of all positions and even takes them up as their own.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) (  FP)
Fi is focused on one's internal state and personal values. Contrary to popular belief, Fi is not judgmental in and of itself. Fi users respect the individuality of others while making no compromises on their own identity. They are often rather creative and love surrounding themselves with beauty according to their own definition. Fi users are blunt and opinionated, but they usually do not intend to hurt others by making such statements. Expression is a part of identity, the basis for an Fi user's personal values. Fi users tend to be more self-aware than other types; they often realize they are "different" early on. They tend to have strong views on how they think others should treat them and those close to them and are not afraid to say it. At the same time, Fi users respect, even admire, this kind of expression from others.

Extroverted Thinking (Te) (  TJ)
Te is all about efficiency, systems, and bare-bones raw facts. The disability community seems to be prejudiced against Te, which is why Te users in the community tend to feel out of place. Te users strive to make smoother transitions, advance measurably, and achieve goals. It is common for a disabled Te user to feel frustrated at their perceived lack of measurable achievement and, in turn, tenaciously strive to hone their skills in order to fulfill their need for such a thing. Te users tend to ignore their emotions, which can lead to a downward spiral. The spoon theory and like ideas appeal to Te users due to the use of a straightforward, logical interface to explain distribution of energy. Te users are quick to recommend products and services that they think will benefit others and will point out errors of fact in the blink of an eye.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) (  TP)
Ti reflects on presented and processed information by fitting it into a subjective framework of relative truths. Ti users can spot logical inconsistencies quickly and give the disability community the dose of flexibility and wit it needs in order to keep it afloat in the waves of adversity. They can sometimes come off as callous or even heartless. On the other hand, Ti users can appear to lack rationality. Ti users do not lack morals or reason. Instead, they are governed by an intricate web of consistent principles that they can shift for their own personal benefit as they please. The Ti user's favorite phrase is "Have you thought of it this way?". They generally enjoy playing devil's advocate and introducing new perspectives in order to challenge others' frameworks. Although Ti users can come off as aloof or uncaring, that is rarely the case. Ti users just care too much to cloud their words with personal biases that distract from what they are trying to say.


*Image Description: A robust white stick figure in a wheelchair that reads "DiSC" on the wheel in a clockwise direction. D (uppercase) is red, i (lowecase) is yellow, S (uppercase) is green, and C (uppercase) is blue. The image is on a blue background.

Disclaimer: Note that I understand the functions through my own functions. Although I try not to let any biases slip by, please do not read these descriptions as totally objective. I do not claim to be a professional psychologist. I'm just an enthusiast.

Disability and Cognitive Functions: Perceiving Functions

The DiSCability official symbol* (Design: FlutistPride)

Perceiving functions are the functions we use to take in and interpret information. They determine our preference for giving and receiving information. The functions, sensing and intuition, can be extroverted (directed towards the outer world) or introverted (directed towards one's self). The dominant or auxiliary perceiving function is used as the main mode of processing facts, finding patterns, and synthesizing them for further processing using judging functions. Perceiving functions are not directly used to make decisions, but rather provide the basis for decisions.

Extroverted Sensation (Se) ( S P)

Se is associated with movement and physical activity as well as refined praxis. Many disabled Se users mistype due to the nature of descriptions of Se. An Se user could be aware of their movements, but lack control over them. This frustrates Se users greatly. Se is the ability to use one's immediate environment to their advantage. An Se user is generally in tune with their physical self. This allows Se users to spot accessibility features/a lack thereof right off the bat, manipulate their bodies in ways others do not think to be possible, know when sensory overload is coming, and milk the potential of anything physical. Se is also known to be promoting. Se users know how to put on a show--and they enjoy doing it. This is a useful skill in advocacy and in succeeding in areas where others with similar abilities cannot. Paralympic athletes are (most likely) fine examples of high Se and disability in combination.

Introverted Sensation (Si) ( S J)

Si is not a good memory or a traditionalist viewpoint, though Si users tend to have such things. Si is looking back on a repository of carefully stored experiences in order to perform a certain task or cope with uncertainty regarding a situation. Si users, generally, do not trust what differs from what they know works. It is not that Si users are intolerant; they just prefer the tried and true over experimenting with the new. A disabled Si user generally seeks out others with similar experiences, usually with the intention of helping others like them. Such people usually join or start support groups. It is common for Si users to feel isolated when others do not share their experiences, which motivates them to band together and exchange impressions (unless the Si user has had a bad experience with experience sharing). 

Extroverted Intuition (Ne) ( N P)

Ne users are good at seeing possibilities because that's what Ne is: extrapolating to multiple outcomes from a single point. Ne-one can be Ne-thing according to Ne users. (<-Pun that would make an Ne user proud) When something is impossible, Ne users make it possible. Ne comes in handy for imaging improvements for assistive technology, better benefit systems, and noticing underlying patterns behind disability perception. Ne users tend towards outlets that promote this explosive function's qualities such as blogging, arts, and public speaking. They do not like to settle for a known method when something else could be better. Ne users are likely to have colorfully decorated assistive technology among other things. These people use their intuition to extrapolate to other possibilities of how others experience their lives rather than "just knowing" or experiencing it for themselves.

Introverted Intuition ( N J)

Ni users get straight to the point: that is, their vision of how things should be. Ni users make great activists because they doggedly pursue their visions. However, Ni users are often reluctant to implement large-scale visions knowing they will yield disappointment. They tend to shoot straight towards their goals knowing how they should look exactly and tend to have little regard for the sensory aspects of life. This is both advantageous and detrimental as it leads to more security regarding appearance, but decreases awareness of one's physical needs. Ni users tend towards writing. However, Ni writing has a clear objective rather than having random, seemingly incoherent thoughts. Ni swings back and shoots straight to land on a target. Where these targets come from is often only known to the Ni user. Personal symbolism is another component of Ni that others tend to miss. Ni users draw vague conclusions about what certain things mean to them; an Ni user can write an entire article about what a certain object means independent from any impressions with said object.

