"System" from an appropriation perspective
There is a chestnut of misinformation on tumblr claiming that 'system' is a term made by DID folks, for DID folks, and nobody else is allowed to use it. This is often wrapped up in the idea that multiplicity is owned by people with DID/DDNOS/OSDD, and anyone else claiming it is appropriating.
The "system is DID-only" argument that tumblr makes seems to be based on a completely different form of social justice theory than disability rights--namely, the idea of cultural appropriation. People making this argument equate 'system' with language created by oppressed people for their specific culture, and other plurals using 'system' as appropriators at best and ableist oppressors at worst.
I hate LB Lee, but let's break this down, because I think there's two good discussion points here.
There is a chestnut of misinformation on tumblr claiming that 'system' is a term made by DID folks, for DID folks
Wrong, we're saying it's clinical first, and you're ignoring the sources provided to you, but that's another story for another day.
and nobody else is allowed to use it.
True, we're very protective over the word system, and that it should be a more medical-leaning term, vs something like "plurality" for others. Like alter vs headmate.
This is often wrapped up in the idea that multiplicity is owned by people with DID/DDNOS/OSDD, and anyone else claiming it is appropriating.
This is true, and that's an interesting thought. Well done, LB Lee 👏
Appropriation is an interesting term to throw in here with any seriousness behind it, as it's often reserved for other conversations. But the concept...
We should examine this, most anti endos now admit plurality is real, but something different to CDDs. Most pro endos are unaware of the history of certain terms and why they might be so important, or why some people are so protective over a word with such a broad, general meaning.
The "system is DID-only" argument that tumblr makes seems to be based on a completely different form of social justice theory than disability rights--namely, the idea of cultural appropriation.
That's actually an interesting thought that should be explored more in depth. There might actually be a kernel of truth to this. I don't know that I agree it's "cultural," but it sure is something.
People making this argument equate 'system' with language created by oppressed people for their specific culture, and other plurals using 'system' as appropriators at best and ableist oppressors at worst.
Again, not created by us, but we do want to acknowledge the general medical history associated with the term. Because it does exist, long before Richard "IFS" Schwartz was even a thought in his parents' heads.
This feels real and tangible, and most importantly, SOLVABLE.
It's a concept most anyone can grasp and actually work through. It's a kind of theory we're all familiar with.