Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity! Takiwātanga Tension (Episode 86)
Unravelling the origins—this episode speaks volumes!
In this episode, our hosts delve into the Takiwātanga meme—a popular social media trend often showcasing stunning Polynesian women and claiming that Takiwātanga is the Māori word for autism, meaning "in their own time and space."
Here’s what’s to come in today’s episode:
* Our hosts trace the origins of this meme, revealing that while the term’s creator is neurotypical, his intentions were genuinely positive. Kari O’Pai, a Māori linguist, developed the term Takiwātanga as part of a project aimed at depathologizing mental health terminology in the Māori language.
* O'Pai's glossary was designed to curate terms for mental health, disability, and addiction that avoid pathologization, with the goal of fostering a positive and empowering indigenous Māori worldview.
* Our hosts explore how well-meaning neurotypicals often attempt to romanticize or exoticize autism by introducing alternative terms—while many autistics simply prefer to use the actual word to describe themselves.
* Matt and Angela discuss labels, how we relate to them, and why person-first language can be harmful to autistics.
* We also explore how colonizer language inevitably pathologizes everyone—except white people.
* In this episode, we also discuss support needs and how even neurotypicals require support at times. After all, we are all inextricably human. However, it's the society we live in, with its hyper-independent culture, that demonizes those with support needs.
* In this episode, we also discuss support needs and how even neurotypicals require support at times. After all, we are all inextricably human. However, it's the society we live in, with its hyper-independent culture, that demonizes those with support needs.
* We dive into candid discussions about global perspectives on disability, cultural appropriation, identity labels, and how colonialism is inherently bullshit.
“I don’t like the idea of any allistic telling me what I have to do, ever. I may have PDA, but I have *especially* selective PDA about allistics telling me how to be autistic. Cause yeah, I will make eye contact if I want to. You can’t make me not make eye contact.” - Matt Lowry LPP
“Do we have a fancy word for cancer or broken leg? It’s just fucking autism. No, it’s just cancer. It’s just broken leg. It’s just autism.” - Dr Angela Kingdon
“Did you know that even neurotypicals need some support once in awhile? Fancy that, cuz humans. But that’s the thing. We live in such a colonialistic, bastardized society that says ‘lift yourself up by your bootstraps, be hyper-independent all the time, forever, always. And it frowns upon support needs of any kind.” - Matt Lowry LPP
Did you notice how the Takiwātanga meme has sparked conversations about autism and language? In today’s episode, we explore its origins, cultural significance, and the impact of alternative terms for autism. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts on the discussion in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. What insights or perspectives resonated with you the most?
Resources:
https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/a-time-and-space-for-takiwatanga/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-40493398
https://www.reddit.com/r/ReoMaori/comments/y84278/is_the_term_takiwatanga_real/
https://www.tereohapai.nz/
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-perceived-different-cultures/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tmyndwtmynd/posts/831990382463880/
https://takiwatanga.org.nz/the-story-of-takiwatanga/
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