*Image Description: A robust white stick figure in a wheelchair that reads "DiSC" on the wheel in a clockwise direction. D (uppercase) is red, i (lowecase) is yellow, S (uppercase) is green, and C (uppercase) is blue. The image is on a blue background.

4 Vocaloid Songs That Touch On Disability Issues

I've decide to compile this akidearest-style list of vocaloid songs not only due to my vocaloid obsession, but due to the fact that some things are best expressed with computer-generated voices. If you thought vocaloid was just some inane genre of music made to be cute, catchy, and not much else, please think again. Artists use vocaloid to touch on a myriad of very serious and very real issues. Not all of these songs are explicitly about disability, but do touch on heavily related themes. Also note that these songs do cover some sensitive issues and can possibly be triggering (specifically for suicide, abuse, and death of a loved one), so listen at your own risk.

This video contains flashing images throughout.

 

1. Rolling Girl-Hatsune Miku

Of all the media genres I have seen, vocaloid does the best job of portraying mental illness accurately. Rolling Girl portrays a clear image of anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders in general. In this video, Hatsune Miku is both bullied by her peers and the voices in her head. At the end of the video, she lies in the arms of a character assumed to be her depression personified. (Thank you, akidearest.) Ultimately, this song is about a girl that was bullied into suicide due to her insistence to roll one more time, one more time. She never sought help for her mental illness(es) either, instead stubbornly insisting that she was fine, which makes this an all the more tragic story about something that happens nearly every day.

2. Lost One's Weeping-Kagamine Rin

Though this song describes how school stresses students in general, the stressors of academic life are even more prevalent with disabled students. In this video, a young (most likely) Japanese schoolboy excels at math and science, but feels useless because he is not good with languages. In this song, the boy feels apathetic and frustrated with the way his teachers treat him. It is evident that the boy displays a high amount of emotional intelligence ("Can you read that kid's imagination?") which is not valued in schools. Thus, the boy feels out of place and like he is less intelligent than his peers due to the dispersion of his intelligences. The boy's dreams were squashed under the foot of his teachers all because he couldn't read the kanji on the blackboard, but he could read another kid's imagination.

 3. Seasonal Feathers-Kagamine Rin and Len

This song will resonate with many of you. Seasonal Feathers is an interpretation of the Crane Maiden story. In the song, a man rescues a crane, who visits him in human form. The two fall in love and get married. However, the husband (Len) falls ill while the wife (Rin) weaves clothes out of her own feathers to keep her spouse comfortable and warm. In the end, they both die. This song covers the issue of both caregiver overexertion and not being able to obtain necessary medications, both of which are detrimental to the health of both parties. Aside from the song being plain tragic no matter what your background is, it carries a message about how caregivers can overwork themselves, even to the point of death, without the proper assistance.

4. You are a Useless Child-Kikuo

No, I didn't mean you. That's just the title of the song. Throughout the song, the mother insults the child, calling the child useless at speaking, exercise, and academics and even telling the child to fester in their own bodily fluids. She makes the child repeat the things she said in what translates into English as "a duet with a lousy feeling", but ends up telling the child that she will protect them forever. Eventually, the child becomes fed-up with the mistreatment and commits suicide. The mother later regrets saying such things about the child saying, essentially, that she was the useless one after all. This song is a reminder to parent advocates to be careful about what they say about their children, especially on the Internet and to choose their organizations wisely. "Autism Speaks" was the first thing that popped into my head when I heard this song. If you don't know why, I suggest you look to other autistic people for clues.

Discussion Questions

• Are there any other songs that should be on this list? Why?
• Do you agree with me, disagree with me, or have any other theories or speculations on the songs listed?

How to Spot Myers-Briggs Types in Disability/Special Needs Linkups

This is according to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.
Disclaimer: I do not promote the ADD hoax in any way. Keirsey made a convenient MBTI sorter which I like to use. This is also predominantly humorous and, thus, to be taken with a grain of salt.

 The Guardians (_S_J)

• ISFJ (Protector): Will post with haunting regularity. ISFJs adhere to rules written and unwritten to a T and are loyal to their friends. The ISFJ makes everyone feel welcome and expresses their views using their experiences with societal norms.
• ESTJ (Supervisor): Posts occasionally about their involvement in various organizations and is not likely to complain about the school system. When the ESTJ complains, they are taken seriously. 
• ISTJ (Inspector): Posts about how schools are not likely to comply with the rules whether they are real or perceived. ISTJs enforce and comply with policies and will blog about the rules. The ISTJ ascribes to one organization that they are very loyal to.
• ESFJ (Provider): Posts about their family as well as promoting resources they like and writing comforting posts. Going to the ESFJ's blog is like getting a warm hug. ESFJs are generally very popular as bloggers.

 The Artisans (_S_P)

• ISFP (Composer): Likes posting aesthetics, food, and travel as well as disability. The ISFP probably likes traveling everywhere despite access issues. ISFPs generally have aesthetically-pleasing blogs and are nice, creative people.
• ESTP (Promoter): Will be that blogger who posts fives links at a time to about seven different linkups. The ESTP is very daring and outspoken. ESTPs will frequently link to things they like and liken abstract concepts to real-world things.
• ISTP (Crafter): The ISTP will post about practical issues more than their feelings and abstract ideas. ISTPs are the ones who review assistive technology and modify it to suit their needs; they are the ultimate realists: doing what needs to be done rather than thinking and worrying.
• ESFP (Performer): The ESFP posts sporadically and is fun incarnate. Their lighthearted, in-the-moment approach to disability is often welcome in their often wide circles. ESFPs will come up with all sorts of hacks to make their kind of fun accessible.

