/ Blog / / Blog /Lizzo changed a harmful word in her lyrics (which is great), but some people in the replies don’t understand what was so harmful about the word “spaz” to begin with.
People seem to be confused why “every word they know” is being cancelled.
“Spaz” is short for “spastic,” which originated decades ago as a derogatory word for people with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects over 700,000 people in the US alone. I think it’s worth considering words that affect such a large group of people.
But not everyone thinks “spaz” is derogatory. Some people think it just means “out of control.” But when viewing the word “spaz” through the lens of “spastic” and muscle spasms relating to people with cerebral palsy, it doesn’t seem so great to use.
Through decades of casual, unchecked use, a word like “spaz” becomes normalized as a word that merely means “out of control” to a lot of people, whether it refers to your body or your feelings. But this is harmful to those who cannot control their bodies due to disorders.
I remember hearing people use the word “gay” decades ago very casually to mean something they thought was “weird.” This kind of casual normalized use makes it seem that being homosexual is “weird” or not normal. That’s the same kind of thing we’re talking about here.
A lot of people for the first time are learning that “spaz” and “spastic” are derogatory words. For changing the lyric, Lizzo is awesome. She showed that it’s worth changing your behavior when you learn you’ve done something harmful, even if it’s become normalized.
I replied to a popular tweet about this and already a lot of people have replied confused (and annoyed and angry) that they “aren’t allowed” to use this word anymore.
Firstly, it doesn’t take much effort to change your habits around derogatory language. Secondly, it’s worth doing.
But the truth is that a lot of people don’t want to be told to change their behavior. They believe if a word bothers you, you should change, not them.
They’re uninterested in being kind to others, they want you to tolerate their bigotry.
Anyone who learns this word is harmful and intentionally continues using it is being a dick, and they don’t really gain anything from digging their heels in.
I’m so glad that Lizzo changed the lyric. She exemplifies that “learn and change” attitude. Be like Lizzo.