commentr/StutterJune 18, 2019

Content

It depends on the reaction, and my relationship with the person. If it's a stranger I speak to in passing, like asking/giving directions, I get annoyed more than angry. It's hard, but I try not to take it personally. A stutter is not something most people consider, even when they hear it. They don't know what's happening, it just seems strange to them. I don't fault people for being confused or taken aback. If someone looks at me funny, finishes a sentence, playfully mimics me, asks me if I'm nervous... it's annoying, but it doesn't anger me. They're in a situation they've never been in before and it's awkward for them. I don't blame them for misunderstanding or being ignorant. If a stranger is outright rude about it, "What are you, stupid?" "Spit it out," and generally acting like me taking a few extra seconds to say something is inconveniencing them, then I get mad. Misunderstanding and surprise is acceptable, being an asshole is not. If it's someone I know, and have told about my stutter, and let them know if they do something bothersome, it angers me if they continue. When you become friends with somebody, you become comfortable with teasing each other (at least in my experience). Someone might think that, "I'm friends with her, she won't mind if I mimic her." If they do something like that, I'll let them know I dont like it and to stop. I also understand that my stutter can make me sound funny in certain situations, like that scene in South Park where Jimmy gives a message to Stan's crush, "Stan says you're a continuous source of inspiration to him," but he stutters and it comes out as, "Stan says you're a cunt-cunt, CUNT, Stan says you're a cunt-" I do have a sense of humor about it, and I realize in certain situations it can be funny. Finding the stutter itself amusing and mimicking me when I have a bad block makes me angry. TL;DR, I don't fault strangers for their reactions, they don't know any better. It's annoying, but it doesn't make me mad. I do get mad at friends and family for having unacceptable reactions, because they should know better than that.

Themes

Emotional ExperienceIdentity & DisabilitySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Frustration & AngerStigma & BullyingListener Reactions