de·fect1

/ˈdēfekt/

noun

a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.

“genetic defects”

Similar:

fault

flaw

imperfection


‘Defect’ has such a negative underlined tone and meaning. It leads to believe that something is wrong or incomplete. As a parent with a child born with the need for some extra attention, love, and support the word defect is disgusting. There is nothing wrong with my child no matter what others may think. My child is not imperfect or less important or incomplete. I have faith and believe my child was given her condition for a reason…. yes, a reason that I don’t know now or may never know in my lifetime, but it was for a reason. Maybe when she is an adult, she will empower someone to believe that they too are capable of great things. Maybe she will set the barre in a ‘special’ sport or make history.

Why are we taught that our differences are what make us unique and special but when we truly have a difference we are told we have a defect and there is something wrong with us?