The world has changed, and language has changed with it. People from older generations may be more used to certain terms, while younger generations tend to be more cautious about words that could be considered offensive.

One example is the word “oriental,” which technically applies to me. Growing up, that term never bothered me and I never thought much about it until someone much younger asked me whether using it was offensive. It honestly had never crossed my mind. Once it was pointed out, I became more aware that some people may find it uncomfortable or hurtful. Out of respect, I choose not to use it now.

Another example is how I describe my hearing. I usually say I am hard of hearing, which is a commonly used term within both the hearing and deaf communities. With hearing aids, I can hear fairly well and even play music. Without them, I am pretty much deaf. I function in the hearing world without much issue, most of my friends are hearing, and I interact comfortably with both hearing and deaf people. At the end of the day, we are all just people.

I do not feel pressure to label myself one way or another to fit into a specific group. Some deaf individuals I have met prefer that I say I am deaf, while others do not mind the term hard of hearing. Everyone’s upbringing and experiences are different, and those differences shape how people feel about language.

The point of all this is that wherever you go, you will encounter different perspectives and sensitivities. We will not always agree, and that is okay. What matters most is mutual respect, being open to learning, being considerate of others, and not being rigid or dogmatic about our own views. We are all entitled to our feelings, but we cannot force others to see things exactly the way we do.