commentr/StutterJanuary 8, 2021

Content

A huge part of my job is making calls over a radio net for aircraft maintenance. Obviously, the stammer occasionally intrudes so for a long time I would make my radio calls in a Mickey Mouse voice; when I do impressions, speak foreign languages, whatever, I don't stutter so this seemed like a neat solution. This went over fine until we had an exercise and had a LOT of officers evaluating us. One or two of them took issue with my "clowning" on the net. They proceeded to dress me down and then asked if I had anything to say for myself. I, of course, attempted to tell them why I did what I did but of course I stuttered. They then both imitated me in a antagonistic manner. I take a moment and proceed to explain to them that I stutter and that the most reliable way for me to rely the required information was by doing a voice or impression. One of them backed down immediately and apologized and the other doubled down. Ultimately it elevated to where I told him that regardless of his individual feelings on my coping mechanism that I relayed the required information to our command and that if he wishes we can take this up with Equal Opportunity in the morning. Cue my hurried dismissal from the impromptu grilling by the Colonel running the exercise.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCauses & VariabilityCoping & AdvocacyIdentity & DisabilitySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentStress & Fight/FlightSelf-Advocacy & BoundariesStigma & BullyingPower Dynamics & Intimidation