Embracing Resilience: Nancy Mairs' Redefinition of "Cripple"

Living with a disability can often be a challenging experience, filled with moments of sorrow and feelings of being unfortunate. Nancy Mairs, who faces the daily struggles of sclerosis, a serious condition that limits her ability to perform regular, everyday tasks, has chosen to confront these challenges head-on. In her poignant essay, Mairs delves into the significance of the word “cripple,” redefining it in a way that empowers her and showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Through the use of various rhetorical strategies, Mairs paints a picture of herself as a strong, proud individual who refuses to be defined by her disabilities.

Her deliberate language choices serve to highlight her lack of shame regarding her condition.

At the outset of her essay, Mairs explores the initial reactions that people have towards the word “cripple.” She astutely observes, “People—crippled or not—wince at the word ‘cripple…’”(line 8). The use of the word “wince” conveys the shock and horror that often accompany others’ responses to the term “cripple.

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” This choice of language effectively underscores the negative connotations associated with the word. In contrast, Mairs notes that words like “handicapped” or “disabled” do not elicit the same strong reactions from people.

While some may argue otherwise, Mairs firmly believes that “cripple” carries a neutral connotation that accurately describes her as a person living with an illness. As she further explores this idea, Mairs reveals that to her, “cripple” is a “clean word, straightforward, and precise” (line 15). It is clear that she does not view being called a cripple as offensive in any way.

On the contrary, she sees it as the most fitting term to describe her condition. Mairs has developed a deep connection to the word “cripple,” seeing it as an integral part of her identity as an individual facing such challenges.

Mairs’ tone throughout the essay exudes a sense of strength, seriousness, and confidence, reflecting her pride in being a “cripple.” She boldly declares, “Mine is one of them. Whatever you call me, I remain crippled. But I don’t care what you call me, so long as it isn’t ‘differently abled’…” (line 36). Her use of short, impactful sentences creates a powerful tone that conveys her indifference to society’s perceptions of her as weak, helpless, or pitiable. Instead, she presents herself as a resilient and proud woman.

This unwavering tone reveals Mairs’ rejection of society’s sympathetic attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities. She is unbothered by others’ opinions of her and takes her circumstances in stride, as long as she is not referred to as “differently abled,” a term she finds belittling and dismissive of her capabilities. Mairs stands tall as a proud and independent individual, defying societal expectations and embracing her identity on her own terms.

In stark contrast to society’s perceptions of the disabled, Mairs boldly asserts her strength and pride in the face of her condition. Throughout her essay, she transforms the meaning of the word “cripple” from a source of fear and negativity to a personal definition that empowers her. As she articulates her perspective, Mairs embraces “cripple” as a fundamental aspect of her identity as a person living with an illness. Simultaneously, she demonstrates a profound acceptance of her circumstances.

By sharing her story and reclaiming the word “cripple,” Mairs challenges societal norms and encourages others to view disability through a lens of strength and resilience. Her unwavering confidence and refusal to be defined by her condition serve as a powerful example of overcoming adversity with grace and dignity.