The Idealists (_NF_)

• INFP (Healer): INFPs are crusaders of their values. Often, INFPs are passionate about their cause, so they dedicated a blog to it. INFPs rarely share in or host linkups as they are strongly individualistic. The INFP has a strong sense of what they like and dislike, which is apparent in what they write about. 
• ENFJ (Teacher): The ENFJ cares strongly about others and likes to influence others on a large scales. ENFJs write with the intent to influence others; they prefer to try to diffuse conflict and mediate instead of starting flame wars. ENFJs are likely to both host and share in linkups.
• INFJ (Counselor): Is a paradoxical mixture of passionate and even-keeled. INFJs rarely share; rather, they prefer to have others stumble upon what they write by chance. The INFJ writes about their images and perceptions of disability as well as other ponderings.
• ENFP (Champions): Will campaign for their values with much ardor. ENFPs typically come off as friendly and demonstrative. ENFPs like to see the best in others and tend to write about their ideals of how the world should be.

 The Rationals (_NT_)

• INTP (Architect): Usually writes about ideas on how to better execute practical matters. INTPs are pragmatic visionaries and will document their overall thoughts rather than specific details. If INTPs document specific details, it will be part of a logical, principled vision.
• ENTJ (Fieldmarshal): ENTJs have a commanding presence that is apparent, even in their writing. Most likely, ENTJ bloggers are trying to use blogging to meet some kind of goal they have in mind. ENTJs like to host linkups, but frequently do not join them. 
• INTJ (Mastermind): INTJs are, more so than the other Rationals, inclined to write about science and disability rather than emotions, which gives them a heartless veneer. However, past this mask, INTJs are as caring as people can get. 
• ENTP (Inventor): More relational than the other Rationals. ENTPs will write about a wide variety of ideas and visions. ENTPs are usually seen turning ideas on their heads in their writing, even their own ideas. 

Hey, Wendy Katz! Not All Extroversion Is Sanguine

An autistic jobseeker under the name of "Wendy Katz" wrote about a specific form of temperamental discrimination known as extroversion bias here. This person learned how to feign extroversion on personality tests and answer lie scales to mirror a neurotypical person. As the official DiSCability blogger and pretty much the archetypal ENTP, I felt like I needed to deconstruct and analyze this piece and its ideas.

I am an extrovert myself. This person misunderstands the concept of extroversion (probably due to EEOC criteria) as "friendliness, preference for group interaction, skill with people, large amounts of happiness, etc." when this is a small facet of a specific variety of extroversion known in humoral theory as the sanguine temperament. Sanguines are generally friendly, upbeat, charismatic, and generally have the image people want to see. However, not all extroversion is sanguine as Katz seems to say.

This is not to say that I dislike this piece in its entirety. Actually, I rather relish the fact that someone bothered to point out the fact the adverse effects of temperamental discrimination. However, this person claims that extroversion is sanguine, which is wrong. Extroversion is also choleric. Cholerics are the "control freaks" (totally true) of the world. The people who ascend the corporate ladder, overthrow the system, and speak out with new, innovative ideas are most likely choleric.

The term "Extroversion bias" Katz uses actually refers to "Sanguine bias". The traits listed above all correspond to the sanguine temperament when lumped together into one temperamental pattern. They do not fit the choleric temperament although the choleric (especially the choleric-sanguine) tends to be good at being a "pseudosanguine" in order to ascend to more dominant positions. Introverts can be pseudosanguine, but it is generally more difficult. Choleric extroverts are generally more interested in getting the job done than having fun, which can make the choleric appear/be unfriendly despite the fact that the choleric is indeed an extrovert.

Please do not misunderstand what extroversion is based on this piece. The temperamental discrimination Katz describes is not extroversion bias, but it is sanguine bias. The EEOS stands for "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission", but its practice of temperamental and disability discrimination makes me wonder if they are what they claim to be at all. Sanguine bias is a problematic barrier for autistic jobseekers whatever their temperament is.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever encountered sanguine bias when being employed?
• If you are an employer, what are you going to do to prevent sanguine bias?
• Do you think sanguine bias is problematic? Why or why not?
• Do you think "sanguine bias" or "extroversion bias" better describes what kind of temperamental discrimination Katz experienced? Explain why. 

"Special Needs" Applies More to Temperament Than it Does to Disability

(Possible Trigger Warning: Ableist quotes with temperament in place of disability. This is intended to be humorous/satirical.)

Needing to eat, drink, excrete wastes, sleep, learn, live in adequate shelter, have society, be as emotionally secure as possible, and to have a means of meeting these needs are among the universal needs of humans. However, when those needs have to be met unconventionally, especially in the case of disability, they become "special".

The term "special"  means "specific for a person, place, or circumstance." Universal needs are not special needs no matter how they are met. Every human has these needs regardless of any other factors. The term "special needs" in reference to disability presents universal needs among the disabled as a foreign concept. Universal needs are universal needs regardless of who has them, how they are fulfilled, or which needs crop up at what time.

On the contrary, temperamental needs are not universal to every person, but are not called "special" needs. Most people recognize temperamental needs as valid although not everyone has the same temperamental needs. Temperamental needs are more "special" than disability-related needs as they are specific to one's temperament. However, most people accommodate the temperamental needs of others and discuss temperament in order to bridge rifts and promote morale in businesses. I have never heard of anyone being actively discriminated against based on their DiSC type or MBTI. However, discussion of disability-related needs, which are in direct correlation with universal needs, seems to create rifts between others rather than bridge them. Discrimination based on disability is more common than discrimination based on temperament. (I can't use statistics for effect because I don't have empirical data on this.)


