Imbecile

A history lesson in degrading terminology around disability. 

The term "imbecile" has historically been used as a diagnostic label for neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism. 

Origins: The term coined in the 18th century by French physician Philippe Pinel, who used the term to describe individuals who were intellectually disabled but still able to function in society with some support. However, over time the term came to be used more broadly to describe individuals with a range of intellectual disabilities, including those who were severely impaired and unable to function independently.

Justify Eugenics: The term was widely used in the US and Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries and was used as part of a broader eugenic movement that sought to control and eliminate disabled people from the population. The use of terms like "imbecile" and "moron" were used to classify individuals based on their perceived level of intelligence, and were used to justify forced sterilization, institutionalization, and other forms of discrimination.

One of the most well-known cases involving the use of the term "imbecile" was the Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell, in which the court upheld the constitutionality of forced sterilization for individuals classified as "imbeciles." The decision paved the way for similar laws in other states, and resulted in the sterilization of tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities.

Buck v. Bell (1927): This case involved the forced sterilization of a woman who was deemed "feeble-minded" by the state of Virginia. In its decision, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Virginia's sterilization law and stated that "three generations of imbeciles are enough." (274 U.S. 200)

Mandated Removal in 1970s: The term "imbecile" fell out of use in the early to mid-twentieth century as medical and psychological professionals began to adopt more standardized and scientific classifications for intellectual disabilities. However, the use of the term persisted in some legal and bureaucratic contexts until the 1970s, when the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandated the removal of discriminatory language from federal laws and policies related to individuals with disabilities. 

Today, the use of terms like "imbecile" is generally considered outdated and offensive.

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Plain Language Version 

The History of Hurtful Words About Disability

The word "imbecile" used to be a medical term for people with intellectual disabilities, like autism.

Origins

• In the 18th century, a French doctor named Philippe Pinel used "imbecile" to describe people who had some intellectual disabilities but could still function in society with help.
• Over time, the term was used more broadly to describe people with all levels of intellectual disabilities, even those who couldn’t live independently.

Eugenics Justification

• In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the term "imbecile" was widely used in the US and Europe.
• It was part of the eugenics movement, which aimed to control and eliminate disabled people from the population.
• Words like "imbecile" and "moron" were used to label people based on their perceived intelligence.
• These labels were used to justify forced sterilizations (preventing people from having children), putting people in institutions, and other forms of discrimination.

Buck v. Bell Case

• One famous case was Buck v. Bell in 1927.
• The Supreme Court allowed the forced sterilization of a woman called "feeble-minded" by the state of Virginia.
• The court said, "three generations of imbeciles are enough," leading to many more forced sterilizations across the country.

Changes in the 20th Century

• In the early to mid-1900s, medical and psychological professionals began using more scientific and respectful terms for intellectual disabilities.
• However, the term "imbecile" was still used in some legal documents until the 1970s.
• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 required the removal of discriminatory language from federal laws and policies about people with disabilities.

Today

• Today, using words like "imbecile" is considered outdated and offensive.
• It’s important to use respectful and accurate language when talking about people with disabilities.

References

"Imbecile" in the Oxford English Dictionary: https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/91280
"Eugenics and Disability Discrimination" by Michael B. Steinberg in the Disability Studies Quarterly: https://dsq-sds.org/article/view/1089/1259
"Buck v. Bell: A Brief History with Documents" by Nancy Tomes: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/product/Buck-v-Bell-A-Brief-History-with-Documents/p/0312693491
"The Nazi T4 Program: Euthanasia of Persons with Disabilities" by James M. Powell in the Journal of the International Association of Special Education: https://journals.sfu.ca/jd/index.php/jd/article/viewFile/223/148