I have also never heard anyone say the following:

"Oh, you're supine? That's such a pity. I had a relative who used to be a supine, but with (arcane pseudoscience/therapy/hard work/abuse), s/he became (other temperament).

"You're not a real sanguine. I know X, who is a real sanguine."

"You must be a very high-functioning phlegmatic."

"It's 'person with melancholy,' not 'melancholic!"

"I could see why X murdered their choleric child. Cholerics are such a burden on society. These pseudo-choleric 'advocates' have no idea what they're talking about. Haven't they walked in a parent's shoes?"

I see less active perpetuation of negative temperamental stereotypes than I do with disability stereotypes. Sure, there are negative temperamental stereotypes, but they are strongly discouraged and are rarely used to attack others. Temperament enthusiasts also take into account other factors that can play into making the individual such as upbringing, physical health, life experiences, gender, age, and other factors. With disability, however, diagnostic overshadowing leads one to overlook these factors along with temperament.

Diagnostic overshadowing can lead one to believe that temperamental characteristics are parts of a disability/illness when they are not. A choleric and a phlegmatic with the same condition will manage it differently. The choleric goes about their life with great levels of alacrity and energy no matter their
 circumstances while phlegmatics are more laid-back. Diagnostic overshadowing would lead one to believe that the said choleric's illness is "not that bad" when the choleric is just using their internal motivation to work around their illness. Meanwhile, the phlegmatic's fatigue may look like the main
issue when it is not. The choleric's temperamental needs are control and dominance, which a
phlegmatic avoids because assertion taxes their energy reserves.

My question is: Why are disability needs considered "special" and dismissed when they are just about how universal needs are met when temperamental needs, which are not universal, are considered and validated as actual needs?  I am an autistic choleric-sanguine, not a choleric-sanguine with autism or an autistic with choler and sanguine. My autism-related needs are as valid as my choleric-sanguine-related needs. These parts make the whole I am. Take away either part and I will not be who I am. My need for control is more "special" than my need to avoid foods that will make me vomit. I wish for all needs to be respected as valid no matter what they are and how they are to be met.

Disability and the Ten Terrains of Consciousness: An Introduction to the System

Since a poll told me to write about the ten terrains of consciousness, that is what I am writing about. Ten Terrains of Consciousness is a fairly new system (The test is under development.), so connecting it with disability will be more difficult than other systems, which have been around for hundreds (thousands in the case of the four original temperaments.

Ten Terrains of Consciousness is different from other temperament systems in that, unlike others, your terrain changes. A choleric-sanguine ENTP diamond can later become a choleric-sanguine ENTP toroid. Ten Terrains blurs the line between temperament and personality. According to Ten Terrains of Consciousness, your terrain is a set of instincts and beliefs that you tend towards.

In a nutshell, humoral systems (LaHaye blends, APS) are what you are, cognitive function and direction tests (MBTI, KTS, DiSC, Enneagram, and Socionics) determine how you are, and Ten Terrains enlightens you on why you are. Ten Terrains is the first dynamic system I have ever come across whilst researching temperament theory. This is what sets Ten Terrains from other systems.

The ten terrains are as follows:

• Outer-Directed
• Particle
• Radial
• Pyramid
• Square
• Diamond
• Inner-Directed
• Circle
• Spiral
• Toroid
• Infinity 
• No Thing

Since a test is not available, I will wait until the test is available before extrapolating further on the Ten Terrains. The Ten Terrains theory is a relatively new system and is markedly different from other systems, so ask me questions about the Ten Terrains and disability. I think I might be a Diamond, but I cannot know for sure since a test is not available. Which path do you think you are on?

The Mighty Practices Temperamental Discrimination

Every time I go on The Mighty, I see very little variety to the content and the way it flows. The stories tend to focus on emotions. They are clearly edited to fit a temperamental pattern. The Mighty claims to promote diversity, but they seemed to overlook temperamental diversity as an integral part of life with a disability. The stories seem to all come from multiple with the same reason for why they act the way they do. Thus, I think The Mighty is discriminating against writers of certain temperaments.

As a DiSCability blogger, I find it important that all temperaments get represented in the disability community. Most of The Mighty's content is posted by allies sharing their experiences as parents or those who are grieving the loss of their children. This alone concerns me because I would not run a violin store as a flutist who has never picked up a violin. Lists of things you wish others knew, not to say, and other compilations as well as the occasional "embracing myself" post penned by disabled writers are also common. Photo shoots are also popular pieces. 

But with such diversity, how can you possibly accuse them of the lack thereof?

All of these are clearly meant to appeal to people of the melancholic temperament. Sensitive, perfectionistic, and passionate, melancholics seem to make the perfect typical voice to drown out the disabled, right? At least The Mighty thinks so. The Mighty favors the meticulous melancholics while ignoring social sanguines, commanding cholerics, peaceful phlegmatics, and their perspectives. Even if one of these temperaments happens to slip under the editors' eyes, it is usually because they write with a melancholic style. 

In an already strongly predominantly melancholic community, temperamental diversity should be promoted and not squelched by publishing stories that follow the same archetypes that are clearly meant to appeal to the same temperament. Phlegmatics can write about how their "go with the flow" approach to life with their disability. Cholerics can contribute pragmatic, objective viewpoints as well as mobilize others to execute their visions. Sanguines can use their lighthearted sense of humor to prevent others from thinking of disability as an inherently sad or pitiful experience. It takes all four temperaments to show true diversity, not one. If you work for or support The Mighty, take the time to truly show "real people" and "real stories". This includes allowing each contributor to show their temperament. If you are actively protesting against The Mighty, use the tags #NotSoMighty and #TheMelancholy on your main mode of social media and talk about the systemic temperamental discrimination that runs rampant on the site.

Image Description: White text on a red background that reads "Real people. Real stories. Only melancholics' perspectives are real, though. Sanguines, phlegmatics, and cholerics need not contribute." "People" and "Stories" are bold. This is a satirical parody of The Mighty's slogan.

Disability and Temperament Survey

Survey Creator

If you cannot access the survey via the embed, go here.
Code: FLUTIST

DiSCability Advocacy

 The DiSC profile is a widely-used personality test used to sort someone's methods of interaction with others into these four areas: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. These interaction styles affect our approaches to work, social life, leadership, and, thus, our advocacy methods. Usage of the DiSC profile to understand ourselves and others can increase the effectiveness of our efforts. I will examine each DiSC type and advocacy method correlation in a separate post.

Dominance is the factor of control and assertiveness. People comparatively high in Dominance use blunt, forthright advocacy methods. They have little regard for the sensitivities of others and tend to "say things as they are" instead of "sugar-coating". People comparatively low in Dominance tend to shy away from challenges and value peace above victory, even in the absence of taught values. High D advocates are typically drawn to leadership positions.

Influence is the factor of sociability and persuasion. People comparatively high in Influence are friendly and approachable and use this to their advantage while advocating. They have excellent communication skills and genuinely enjoy the company of others. People comparatively low in Influence are more task-oriented than relational and do not like to be around others as much as their more Influential counterparts. High I advocates tend towards social roles.

Steadiness is the factor of order and stability. People comparatively high in Steadiness value traditions, systems, and credentials and advocate within the boundaries of the system by practicing what other advocates preach. They rarely go beyond the norm, faithfully and fastidiously follow their routines. People comparatively low in Steadiness enjoy spontaneity and resist restraint. High S advocates tend towards documenting their experiences and following other more "radical" advocates.

Compliance is the factor of perfectionism and correctness. People comparatively high in Compliance value "rightness", whether that rightness is objective or subjective, and follow the rules of others as well as their own. They advocate for what they see as right and strive for their often quixotic ideals of rightness and are sensitive to detail. People comparatively low in Compliance tend to skim over details and disregard rules they see as unnecessary. High C advocates tend to pursue fields that call for perfection as a means of moving towards what they view as right.

Why should I use DiSC as an advocate? 
DiSC gives insight as to how any why we advocate. A High D would say "I am the most qualified to solve this problem" and go about attempting to solve it while a High S would say "Will someone solve this problem?". Each DiSC type has its own set of fortes and foibles; there is no right or wrong DiSC type. Knowing your type will allow you to see why you advocate the way you do, why some methods work for you while others don't, and how you can increase the effectiveness of your methods.

What is DiSC not?
DiSC is not your personality. Your personality is the sum of your temperament, your experiences, and acquired traits. DiSC is the pattern of your outward behaviors, a manifestation of your temperament. Each of the four areas corresponds to one of the four original temperaments: choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, and sanguine. However, DiSC only measures outward behavior, not innate nature. DiSC is a basic pattern of your outward behaviors, not an all-encompassing description of who you are.

Where can I take the DiSC test?
To ensure the most accuracy, you can pay for one, or, if you don't want to pay for a test, take this one.

A Challenge:
Take the DiSC test I linked to, publish a picture of your results, and tell about how your DiSC type affects your advocacy methods. Axiom Software's interpretations are useful in analyzing your individual type. 

This is my DiSC type. How can you see this through my methods?

 

If you do write a DiSCability advocacy post, feel free to use this image:

Image Descriptions:

1. A circle divided into quarters with each quarter being red, yellow, blue, or green.
1. The red quarter: Direct, decisive, independent, and to the point. Bottom line and results-oriented. Often strong-willed, enjoys challenges and immediate results
2. The yellow quarter: Optimistic, social, and outgoing. Enjoys being on teams, sharing openly, entertaining, and motivating others.
3. The green quarter: Team player, cooperative and supportive of others. Prefers being in the background, working in a stable environment. Often good listeners and prefers to avoid conflict and change.
1. The blue quarter: Cautious and concerned. Focused on what is "correct." Plans ahead and is concerned about accuracy 
2. A pie chart with a red section, an orange section, a yellow section, and a purple section
1. The red section is the largest (55%) and represents Dominance.
2. The orange section is smaller than the red section (22%) and represents Influence.
3. The yellow section is smaller than the orange section (12%) and represents Compliance.
4. The purple section is the smallest (10%) and represents Steadiness.
3. An accessibility symbol (the new one with a robust figure pushing one's self while leaning forward) with an opaque white circle with a black outline divided into quarters with each quarter having a red D, a yellow I, a green S, or a blue C. The image reads "DiSC" if the letters are read clockwise from D. 

MBTIs as Disability Bloggers

• NT Types
• ENTJ: I will do research and analyze the disability community as a whole so I can lead and unite them with my ideas. After all, I was made to be a leader. The world needs MY perspective and MY ideas. I want to devise more efficient ways to deal with disability and not waste time on emotional posts. People need information to make progress, not fuzzy feeling fodder. Everyone has their part to play in carrying my visions into fruition. I'm always finding a way--or making one.
• ENTP: Hmm. Let's debate this issue. It looks like it will spark some good discussions. If we discuss this issue enough, someone will resolve it. That person could be me. Well, I might as well start this or else no one will. Ugh, why is everyone just parroting each other's opinions? Come on, DEBATE!!!! Nothing will get done if you all fumble around trying to please everyone. 
• INTJ: I have conducted extensive analysis of the disability community and a few its sub-divisions. Now, I will post my findings because this topic is not analyzed nearly enough. I will write something very long to make sure every detail gets mentioned and use technical terms rather copiously. Some of these ideas really need to be challenged. I hope someone finds my findings informative and useful for application. 
• INTP: We need to approach this issue with logic. Idealistic posts are nice, but what good are they with no practical application? Oh, I like this idea! I've haven't seen anything like it. It is a nice balance of the pragmatic and the idealistic. Still, it needs more from the pragmatic side. This theory needs clarification. I can do that. I'm just going to do my own thing and hope someone says something without trying to control me or make me control them.
• NF Types
• ENFJ: Oh, hi! I love your guys. I don't like robotic doctors. Do they even realize that we are human beings and not just sets of numbers? I don't like how people are pigeonholed and put into boxes when there is so much more to them! People should really be nicer to each other. I found this issue about how we interact. Remember to #JustActNaturally. What do you think, everyone? I welcome your opinions.
• ENFP: Hello there!!! Tell me your ideas, but make it quick. I don't want too many details. I bet we can do this if only we try to make the world a better place for everyone. We can all get along, can't we? Here's a feel-good story to help you get through your day. I don't know why some people think everything needs to have a practical application. People like that are so...cold and calculated. It makes me uncomfortable.
• INFJ: I will carry this idea into fruition. I hope I didn't accidentally hurt anyone with what I said! That would utterly destroy me. I must stick to my values if I am going to make the world a better place. I always try to do the right thing. Is everyone okay? I sure hope so. I'd hate to hurt someone by saying the wrong thing, so I'll stick to my values and adjust them as needed to accommodate everyone.
• INFP: Welcome to my blog! Have a cup of hot chocolate while you're at it.I'll try to understand where you're coming from, but I'd hate to develop the wrong idea of you. My values are a means of preserving my sanity, but I can adapt them if they hurt you. I'll try to make everyone feel welcome as long as you respect my values. If you ask for help, I'll give it to you. I can adapt to pretty much anyone, so come on by and I'll make you welcome.
• SP Types
• ESTP: Welcome, everybody! I will give you slices of my life because I like to live in the moment. Come here if you want to have fun and learn something new about me! I am a true "people person" and so full of zest and life I just had to start a blog! If I like your idea, I'll promote it and make sure everyone sees it. I just don't like a lot of details and other boring stuff. Anyway, I've got more friends to make! Bye!
• ESFP: HI!!!!! You're my best friend...and so is that person...and that person...and also that person! Why analyze everyone when you can have fun and be friends? All you need is a little bit of common sense and a lot of moments to navigate through life. To me, there is no tomorrow and yesterday is just a blur. I love being the center of attention and the life of the party! So come on, share the joy with me!
• ISTP: I'm working on this new project. Would you like to see it? My blog isn't particularly special, but, if that's what you're looking for, that's nice. I see things as they are and want to make sure that no one gets so wrapped up in their personal beliefs that they lose sight of objective realities. I'll get my hands dirty for a cause that appeals to me, but don't count on me to create some convoluted theory, okay?
• ISFP: I love art and it loves me back, so I want to share the love with a blog. I don't like to make waves or anything, just to be creative and take in the world. You can count on me to see something beautiful in everything--and I expect you to do the same. I am a very original and creative person and like to create things that appeal to the senses. You just need to do stuff moment by moment, you see? Don't try too hard.
• SJ Types 
• ESTJ: I draw the lines and make sure everyone can understand. Can't understand the latest theory? I can make it a tradition that everyone can understand. I like being part of a community, so that's why I blog! I want to make sure everyone is heard, so I'll put in a lot of effort to listen and make sure others do the same. My blog is full of traditions because I love them so. Gather around, everyone, and help me build this community! 
• ESFJ: Want a pat on the back or someone to put your baggage on? I'm your person. I love caring for everyone. I'm always looking for a way to help and will be active if I am pushed enough. I get everything done, perhaps because I don't do much, but I really love to do things for others. If you need anything, E-mail me and just ask. I love to make sure that everyone is well. 
• ISTJ: I like to take blogging one post at a time. My visions are logical, clear, and based on long-held traditions. I don't like the impractical theories of others. We need to use tried-and-true methods, ones that we know to work rather than ones we don't know work. I'm a practical person and I like to plan things out and have clear boundaries. Here are my blog rules. I expect that you comply.
• ISFJ: H-hi.... I don't think you'd notice me, but I'm forever at your service. My blog is nothing special, but, if that's what you're looking for, I'm glad that you like it. I'm blogging because there's no reason I would let a worthwhile cause like adding to the voice of the largest minority go unnoticed. I'd like to connect with you, so leave a comment. But please don't be brash in your approach. I don't like to be threatened....
• Discussion Questions
• What do you think is the most common MBTI (or MBTI group) among disability bloggers? The least common?
• Is there a hated MBTI or MBTI group among disability bloggers? Why do you think so (or not)? 
• Are there bloggers you think fit specific MBTIs? Who fits what MBTI and why? 
• What is your MBTI? How do you reflect that while writing?

Get featured on my Bloggers by MBTI list!

Keirsey Types and Disability-Related Roles

Each of Keirsey's four temperaments usually plays a distinct role in the disability community. Temperament is the basic framework for someone's actions, responses, and perception, which can affect the role one plays in life.

 Steadfast, dependable Guardians  (_S_JSensing and Judging MBTI or Phlegmatic) often fall into roles as nurses, caregivers, aides, and PCAs (Personal Care Assistants). They work slowly and steadily within the system, careful not to "rock the boat" (cause disturbances in the situation at hand) and like to provide for other people. Guardians readily adapt to their circumstances, but are unwilling to change them unless they are in extreme circumstances. They can be unaccommodating due to their strict adherence to time-honored traditions and formalities with little willingness to modify or completely forgo them. Guardians do the "little" things that are indispensable to the survival of our kind.

Fun-loving, inspiring Artisans (_S_PSensing and Perceiving MBTI or Sanguine) play their parts as occupational or music therapists, the fun teachers, case workers, and group leaders. Artisans are bold, artistic, social, and spontaneous. They motivate, persuade, and uplift others with fun and humor. They make bold PSAs (Public Service Announcements), start campaigns, and speak publicly while they befriend the people they work with and flexibly adapt to the needs of others. Though others envy the Artisan, this temperament is not without its set of faults and foibles. For one, Artisans have difficulty planning due to their "here and now" train of thought. They do not like to waste their time with things that are not fun or stimulating and get bored easily. Artisans stimulate others and live in the moment. They keeping others on their toes and looking on the bright side.

Thoughtful, conscientious Idealists (/_NF_Intuitive Feeler MBTI or Melancholic) take up their responsibilities as physical therapists, the organized teachers, counselors, resource teachers, and authors. Idealists pride themselves in being kindhearted, authentic, and giving. They focus on "what could be" rather than "what is". Most likely, the person behind a blog is an Idealist typing their heart out. The Idealist strives for interpersonal harmony and is diplomatic, considerate, and look to the future hoping that their visions will come into fruition. While the Idealists' striving towards goals can allow them to push through tough times, if an Idealist sets too many goals for someone or sets their standards too high, that person may end up resenting said Idealist. An Idealist's focus on "what could be" rather than "what is" can leave them in a vicious cycle of grief, frustration, and disappointment. When these are overcome, Idealists' musings coupled with their kindness creates quiet, empathetic, and diligent listeners.

Analytical, decisive Rationals (_NT_Intuitive Thinker MBTI or Choleric) fill their functions as doctors, surgeons, coaches, assistive technology engineers, and researchers. Rationals are intelligent and objective, always looking for potential problems and solving them accordingly. Others hate the Rationals saying that they preach doomsday when they are simply informing others of the worse that can happen, but may not. These pragmatic, even-tempered, and strategic people, with their innovations and inventions, enhance the health of others, find problems in the system, and allow further advancement into integration and inclusion. This analytical eye, however, leads to another  They often rely on data and terminology too much and fail to see others as something other than a spreadsheet or see too many problems, thus sending their clients into depressive states of grief. This is a common complaint among people of other temperaments when dealing with Rationals. Though Rationals' impersonal ways make them seem uncaring, many people owe their lives and/or the quality of their lives to Rationals. If Rationals did not value disabled lives, they would not bother with inventing assistive technology.
 
Each of these types has an integral role in the life of a disabled person. If one of them were eradicated, the support system would collapse. We need Rationals to invent the systems, Guardians to work within them, Artisans to inspire, and Idealists to empathize. Neither one temperament is more important than the other, though biases towards or against certain temperaments may make it seem like so.

The Story on The Mighty That Finally Made Me Cry

I read this pre-surgery account on The Mighty and it resonated with me. I regularly peruse the site in hopes that one account would genuinely bring me to tears. I had no such luck until I found this particular post I have never undergone any surgery except for getting my wisdom teeth out nor have I ever had to make preparations for someone else's major surgery, but the overall theme and tone managed to pierce my heavily-guarded heart.

Kerri Goff, choleric mother to melancholic 11 year old Shea, enters "survival mode", as she calls it, in response to crisis. Though crisis appears to not to pierce the barbed-wire hearts of cholerics, it has managed to infiltrate Kerri's defenses. Her pragmatic nature took over and kicked her emotions to the curb, which is characteristic of a choleric under stress. She purchased the dance recital costume for Shea to not discourage her strength and determination and gave a pep talk to Shea in order to "help" and "motivate" her. Seeing as how cholerics value these traits, Kerri projected a "tough girl" image and expected Shea, a melancholic, to brush the dust off, plough through the disappointment with no emotion, and otherwise respond like a choleric.

Upon hearing that she would be unable to participate in the recital due to her upcoming surgery, Shea cried out of fear and frustration as is customary for melancholics. The words "Shea, come on kiddo, be tough, OK" stirred her heart and brought a host of worries and disappointments to the surface when they were intended to encourage. A melancholic needs an empathetic ear and a loyal shoulder to cry on when they call on others in times of crisis. Her dance teacher, most likely another melancholic, provided these words her choleric mother could not:

"No. It is okay to cry and it is okay to be sad that you're not participating in the ballet performance."

"Shea, it is okay to cry and it is okay not to be strong. It is okay to feel whatever you are feeling."

Melancholics are emotional, sensitive idealists. What grazes the skin of another will deeply cut someone of this temperament. When they cannot meet their standards, they lament and need someone to validate their concerns instead of dismissing their emotions and responding to a challenge. Upon recognizing that Shea's melancholic response was not a sign of weakness, Kerri allowed her choleric heart to soften and she said:

“Baby, I am so sorry, your teacher is right. It is OK to feel disappointed, sad and scared about this surgery and all of the inconveniences it is causing. I feel all of those things too, but sometimes I don’t show it because I want to be strong for you and Daddy and your brother. Shea, I love you and I am here for you if you want to talk about how you are feeling. You do not have to be strong all of the time, and neither do I. Shea, it is OK to feel.”

Though the article had not a smattering of explicit relevance to temperament theory, it illustrated the idea of temperaments interacting better than Keirsey, the Arnos, LaHaye, or Galen ever could. Naturally, people expect others to act the way they do; adapting to the needs of others takes a conscious effort. A pragmatic, forceful choleric, though with good intentions, can end up hurting a sensitive, emotional melancholic when responding to high levels of stress in "survival mode." 

This article is a fine example of expecting others to respond like someone of our temperament would and adapting once one recognizes the temperamental differences in others. At the same time, meeting someone else's needs allows needs that one would not consider to be fulfilled. Despite their unemotional nature, cholerics still need to and allow themselves to feel. Melancholics internalize their emotions and feel deeply, yet one may never see the extent to which they feel. With her tears, Shea uncorked the emotional storm before it could ravage her soul as it had Kerri's.

I, being both melancholic and choleric, could identify with both of their responses. I punch a pillow, distract myself with a task, then get on with my life like a choleric, yet I feel intensely and respond with tears like a melancholic. I tend to wet my homework with tears, yet, repressing my urge to throw myself on an article of furniture and sob, I do it. This post reminded me of what I have failed to do in the midst of life's chaos: to stop, allow my melancholic side to take over, and feel.

"And if\You keep talking to me\Through this darkness, through this night\I'll be alright"--Jump, Laura Shigihara

P.S. If you need to feel, read the article while listening to "Jump" by Laura Shigihara.

Someone who "Happens to Have"

(Note: Don't read if excess repetition annoys you.)

I'm someone who happens to have Asian ancestry.
I'm someone who happens to have female anatomy.
I'm someone who happens to have a melancholic-choleric temperament.
I'm someone who happens to have an INTJ-T Myers-Briggs/Jung type.
I'm someone who happens to have a Kerisey Mastermind classification.
I'm someone who happens to have a flute.
I'm someone who happens to have musicianship.
I'm someone who happens to have a place in my school's marching band.
I'm someone who happens to have a blog.
I'm someone who happens to have limited skill in using Adobe Illustrator.
I'm someone who happens to have chosen to learn French.
I'm someone who happens to have an affinity for rainbows and all things pink.
I'm someone who happens to have ambiversion.
I'm someone who happens to have a preference for my right hand over my left.
I'm someone who happens to have black hair.
I'm someone who happens to have olive skin.
I'm someone who happens to have dark brown eyes.
I'm someone who happens to have an obsession with temperament classification.
I'm someone who happens to have ADHD.
I'm someone who happens to have autism.
I'm someone who happens to be me.

Disability and the Five Temperaments Part 4: Links to Specific Temperaments

Disability and the temperaments five,
From these things yourself has derived.
Learn about the connections here;
It will induce and nullify fears.

The choleric is hotheaded, proud, and brash;
With what they don't like, they surely will clash.
Their arrogance often precedes their fall
And they are the ones who will make the call.

Sanguines are fun-loving, charming and sweet.
In socialization, they cannot be beat.
However, they are insecurity-prone
And not very well they'll fare alone.

The melancholic wants perfection, yet fails
Always trying and striving to no avail.
But with detailed eye and compassionate heart,
This temperament is truly a work of art.

A phlegmatic does not treat life as a race.
They are content to go their own pace.
Stolid, impassive, and mild they are;
Their lack of drive will not take them far.

Supines, to follow and serve, are inclined.
Their lack of expression is their main bind.
Abundant are gentleness, patience, and love
In this temperament's spirit, pure as a dove. 

Why I Love Labels

Why I Love Labels

Why would someone have more of a problem with “I am autistic” rather than “I am female”, “I am Asian-American”, or “I am melancholic-choleric with supine tendencies”? Labels are verbalizations of what make us who we are and, as most people take great pride in their identities, I see no problem with labels as long as we embrace them as an explanation of whom we are.

Labels can become harmful if misused, but they are not inherently harmful. In fact, I predominantly learn using labels because I am a verbal learner. I would feel threatened by people who are different from me if I did not have a label to ascribe their traits to; most likely, I would end up rejecting every ESFP that ever came my way. As an INTJ, the ESFP nature would be a foreign concept to me without the Myers-Briggs classification system and thus, I would alienate these people because I would not be able to understand them.

Likewise, knowing that I am autistic and have inattentive ADHD makes me understand myself and the way I operate to a higher extent than if I did not use labels. I can use my labels to deliver useful information about myself without disclosing particularly invasive details about my life. My interest in/obsession with labels is most likely an autistic trait of mine; I usually spend my time scouring the Internet for temperament tests like DISC assessments, temperament testing, and countless informal personality quizzes when I’m not blogging or reading other blogs.  

I have yet to meet someone who goes out of their way to describe others as “people with (gender/race/religion/other) or “someone who happens to be (temperament classification).” However, more often than not, I see emphasis on person-first language when it comes to disability labels. This suggests that disability labels are something to be ashamed of while others are readily embraced; the phrase “person who is a Keirsey Rational with autism” can be interpreted as “I am ashamed of my hardwiring and wish I were a neurotypical Artisan.” I find it illogical to put my "person first" because the labels are verbalizations of parts of the person. 

An INTJ label does not mean I have to be the stereotypical, “extreme” INTJ often shown in television and other forms of media nor does an autism diagnosis mean that I need to fit the mold of an autistic person exactly. Contrary to popular belief, labels are freeing rather than confining. The increased self-awareness increases positive adaptivity as well as greater self-esteem. Whether accepted or denied, labels are one of the most important parts of disability advocacy. 

As long as I am treated like a person first, there is no need to express it in language. I have met many a person who uses person-first language, yet treats others and myself like we are diagnoses. Though I am a verbal learner, the smallest action can rise above a sea of words on any occasion. Regardless of your disability (or lack thereof), Myers-Briggs type, Galen temperament, Keirsey temperament, or other identifying factors, labels are tools used to create understanding. Whether this understanding is correct or incorrect depends on one’s interpretation of said label.